Investment casting is a method of fabricating complex metal shapes by creating a ceramic mold or pattern from which certain metal parts can be made. Fused minerals are an essential material used in the ceramic shell building process. The ceramic shell is built with a variety of fused materials in order to allow it to withstand exposure to very high temperatures throughout the firing and pouring process. Once the ceramic shell has been broken away, the metal part is revealed and, in many instances, needs to be polished or finished with an abrasive material.