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Post by fernwood on Dec 20, 2019 12:31:21 GMT -5
I have this large Quartz point that I love. It has some surface junk that needs to be removed. What would you recommend? Note that I live in Wisconsin and have limited arm/hand strength. Any chemical treatments would need to be done in front porch, which is not insulated and has no heat. Have a dremel with water system, diamond files, whet stones, and a rotary tumbler that is set up. Will have a Lortone combo unit, tile saw and Loto set up in April. Thank you.
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whyofquartz
spending too much on rocks
So, Africa is smaller than I expected...
Member since December 2019
Posts: 318
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Post by whyofquartz on Dec 20, 2019 13:50:53 GMT -5
have you tried vinegar? i know it will chew up limestone and calcium. it may soften it to where you could scrub it. A wire wheel on a drill, angle grinder or bench grinder will do the trick but it will leave a metallic residue so that puts you back where you started.I saw a 80gr impregnated nylon "wire" wheel at the walmart but i didn't check the composition of the grit it may just serve to mechanically clean the piece. that is my 2 scents on the matter.
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Post by Starguy on Dec 20, 2019 16:12:04 GMT -5
fernwood Oxalic acid is the traditional method for cleaning up quartz. Nice points!!!!! I would avoid using abrasives. It will totally change the character of the crystals. I like the twins. Do you know where they are from?
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Post by HankRocks on Dec 20, 2019 16:23:22 GMT -5
fernwood I use IronOut for cleaning Arkansas Quartz. Of course most of those are stained from the iron in the clay pockets. It's a good start to see what it does. IronOut is available at Walmart in my area. A bit of warm water(don't shock the crystal) and a few tablespoons of the IronOut. I would not put it somewhere where it's ventilated as the fumes are not too bad but best to avoid. As mentioned, Vinegar might do the trick. For really stubborn staining, I use Muratic. Definitely not good to work with. If you do best outside(maybe too cold) and in a container with a cover to keep fumes from getting out. They fumes from Muratic is definitely bad for you. If it does react with whatever is on the Quartz, it would probably pop the cover. I always use it outside and be aware of wind direction. I buy my Muratic, already diluted for use around Pools. Can you tell is the material on the Quartz is on the surface or is it embedded in the crystal. If it is embedded then removing it will leave the crystal pitted. Henry
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Post by Starguy on Dec 20, 2019 16:49:46 GMT -5
fernwood . I use muriatic on garnets. It’s definitely toxic stuff. Everything I do with it is done outside. After cleaning garnets for 24 hours, I neutralize it with a bunch of baking soda and water. Never pour it down the drain. It eats brass pipes, (voice of experience). Try the oxalic. It’s much less powerful than the muriatic. Still don’t dump it down the drain. It may work on hair clogs but it’s likely not worth the effort to replace plumbing. I can’t wait to see the twins cleaned up. Thanks for showing.
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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 Dec 20, 2019 16:57:55 GMT -5
I use oxalic acid. You can soak it a while then use a toothbrush to scrub if you need to (wear rubber gloves!). You can buy various quantities in powdered form and mix what you need.
I also use a spot cleaning gun to get heavy buildup in any nooks and crannies. You just need to be careful with the gun if there is sediment holding the points together. It's easy to blast them apart.
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spiritstone
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2014
Posts: 2,061
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Post by spiritstone on Dec 20, 2019 19:30:14 GMT -5
Use EXTREME caution with muratic acid. Acid proof gloves, glasses a rubber apron if you have and as stated by the others dont inhale it and use it outside. I also use tongs when putting something in because reaction is instant and it foams up quickly, dont drop it in you dont want to splash. Gas is going to build up if you tighten a lid on so dont it'll pop, just place a cover over and leave just a slight opening for the gases to escape.
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Post by fernwood on Dec 21, 2019 6:27:26 GMT -5
This crystal was purchased from a storage unit. Do not know where it was found.
I might try the vinegar. Then move on to Iron Out. Would CLR be another option?
Thanks everyone.
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