jrdemaris Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 Searching for information on cleaning various rock and mineral specimens. Anyone have recommendations for good reference books? Need to learn about the does & don'ts .Been signed up here for a long time as a ( lurker ), Bills name for me. Learned much from reading daily posts. TIA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diggingd Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 If you know what mineral specimen you are working with you can do a quick Google search for each one and can find the answers, if you dont and do want a hard copy boon for reference this is an okay one John Sinkankas book Field Collecting for Gemstones and Minerals 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeoJack Posted June 10, 2019 Share Posted June 10, 2019 I use one of these to clean specimens. Works great and only using water. https://www.ctsusa.com/_e/Cleaners_and_Cleaning_Supplies/product/ELECTRIC-SPRAYGUN/Textile_Cleaning_Spray_Gun_Electric_110V.htm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrdemaris Posted June 11, 2019 Author Share Posted June 11, 2019 Thanks for the info guys. I have a few specimens I didn't want to mess up. It's amazing how many special rocks I find while working ground for Gold. Still looking for that chunk of quartz laced with gold 'tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_day Posted June 11, 2019 Share Posted June 11, 2019 (edited) Really it all depends on the specimen. Most are fine with a stiff nylon brush and water. Others you’ll want a soft brush. Some are so fragile you won’t want a brush at all. Others are water soluble and you won’t want to get them wet. And some (like ulexite) are fine with cold water, but will dissolve in warm water. Edited June 11, 2019 by d_day 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrdemaris Posted June 11, 2019 Author Share Posted June 11, 2019 d_day, this is exactly why I wanted to search for reference material, hoping to find some books I could have available as needed. It appears like the Internet will be my best reference on an as needed basis. I appreciate all on Bills forum who take time to offer help when needed....JRD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greendave41 Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 http://www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com/jhbnyc/articles/minclean.htm It is my understanding Super Iron Out is now that safest and most universal cleaning agent - followed by Oxalic Acid - but this requires a little more effort/materials. When it comes to doing a quick test on a minerals sensitivity to acid - i suggest finding an obscure spot on a specimen and trying a small drop or dab with a Q-Tip of Vinegar or Lemon Juice. Be very careful with your calcites, fluorites, and other carbonates and evaporates. Most quartz and pegmatite minerals are ok with Super Iron Out. Finally - be aware of caliche - it will react to acids - which is good as you want to remove it - but you have to watch closely to ensure the minerals underneath can withstand. -Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeoJack Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 These are very prone to damage if you are not careful. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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