rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,145
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Post by rockbrain on Jan 25, 2022 20:21:36 GMT -5
I soaked a few rocks and iron out the other day and was surprised at how well it worked. About a half a cup mixed with maybe two gallons of hot water. I soak this for 4 or 5 hours but it basically looked like this after an hour. All the others had similar results.   I may still put it in a little muriatic acid to try to eat some of the darker crusty stuff off of it. I've had real good luck with that. I've gone over to area 54 a few times and all the rocks from there seem to have a layer with stuff on them it's almost like dried concrete. I've tried all kinds of methods to get it off. Soaking it in some diluted muriatic acid and gets rid of it with no effort. |
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realrockhound
Cave Dweller
Chucking leaverite at tweekers
Member since June 2020
Posts: 4,454
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Post by realrockhound on Jan 26, 2022 0:49:30 GMT -5
Those look great. Nice work.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jan 26, 2022 2:44:13 GMT -5
Fantastic job on cleaning those up! That really looks spectacular!  |
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Post by greig on Jan 26, 2022 14:41:00 GMT -5
I like using SIO (super iron out) to remove stain from rocks (that are otherwise unaffected by its acid). However, sometimes the fluid goes yellow and this will make a stain of its own if rocks are left soaking for too long. If this happens, the yellow can usually be removed with a followup soak in white vinegar or HCL, but the best bet it to rescue the rocks from the SIO before staining happens. My problem usually occurs from leaving rocks in SIO overnight (or longer).
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 26, 2022 20:58:00 GMT -5
I like using SIO (super iron out) to remove stain from rocks (that are otherwise unaffected by its acid). However, sometimes the fluid goes yellow and this will make a stain of its own if rocks are left soaking for too long. If this happens, the yellow can usually be removed with a followup soak in white vinegar or HCL, but the best bet it to rescue the rocks from the SIO before staining happens. My problem usually occurs from leaving rocks in SIO overnight (or longer). Good to know. Thanks, greig! |
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Post by HankRocks on Jan 26, 2022 21:39:52 GMT -5
One other note about using Iron Out, it works better with warm or even hot water. Of course there can be an issue with using hot water and cold rocks, they can fracture. My trick for cleaning Arkansas Quartz in the summer is to use the water from a coiled hose on the west side of the house that sun has heated nicely.
If cleaning rocks that have porous areas, I found it best to presoak the rocks in water for a while first for a few hours to saturate the porous area with water. Then add the Iron Out. This way the Iron Out saturated water will not penetrate into the porous areas as much. This can be a problem with something like Quartz Crystals on a sandstone base. After a few days out of the Iron Out solution, the porous areas will have the solution leach out and stain the base and even the crystals. I usually go from the Iron Out soak to a plain water soak for a day or two or more.
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,979
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Post by khara on Feb 16, 2023 0:31:59 GMT -5
rockbrain Do you know if you used "Super" Iron Out or just Iron Out? Did you buy it recently or have it around your house for a while? I'm getting the impression in my shopping around that the "Super" has been discontinued. It is priced ridiculously if you can find it at all. I bought a regular Iron Out in a spray bottle. It was the smallest size I could find for a reasonable price and I'm not seeing any difference at all on some iron staining on druzy. Just curious what form of Iron Out you had success with here. I'm thinking of resorting to Muriatic acid but am worried that may eat too much away so I'll need to do some tests and take that option more slowly, and I'm not sure that'll touch iron stains.
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Post by susand24224 on Feb 16, 2023 1:57:04 GMT -5
rockbrain Do you know if you used "Super" Iron Out or just Iron Out? Did you buy it recently or have it around your house for a while? I'm getting the impression in my shopping around that the "Super" has been discontinued. It is priced ridiculously if you can find it at all. I bought a regular Iron Out in a spray bottle. It was the smallest size I could find for a reasonable price and I'm not seeing any difference at all on some iron staining on druzy. Just curious what form of Iron Out you had success with here. I'm thinking of resorting to Muriatic acid but am worried that may eat too much away so I'll need to do some tests and take that option more slowly, and I'm not sure that'll touch iron stains. I use oxalic acid, and have never had a problem with it eating anything away, except iron stains. It is expensive, but you only use a little bit--water needs to be heated (I got a crock pot at the local thrift store). There are several good Youtube videos using this method. |
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dirtsifter
Cave Dweller
Co to za kamyczek?
Member since September 2022
Posts: 402 
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Post by dirtsifter on Feb 16, 2023 2:02:55 GMT -5
Spectacular!
I have a few specimens with crystals but am afraid if I clean the crud out, the crystals will fall apart. LOL Maybe I'll post a pic and get some input.
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,979
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Post by khara on Feb 16, 2023 3:17:32 GMT -5
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Post by HankRocks on Feb 16, 2023 8:18:03 GMT -5
I spoke with the company that manufactures Iron Out a couple years ago and was told that Iron Out is the current product and that the word "Super" has been dropped from the product. For cleaning Arkansas I use Iron Out as most of the staining is the result of iron rich clay. It usually does the job. A couple fellow diggers use Oxalic Acid to clean the crystals. I have moved away from using the Oxalic as there are claims that it can lead to a build up of Kidney Stones. What ever one uses it's best to avoid skin contact and I have a couple sets of rubber gloves I use. I usually allow the Ouartz to soak in the Iron Out solution for 24 to 48 hours in a covered 5 gallon plastic bucket.
My last purchase of Iron Out was the 4.75 pound container for about $17 at an Ace Hardware. That one container will last me about a year. If you do heat the Iron Out it's probably best to do so outdoors as the fumes indoors can begin to corrode any exposed metal in the area, nails, bolts, hinges etc. No need to ask how I know that!!
I prefer not to mess with Muratic(HCL) as the fumes are not good at all. I have seen an old cleaning setup for one of the Quartz Miners in Arkansas using heated HCL!! He had it way out in the back away from any thing living!! That's what I call working without a net.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,145
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Post by rockbrain on Feb 16, 2023 9:48:27 GMT -5
khara I used the regular Iron Out powder. I bought it right before using it. They have Super Iron Out on Amazon for $26.80 for 5 lbs.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,145
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Post by rockbrain on Feb 16, 2023 9:49:48 GMT -5
I noticed Amazon also has an outdoor formula now. It's a pre-mixed one.
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Post by susand24224 on Feb 16, 2023 15:19:44 GMT -5
I agree 100% with HankRocks' comments about oxalic acid. I use gloves, plug in the crock pot outside, and hold my breath while mixing, wear slight eye protection adding rocks, etc. (It doesn't take long.) It is neutralized with baking soda, and the last time I did it, I underestimated the amount of foaming it would do and got small amounts on one hand, lots on the cement patio, and some on the painted metal table. The table and cement were not harmed at all despite being unable to wash it off since the hoses were frozen (below freezing outside), and I had a very slight sensation on my hand for a few hours. But--it was partially neutralized at this point and I wouldn't try that stupid trick again. My understanding is that muratic acid is more of a problem than oxalic acid, but I've never tried it.
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Post by RickB on Feb 16, 2023 19:38:26 GMT -5
I spoke with the company that manufactures Iron Out a couple years ago and was told that Iron Out is the current product and that the word "Super" has been dropped from the product. For cleaning Arkansas I use Iron Out as most of the staining is the result of iron rich clay. It usually does the job. A couple fellow diggers use Oxalic Acid to clean the crystals. I have moved away from using the Oxalic as there are claims that it can lead to a build up of Kidney Stones. What ever one uses it's best to avoid skin contact and I have a couple sets of rubber gloves I use. I usually allow the Ouartz to soak in the Iron Out solution for 24 to 48 hours in a covered 5 gallon plastic bucket. My last purchase of Iron Out was the 4.75 pound container for about $17 at an Ace Hardware. That one container will last me about a year. If you do heat the Iron Out it's probably best to do so outdoors as the fumes indoors can begin to corrode any exposed metal in the area, nails, bolts, hinges etc. No need to ask how I know that!! I prefer not to mess with Muratic(HCL) as the fumes are not good at all. I have seen an old cleaning setup for one of the Quartz Miners in Arkansas using heated HCL!! He had it way out in the back away from any thing living!! That's what I call working without a net. On warmer days I've used Iron Out in a five gallon bucket and lid that were painted black. When the bucket is set in the sun it absorbs heat and makes the solution work better. |
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Post by HankRocks on Feb 16, 2023 20:48:14 GMT -5
I spoke with the company that manufactures Iron Out a couple years ago and was told that Iron Out is the current product and that the word "Super" has been dropped from the product. For cleaning Arkansas I use Iron Out as most of the staining is the result of iron rich clay. It usually does the job. A couple fellow diggers use Oxalic Acid to clean the crystals. I have moved away from using the Oxalic as there are claims that it can lead to a build up of Kidney Stones. What ever one uses it's best to avoid skin contact and I have a couple sets of rubber gloves I use. I usually allow the Ouartz to soak in the Iron Out solution for 24 to 48 hours in a covered 5 gallon plastic bucket. My last purchase of Iron Out was the 4.75 pound container for about $17 at an Ace Hardware. That one container will last me about a year. If you do heat the Iron Out it's probably best to do so outdoors as the fumes indoors can begin to corrode any exposed metal in the area, nails, bolts, hinges etc. No need to ask how I know that!! I prefer not to mess with Muratic(HCL) as the fumes are not good at all. I have seen an old cleaning setup for one of the Quartz Miners in Arkansas using heated HCL!! He had it way out in the back away from any thing living!! That's what I call working without a net. On warmer days I've used Iron Out in a five gallon bucket and lid that were painted black. When the bucket is set in the sun it absorbs heat and makes the solution work better. For Quartz with sandstone bases I have a black bucket with black lid that I set out on warm sunny days and let the warm water and then soak for a while to allow the clean water to permeate the sandstone before adding the Iron Out. That helps to reduce the amount of Iron Out saturated water to penetrate the sandstone and then leaching out later on to the sandstone base. One other consideration is to try and remove as much dirt/non-stain coating before using Iron Out. That way the Iron Out is attacking the stain not the dirt. For pre cleaning and quality sorting Arkansas quartz I have 3 cleaning trays that the quartz is laid out on and then several cycles of high pressure hose, then allow the clay to dry to and then repeat procedure. Depending on the weather each cycle may take multiple days. Hitting a mystery piece that has just a hint of crystal tips showing thru the clay with the high pressure hose and watch a really nice cluster emerge is probably my favorite part of crystal collecting. It usually happens with smaller pieces. We tend to try and clean the larger, 2 to 10 pound pieces better. It's frustrating to get home with 5 pieces weighing 40 to 50 pounds and they are barely good as Yard Rock. |
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,979
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Post by khara on Feb 16, 2023 21:51:18 GMT -5
Thank you rockbrain Good to know. I had bought a cheapie $5 pre-mixed spray bottle size to see if I notice any improvement at all before going all in with a big bottle. For some reason I'm thinking the non-pre-mixed powder kind probably works better. I don't know, they do have different ingredients. I've given it another go and have been soaking this druzy all day, this time mixed in warm water on a coffee cup warmer. Last time I just soaked it with the Iron Out only sprayed on it but I saw comments above of people saying specifically to use hot water. I think maybe(  ) I'm seeing improvement. It's not wonderful but may be lightening some. dirtsifter The one I'm working on now, I do have a couple tiny crystals that have fallen out. HankRocks Thanks for all the info. Your timeline of 24-48 hours is good to know, maybe I just need to give it more time. I have done the muriatic thing before, years ago and ya, it's quite a production of protective gear. I'm hoping to find an easier solution. susand24224 I may have to grab some straight oxalic. A little less worrisome than muriatic. Interestingly, this pre-mixed Iron-Out spray lists oxalic as an ingredient whereas the powder styles list other ingredients. And, I may need to get a new backyard crockpot. My last one cracked and I threw it out so I'm kind of in "making do" mode. I'm also thinking of trying an ultrasonic cleaner, see if that helps loosen anything that maybe the iron is clinging to.(?) |
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Mark K
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Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,814
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Post by Mark K on Feb 17, 2023 13:06:53 GMT -5
I soaked my giant geode in IO and only had minimal results. In the spring it will soak for a hour or so in HC.
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NDK
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Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Feb 17, 2023 15:50:18 GMT -5
MsAli and I used iron out on Arkansas quartz as well and had good luck with it
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goodsgems
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2024
Posts: 20
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Post by goodsgems on May 5, 2024 16:23:06 GMT -5
Thank you rockbrain Good to know. I had bought a cheapie $5 pre-mixed spray bottle size to see if I notice any improvement at all before going all in with a big bottle. For some reason I'm thinking the non-pre-mixed powder kind probably works better. I don't know, they do have different ingredients. I've given it another go and have been soaking this druzy all day, this time mixed in warm water on a coffee cup warmer. Last time I just soaked it with the Iron Out only sprayed on it but I saw comments above of people saying specifically to use hot water. I think maybe( ) I'm seeing improvement. It's not wonderful but may be lightening some. dirtsifter The one I'm working on now, I do have a couple tiny crystals that have fallen out. HankRocks Thanks for all the info. Your timeline of 24-48 hours is good to know, maybe I just need to give it more time. I have done the muriatic thing before, years ago and ya, it's quite a production of protective gear. I'm hoping to find an easier solution. susand24224 I may have to grab some straight oxalic. A little less worrisome than muriatic. Interestingly, this pre-mixed Iron-Out spray lists oxalic as an ingredient whereas the powder styles list other ingredients. And, I may need to get a new backyard crockpot. My last one cracked and I threw it out so I'm kind of in "making do" mode. I'm also thinking of trying an ultrasonic cleaner, see if that helps loosen anything that maybe the iron is clinging to.(?) In my experience, the ultrasonic cleaner is no help to get the rust off, even after a long session. That is, unless you pop it outdoors, add oxalic acid/iron out, turn the heat on, let it run at the beginning of the soak and again before you take the stones out. I pressure wash my stones, then ultrasonic clean them, then soak them in acid, and sometimes give them another go in the ultrasonic cleaner afterwards to good effect. Only problems I've had is the yellowing of some quartz and a nasty build up of calcite on some specimens after the oxalic soak. I'm not yet brave enough to try the muriatic acid to get that off, so I'll probably just tumble the stones with calcite build up. Some people try a bubbler method to avoid build up of the calcite: www.gamineral.org/writings/cleanquartz-carter.html |
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) I'm seeing improvement. It's not wonderful but may be lightening some.
