David Weaver
.this is what I'd mentioned elsewhere. I think the colors remain on most polishes for identification, but the main component of most is aluminum oxide.

I first learned this when someone in a shaving forum compared the "LV compound" to 1/2 micron chrome oxide. The formax/LV/Microfine is 70% or so alumina and not that closely graded compared to things intended for razors.

The reality is, the things closely graded for razors only really make economic sense with razors, and most will find the LV/Formax/blah blah better suited to tools because the alumina makes it cut a lot faster.

I think everything that I've checked so far is alumina (green, blue, white, gold) with the exception of some large particle tan bars that are silica.

almost 100% guarantee that procuring small alumina is cheaper now and the compounds work faster than they did with crocus / water of ayr sticks, powder / silica.