Repurposing gemstone polishing waste to create smart cement
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 – Cement is one of the most-used materials in the world, and one of the highest emitters of global CO2 emissions. As demand for cement continues to grow, researchers are looking for alternatives to help reduce its environmental impacts.
One alternative could be silicon carbide, an inert substance used as a grit in gemstone polishing. It’s used across the industry at every level of processing, including in hobbyist rock tumblers and industrial-scale saws, grinders, sanding belts, and polishing wheels. Large amounts of silicon carbide ...