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Post by doneall517 on Dec 3, 2013 1:41:26 GMT -5
Was wondering what the best way to clean Quartz Crystals would be?? Thanks Mike
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Post by vegasjames on Dec 3, 2013 2:04:54 GMT -5
Soaking on oxalic acid or citric acid solution is great if removing iron staining.
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Post by Woodyrock on Dec 3, 2013 3:54:37 GMT -5
Buy an old crock pot from a thrift store, and cook them in oxalic acid. Do it outdoors, away from pets, and read ALL precautions about using oxalic acid. Use the low setting. Mark the crock pot 'poison' and never again use it for food.
Woody
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Marie
starting to shine!
Member since March 2013
Posts: 40
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Post by Marie on Dec 3, 2013 4:36:55 GMT -5
Buy an old crock pot from a thrift store, and cook them in oxalic acid. Do it outdoors, away from pets, and read ALL precautions about using oxalic acid. Use the low setting. Mark the crock pot 'poison' and never again use it for food. Woody This! Buy a really ugly one so you know not to use it for food. But absolutely outdoors. Don't stand above it, don't breathe it in. Stuff's super bad for you. There's very in-depth how-to's that can be found with a quick google search. Oxalic acid can be bought at the hardware store. Good luck and be careful! |
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GeorgeStoneStore
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 168
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Post by GeorgeStoneStore on Dec 3, 2013 4:52:09 GMT -5
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rockncajun
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 344
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Post by rockncajun on Dec 3, 2013 7:59:35 GMT -5
If one is having trouble finding the acid, they can use Super Iron Out from Walmart. It is not as quick but will get the iron stains out.
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Post by fantastic5 on Dec 3, 2013 11:16:32 GMT -5
Be VERY careful if you choose to use the cooking method. If your crystal has a bubble of trapped water (enhydro) it will likely explode when cooked. I lost a nice ammy crystal when cooking in a crock pot with oxalic acid. Often you cannot even see the bubble as was the case with the one I lost.
Both Super Iron Out and Oxalic work when cold, it just takes longer. Oxalic can be reused until it becomes saturated with iron (very yellow). Then it may begin to precipitate out onto your crystals and that staining is nearly impossible to remove. I've also been told to always soak in clean water for twice as long as in the acid. I've never skimped on this step, so I don't know what the negative effect of not doing so could be.
I've only found the Oxalic acid from paint stores (like Porters or Sherman Williams). If you call ahead of time ask for 'wood bleach'. If you ask for oxalic they likely won't know what your are talking about.
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 3, 2013 11:35:36 GMT -5
If you are only cleaning Quartz crystals, and if you have an air compressor, soda blasting will make those crystals sparkle in very little time. For small batches of crystals a Paasche Air eraser set at 30 PSI or less works great. Wear eye protection, Gloves and a dust mask. Since you're using regular household baking soda, cleanup is as easy as washing down with water. It's non toxic. Be sure to work outdoors. That dust goes everywhere.
I have both the Paasche Air eraser and a portable soda blaster which can hold 10 lbs of soda. I use the Paasche for cleaning delicate fossils. The Paasche looks and handles like an artists air brush. Very light and easy to use for long periods.
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racevw112
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2010
Posts: 174
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Post by racevw112 on Dec 3, 2013 13:14:34 GMT -5
I mix up the wood bleach (oaxlic acid) in a old plastic coffee can and just let it sit outside in the sun. It takes a few days depending on the deposits, but they come out looking GREAT.
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ash
spending too much on rocks
Prairieville, Louisiana
Member since July 2012
Posts: 361
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Post by ash on Dec 3, 2013 21:16:19 GMT -5
You folks using Oxalic Acid should remember that this substance is a poison. Best to use proper PPE, safety glass and gloves and maybe an apron, when handling. I would not let it touch my skin if I could help it, and if so, wash thoroughly.
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Post by doneall517 on Dec 3, 2013 23:33:15 GMT -5
Wow! Thanks for all the help--now will see how they turn out! Mike
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Post by vegasjames on Dec 4, 2013 1:19:48 GMT -5
You folks using Oxalic Acid should remember that this substance is a poison. Best to use proper PPE, safety glass and gloves and maybe an apron, when handling. I would not let it touch my skin if I could help it, and if so, wash thoroughly. Depends on the concentration and exposure. Various plants we consume contain fair amount of oxalic acid such as beet leaves, parsley, rhubarb, kale and spinach. Oxalic acid is also produced in the body from the breakdown of excess vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and during normal metabolism. |
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ash
spending too much on rocks
Prairieville, Louisiana
Member since July 2012
Posts: 361
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Post by ash on Dec 4, 2013 2:21:42 GMT -5
Point taken, but reading the MSDS of the product and following the instructions seems wise to me.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2013 13:21:09 GMT -5
for known quartz material I personally would use full strength pool acid. Cheap and fast. Wear gloves and eye protection and all will be well.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 4, 2013 15:00:03 GMT -5
I used to use oxalic acid as a kid to clean the rust off of beer cans. I've inhaled the fumes and had it on my skin frequently. It dries out the skin and the fumes are kind of obnoxious, but nothing approaching instant death. Still, it is best to use it outdoors. If not fully cleaned away, the oxalic acid develops a green growth over time (at least on beer cans).
You can also use a drycleaning spot gun to clean crystals.
Chuck
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