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Joined: 20 Feb 2010
Posts: 99
Location: Washington
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Posted: Feb 20, 2010 20:14 Post subject: How do you separate a crystal from the rock? |
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If I had a rock with a crystal in it and wanted the crystal out of it without damaging it and causing little damage to the host stone how do I go about doing this, I don't have one at the moment I am just curious so don't ask me what I'm trying to separate. This is just something I have always been curious about. |
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Tobi
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Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4112
Location: Germany
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Posted: Feb 21, 2010 05:19 Post subject: Re: How do you separate a crystal from the rock? |
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Hi,
this always depends on the species of both the crystal and the matrix. Removing a robust crystal from a brittle matrix is much easier than removing a fragile crystal from a tough and hard rock. For example the pyrite cubes from Navajun (Spain) fall off of their matrix as a result of even the smallest hit - even if you don't want them to be removed. But i also remember me becoming desparate trying to remove the tenacious mica schist from a garnet specimen. So there's sometimes host rock which hands out the crystal voluntarily, while others will make you see red ... or even ruin the crystal :-/
But if you really want to separate the crystal from the matrix, you have one advantage: During preparing mineral specimens, one hit too much will let the crystal fall off of the matrix. Usually this is one of the worst nightmares to mineral collectors/dealers/preparators. You have the advantage that you WANT the crystal to be removed completely, so you can work a little bit more airily than others ;-)
Cheers! |
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Peter Megaw
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Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 963
Location: Tucson, Arizona
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Posted: Feb 21, 2010 14:09 Post subject: Re: How do you separate a crystal from the rock? |
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Assuming this basically falls into the category of cleaning and trimming, i again recommend you get a copy of Sinkankas, "Gemstone and Mineral Databook", which provides extensive detailed information tailored to specific species and common combinations. There are also previous threads to visit on the subject _________________ Siempre Adelante! |
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