jasonshort
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2019
Posts: 113
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Post by jasonshort on Jul 1, 2019 14:05:38 GMT -5
Looking for a good suggestion on how to clean these up. Found them sitting in a can full of water
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Post by manofglass on Jul 1, 2019 14:37:37 GMT -5
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gatorflash1
spending too much on rocks
Active in Delaware Mineralogical Society, Cabchon Grinding and Polishing, 2 Thumlers B's and a UV-18
Member since October 2018
Posts: 375
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Post by gatorflash1 on Jul 1, 2019 15:17:14 GMT -5
Toss them in the tumbler with your Step #1 grit. This will usually remove the rusted crustiness.
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Post by Pat on Jul 1, 2019 15:36:08 GMT -5
Iron Out as mentioned above works quickly and on lots of things other than rocks. Find it at many hardware stores.
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Post by miket on Jul 1, 2019 15:43:37 GMT -5
I'm with the above, Iron Out works wonders. Usually a soak for a day or two should do it.
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Post by captbob on Jul 1, 2019 16:18:22 GMT -5
Be aware, Iron Out (Home Depot etc) makes fumes that will knock a buzzard off a poop wagon - and ain't good for you either!
If you use it, do so OUTSIDE. Also, works better in warm water. So place the bucket in the sun. Make SURE it is no where kids or pets can get near it.
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jasonshort
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2019
Posts: 113
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Post by jasonshort on Jul 1, 2019 17:26:39 GMT -5
Love the " buzzard off a poop wagon"... about fell off my cair laughing. Thanks for the tip. I have a 100 resperator I can use
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Post by MsAli on Jul 1, 2019 17:48:43 GMT -5
Honest I would clean with vinegar and backing soda 1st before I used Iron out on any of them. They may not be "rusted", just dirty.
Some of the stuff on top looks like Colorado pet wood to me (someone will correct me wrong) & im not sure its good to use iron out on that.
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Post by fernwood on Jul 2, 2019 3:25:41 GMT -5
I have used the vinegar/baking to clean rust off many items, including rocks. It works well for thin layers.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,561
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Post by jamesp on Jul 2, 2019 4:10:22 GMT -5
Fill your rotary 3/4 full and add water as you would a normal tumble load. Run for a day. No grit needed but will speed the c;leaning.. Rust stains will be gone.
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JBe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2019
Posts: 103
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Post by JBe on Jul 2, 2019 10:46:40 GMT -5
I haven't had much luck with vinegar solutions.
I use oxalic acid. You can buy it powdered in bulk and just mix what you need.
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Post by rmf on Jul 3, 2019 9:53:25 GMT -5
JBe is correct Oxalic acid creates Iron oxalate and that is what they use in Hot Springs Arkansas to clean Iron stains off quartz. It is an organic acid the one found in rhubarb. You may wish to soak in HCl (muriatic acid) first if you suspect limestone/calcite/aragonite (CaCO3) is present. Calcite and Oxalic acid make an insoluble coating that is yellowish green (also think kidney stones) that can coat rocks. Heating Oxalic acid makes it work faster use stainless over a hot plate. Rinse in water. Neutralize with ag lime your spent solution. if you have a lot then plastic buckets at room temp work ok may take a couple of weeks instead of hrs.
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Post by rmf on Jul 3, 2019 9:55:30 GMT -5
You may want to check the active ingredients in Iron Out. It may be Oxalic acid. Oxalic is a white sugary acid. Just add water.
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Post by aliengreensoul on Jul 3, 2019 20:43:55 GMT -5
Whats the difference I've put rocks in a lot uglier than that that came out beautifully just my opinion though
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