[5] Dopping cement is usually formulated so that it is hard at room temperature, but soft and moldable like putty at 45-65 °C, when it can still be shaped with the fingers.
The tip of the dopstick is dipped into the molten cement, which is allowed to cool until it has the consistency of putty.
Alternatively, the cement can be further cooled with cold water, so that it becomes brittle, and then the stone is pried out with a knife.
Formulations with higher melting point, like 65-75 °C, tend to be harder at room temperature and thus hold the stone more firmly.
However, they may be too hot to mold with bare fingers; and some gemstones (like opal and turquoise) are easily damaged by heat.