herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jun 7, 2012 12:15:10 GMT -5
As some of you may have seen in trip report 2 i posted earlier, I have some pretty nice (to me) pieces of agate collected last weekend from Wyoming.
Some of these have dirt and lichens on them. I was thinking I might just pressure wash these at a car wash. There is a risk with the smaller pieces that they would be lost because of being thrown.
There are also some with caliche on all or part of them which I doubt will be removed by the water.
Should I go with oxalic acid in a bucket or look into sandblasting some of these? What about just tumbling dry with some sand?
I'd love to just clean them up and see the color of the underlying agate if possible. thanks for any help.
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 7, 2012 12:32:38 GMT -5
You could try mixing up a bucket of Super Iron Out, and letting them soak for a couple days. It's a mild acid that should remove lichen and caliche. I've had good luck with it.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jun 7, 2012 12:44:49 GMT -5
Here's what I have used: 1. A stiff brush and soapy water 2. A dry cleaning spot gun 3. Coarse tumble
Chuck
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Post by Pat on Jun 7, 2012 12:47:42 GMT -5
We have a high-powered water spray gun. Fun to use. What that doesn't remove, we soak in Iron Out. Good luck!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2012 14:55:43 GMT -5
Less than a full layer on the bottom of a bucket then stick the car wash nozzle into the bucket and let them flop around like a chicken for a while. Plan on getting a tad wet.
I also use a tire tumbler with water and sand stone pieces.
Last but not least is soak in soapy water for a few days then use a scrub brush.
I had no luck with the acid and I do not like to have it around where the kids might get into it. Not likely but will not take the chance. Jim
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riverbendlapidary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,058
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Post by riverbendlapidary on Jun 7, 2012 15:29:39 GMT -5
muratic acid works great but you have to respect it!
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