navi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 229
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Post by navi on Dec 11, 2008 13:02:07 GMT -5
i collected a bunch of agates recently. they are out of a river, so they have that river worn brown patina on them. after rinsing them, i saw they were well banded. i don't have any acid to clean them farther. i had a weird idea today. i stuck one in a plastic cup with an efferdent tab. didn't clean everything off, but the rock is much easier to see the bands and color, before the tumbling starts.
thought i'd share.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Dec 11, 2008 16:32:38 GMT -5
Cool... I've used them for cleaning other stuff but hadn't considered rocks.
I wonder if they could work with any chemicals? (muratic acid, oxalic acid etc.)
Good tip/find!!!
Dr Joe
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lsmike
spending too much on rocks
Maxwell's demon lowers tumbling entropy
Member since January 2007
Posts: 468
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Post by lsmike on Dec 11, 2008 18:12:10 GMT -5
You can also treat them with oil.Mineral oil seems to work best.Just soak them for a day or so-low heat helps too{sunlight o.k.].They will be a little"gunky" but will show better.
"Water-washed" rocks can skip the rough tumble and go to 150/220 etc. if you want the best shine.Mike.
P.S muriatic acid is a good de-gunker,but I don't consider it worth the hazard.
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Dec 12, 2008 15:04:44 GMT -5
You're trying to remove calcite and limestone encrustations, and muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) is great for that and safe if diluted properly. But for those nervous about using it, 10% pickling vinegar works just fine, only slower.
Mark H.
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morticiamonroe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 147
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Post by morticiamonroe on Dec 12, 2008 16:13:43 GMT -5
Navi, I'll file that one for future use. Thanks for the tip.
On occasion, using a bit of CLR or something else of that nature works very well also.
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