Bill,
The likelihood of the debris being pigment is pretty remote. The pigment forms with the PVCa/PVC a polymer so its not going to wear individually. However, consider this, the stylus develops pressures on the order of >10,000 psi and very localized (short term) temps approaching 500F. If there is any residue from past sins (i.e., brushes with record cleaners) and that residue is a hydrocarbon such as a surfactant. At those pressures & temperatures you will get partial thermal decomposition and essentially soot.
Just some thoughts.
The likelihood of the debris being pigment is pretty remote. The pigment forms with the PVCa/PVC a polymer so its not going to wear individually. However, consider this, the stylus develops pressures on the order of >10,000 psi and very localized (short term) temps approaching 500F. If there is any residue from past sins (i.e., brushes with record cleaners) and that residue is a hydrocarbon such as a surfactant. At those pressures & temperatures you will get partial thermal decomposition and essentially soot.
Just some thoughts.