Is it possible to remove the iridescent layer on a marble?

[The Nickel Guy]

I think about this once in awhile when I see a crazy shiny marble I know would have looked better without the iridescent coating. Well, today I will ask. 

This is not glass is it? I think it is some kind of sprayed on stuff but I wonder if it can be dissolved or rubbed off with some car polish or something without damaging the real marble inside.

Anyone know? Thanks!

[Alan]

It is a metallic sheen that was part of the glass.  Attempts to remove it chemically or by buffing are unlikely to improve its appearance (I'm guessing that the base glass is their cheapest glass).  But you could give it a go and see what you get.

[The Nickel Guy]

Thank you kindly Alan. I will find a fractured mib and try to remove it. I will report back with my findings. I did not knw it was part of the glass.

[davesnothere]

It's fumed on with heat as far as I understand.  Different metals titanium etc were used. 

It's probably tougher then the glass lol.

Curious to see your results.

[Alan]

1 hour ago, The Nickel Guy said:

Thank you kindly Alan. I will find a fractured mib and try to remove it. I will report back with my findings. I did not knw it was part of the glass.

Be safe is whichever method you choose.  Face, eye and skin protection.  Things can go sideways.

ETA:  If you choose to grind the glass in any way - a respirator.  Do NOT reheat the glass to a melting point.

[akroorka]

4 hours ago, The Nickel Guy said:

I know would have looked better without the iridescent coating

I do not know--good question--I highly doubt it though. This coating was sprayed on a very hot orb of glass and then annealed.
With the exception of the Vacor  "Wave-Breaker", I do not find the iridescent coating very attractive.
(I just love a good Wave Breaker---they look like a Space aged Peltier)
Good luck and of course—
Marble—On!!

[The Nickel Guy]

Art, I am not a huge fan of the iridescent marbles unless they have just a hint maybe and of course we know they come from Mexico anyway. I can live with them LOL.

I like all pretty marbles though.

My first try was just using Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish and rubbed the marble with fingers and then paper towel. I did this like you would rub a worry stone for a long time. ( I just love this marble )

It is hard to say if I reduced the amount of the shiny iridescence but I do believe I have taken off or altered the surface on the red and yellow one in the forefront. The three behind it did not get near the time and effort. They don't look different . . . yet. Maybe a smidge?

Next, I used a pumice kind of rectangle that people use to rub down callouses on their feet with some polish. This useless marble has a huge chip on one side, rolling it with some pressure has formed a good groove for it to roll in.

Overall, I don't think I will pursue this except in an individual effort here and there. It's just too much work. So many "shinys" - so little time.

 

Results, I do believe I have lessened the shine. Perhaps a short duration in a rock tumbler would be less work. But if there is one marble and I really want to make it look the way I want it to, I suppose this method would work. My theory is that the shiny layer is not very deep if it is in the glass.