How to polish stones?

Question

how was this done before rocktumberlers?

Answer 1

Sandpaper can be used as a first step in the polishing process, or sand cloth. Emery, a stone that is harder and rougher than the sculpture media, is also used in the finishing process. This abrading, or wearing away, brings out the color of the stone, reveals patterns in the surface and adds a sheen. Tin and iron oxides are often used to give the stone a highly reflective exterior. (wikipedia - stone sculptor)

Answer 2

get a rock tumbler

Answer 3

One of my sons likes to polish rocks, they use a rock tumbler, he buys supplys from the link below.  So far so good.