peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
|
Post by peachfront on May 30, 2011 11:37:13 GMT -5
I have uncovered a stash of Ruby in Zoisite, rather low grade material, because the Zoisite is extremely porous. I don't remember it, but I must have put the material away in the 1990s as something I couldn't sell, since it was so grimy. I'm wondering if I should just cut the soiled areas off, or if there is a way to clean this material that anyone knows about. Would an oxalic acid bath work? And would you clean it before or after slabbing it? Thanks...
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on May 30, 2011 12:39:14 GMT -5
Soiled (dirty) or stained? And, stained with what, iron? If it is dirty try soaking in a strong degreaser before cutting. If iron stained acid treat a small possibly sacrificial piece. If it is very porous it isn't going to be very useful is it?
|
|
peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
|
Post by peachfront on May 30, 2011 13:51:12 GMT -5
It's soiled with what looks like plain old fashioned soil/dirt to me.
I want to cut one of the pieces for a specimen because of the way the Ruby is growing out of it. I doubt it will take a polish. Remind me and I'll try to grab a photograph later tonight.
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on May 31, 2011 8:57:37 GMT -5
Start scrubbing then. A brush and a good degreasing soap like Dawn, etc. If it is packed in the pores an ultrasonic cleaner would be helpful.
|
|
peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
|
Post by peachfront on May 31, 2011 18:23:57 GMT -5
Just picked up a BIG bottle of Dawn from the Walmart. Wish me luck!
|
|
peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
|
Post by peachfront on May 31, 2011 19:51:27 GMT -5
Wanted to add a "before" picture. We will see if these grimy specimens can be saved!
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on May 31, 2011 22:10:16 GMT -5
Looks like an outer surface weathering/staining by the picture. I would cut it and see what the inside looks like.
|
|