Most stone other than the harder stuff like Sapphire, Ruby, Zircon, Diamond can be worked quite well with Silicon Carbide wheels and polished with Tin Oxide.
I spent many years cutting, polishing and carving stone from age of 10 years to 20 years old. My Trade is actually a Jeweller, but I started as a Stone Cutter and of course made the Findings (Precious Metal) to mount the Cabachons into.
Get hold of the Local Lapidary Club in your area and some one with have a crack at it.
To be honest, I would invest in a more spectacular stone, Ribbon agate, Turquoise, etc. Price will be the same to cut and polish.
With the advent of Diamond wheels (sintered bronze) and drills available in 1979,(relatively cheaply) it certainly changed the Trade. Good luck.