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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jul 1, 2015 7:30:28 GMT -5
I had posted a picture of this Youngite cab awhile ago and braders was nice enough to let me know that soaking it in vinegar might clean up the druzy area. I soaked it for about a week and this was the result. before soaking after soaking Thanks for looking Chuck
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Post by orrum on Jul 1, 2015 8:35:53 GMT -5
Great info Chuck. What does the vinegar do and would it work with other types of rock with druzy! My lovely Susan loves druzy!
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jul 1, 2015 8:40:33 GMT -5
Great info Chuck. What does the vinegar do and would it work with other types of rock with druzy! My lovely Susan loves druzy! I don't have a clue orrum. I was told what to do and it worked great. That's the extent of my knowledge. Hopefully some more experienced folks will chime in on this one. Chuck
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Post by orrum on Jul 1, 2015 8:52:07 GMT -5
I am gonna try it! Somebody knows tell me, seems like some rovks dissolve in binegar.
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Post by braders on Jul 1, 2015 10:51:11 GMT -5
Turned out good buddy , didn't take to long ether good deal !!
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Post by captbob on Jul 1, 2015 11:13:47 GMT -5
That is very cool and some handy information. Thanks braders!
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rockroller
spending too much on rocks
Be excellent to each other.
Member since October 2013
Posts: 359
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Post by rockroller on Jul 1, 2015 12:05:39 GMT -5
That looks like a calcite coating which vinegar definitely dissolves. I have some dirty druzy specimens that I'm struggling to clean with different soakings. But it seems to me that its either really fine dirt way down in the fine spaces between crystals that my brushes cant get to or a little iron staining. I'm gonna try a vinegar bath to see what happens but I don't think that will help with my issue. That cab did clean up nicely though!!
~Roland
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Jul 1, 2015 15:03:45 GMT -5
ayup - dandy tip on the vinegar. vinegar (acetic acid) + calcium = no more calcium (and a little carbon dioxide off gasing -- but i dont think this will cause any global warming). Cheers
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Post by braders on Jul 1, 2015 19:13:37 GMT -5
That looks like a calcite coating which vinegar definitely dissolves. I have some dirty druzy specimens that I'm struggling to clean with different soakings. But it seems to me that its either really fine dirt way down in the fine spaces between crystals that my brushes cant get to or a little iron staining. I'm gonna try a vinegar bath to see what happens but I don't think that will help with my issue. That cab did clean up nicely though!! ~Roland try adding baking soda I have had luck cleaning them hard to reach spots with them bubbles may take a few runs ...
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Joe
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2014
Posts: 274
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Post by Joe on Jul 1, 2015 21:47:23 GMT -5
Vinegar works great for numerous things good job on the cleaning!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Jul 1, 2015 23:35:40 GMT -5
I use vinegar and baking soda a lot...............They clean great!!!!!! Liking the Youngite too-WOW!!!!!!! I just found my Youngite that Braders sent me,got to start cutting on it too......
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Post by MrP on Jul 2, 2015 4:54:22 GMT -5
Nice job...........................MrP
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Post by orrum on Jul 2, 2015 6:18:33 GMT -5
Ah ah I got it, don't put vinegar on calcite cause it dissolves it. Well that is unless you want to dissolve it.... Or would dissolving it make cheese??? Seems like milk is calcium and if you put vinegar in milk I'd clabbers snd you get milk. THAT'S IT I HAVE INVENTED MILK THAT NEVER SPOILS!!!
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Post by orrum on Jul 2, 2015 6:19:27 GMT -5
Well I have to paint visual images since I can't do pics, ya know right! LOL
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rockroller
spending too much on rocks
Be excellent to each other.
Member since October 2013
Posts: 359
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Post by rockroller on Jul 2, 2015 9:23:55 GMT -5
Ah ah I got it, don't put vinegar on calcite cause it dissolves it. Well that is unless you want to dissolve it.... Or would dissolving it make cheese??? Seems like milk is calcium and if you put vinegar in milk I'd clabbers snd you get milk. THAT'S IT I HAVE INVENTED MILK THAT NEVER SPOILS!!! Me thinks you put something in your milk this morning and it t'weren't no vinegar!! ~Roland
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jul 2, 2015 9:52:16 GMT -5
rockroller Roland I have an ultrasonic cleaner if the dirt is in a smaller specimen
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Post by stephan on Jul 2, 2015 10:27:30 GMT -5
ayup - dandy tip on the vinegar. vinegar (acetic acid) + calcium = no more calcium (and a little carbon dioxide off gasing -- but i dont think this will cause any global warming). Cheers I guess that would depend on how large of a rock you are cleaning. :-) But, seriously. For some rocks that you are sure are acid-fast and need a little more cleaning "oomph," muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid, diluted to 1 or 2M for use in swimming pools) can also be used (dilute further -- 1:10 or 1:100 -- and use gloves, goggles and a protective coat, apron...).
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Jul 2, 2015 12:09:06 GMT -5
Vinegar is safer, hence my props for that approach on the forum - but I agree 100% Stephan: muratic acid is much more effective/efficient. And as he has noted, more dangerous and requires more caution/care. --In addition to Stephan's safety suggestions - do this outside and I would recommend an appropriate respirator. Typically I will dilute the muratic into the water if it is for a larger specimen "bath". ***CAUTION - always add acid to water for diluting (NEVER water to acid).*** For those that are experimental, you can even place calcite minerals - like calcite onyx - into an acid bath to "clean" them up and give them a "polish". That is what I do with our large calcite yard rocks. Cheers
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Post by Pat on Jul 2, 2015 12:47:13 GMT -5
Very good to know. Will try it.
I use white vinegar to dissolve epoxy. ... and to flavor beets and spinach.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Jul 2, 2015 13:23:08 GMT -5
Pat, you use white vinegar to make the Jalapeno Jelly! (Right, Mike?)
I have soaked rocks in vinegar for years. It is one thing I've found that will take caliche off, no muss no fuss. It may take a week or more, but do not have to exert a lot of effort. Less work is something I'm all for! And much less hazardous than stronger acids (muriatic, oxalic, etc).
And once the caliche has been dissolved, you can grow your own crystals (of a sort). Leave your rock in a dish of vinegar, and as the vinegar evaporates, the caliche will precipitate out, forming crystals. Won't turn into rock by any means, but fun to watch.
Grow your own forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/66674/grow-own Jean
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