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Post by arghvark on Jan 30, 2020 9:52:30 GMT -5
A fair amount of the stuff I collect (agate/jasper mix) has really wonderful colors and patterns, but also has a lot of pits and defects throughout.
Of course, pits collect polish, leaving white specks everywhere.
Tried a waterpik type thingie, which works pretty well. But burnt out the pump waaaay too quickly, because the pump is always on, and there is just a thumb actuated valve that stops water flow. Holding that button while repeatedly grabbing the next stone or examining work is just too much for it. Thinking maybe a foot switch that can plug the unit into so that the pump actually shuts off when pressure not needed.
But have found a technique that seems to work fairly well.
Soak the pitted rocks for around 3 days in water. Get one of those toothbrushes that has coarser bristles outside, and fine bristles inside. (Pack of 6 or 10 at Walmart super cheap.) Tap the stone repeatedly with the brush, just enough to flex the bristles. Brushing won't allow the bristles to penetrate into those teeny holes. Use different angles of tap in order to get those bristles into the holes. Sometimes you even feel the bristles "catch" in the defect, indicating you're getting penetration.
Super annoying, but pretty effective. Stones that would otherwise be hideous due to minuscule white speckles turn out pretty nice. And often the pits, tiny vugs or other "flaws" add to the character of the polished stone.
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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 Jan 30, 2020 12:33:00 GMT -5
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capt38
starting to shine!
Member since November 2017
Posts: 45
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Post by capt38 on Jan 30, 2020 17:06:57 GMT -5
Those spot cleaning guns are real handy for cleaning up specimens right after field collecting also.
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Post by knave on Jan 30, 2020 17:30:41 GMT -5
Have you guys ever tried the dishwasher?
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Post by arghvark on Jan 31, 2020 8:14:59 GMT -5
Heh, looks waaaay easier than the klugey things I've been trying to figger out. Thanks for the tip!
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