I just got 2 Lithide hones from Tilly, 1 was the larger/normal size hone the other one was the little one that comes in the red box with the concave indention in it.
I used the smaller lithide to lap the larger lithide..I also noticed the gold specs in the larger hone but not in the smaller hone, it must be something that is present within the material of the larger hone. I was able to lap the larger hone very smooth and flat, but will have to double check it.
So, I don't think it's anything thats been introduced to the hone, the specs on mine only seem visible when the hone is wet....:shrug: