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How to clean calcite specimens
  
  Index -> Conserving, Preparing and Cleaning Minerals
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Ivan Fleisch




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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 06:29    Post subject: How to clean calcite specimens  

Hi, I am trying to organise my modest mineral collection and would like to know if I can clean calcite specimens with some water and a toothbrush?
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Peter Megaw
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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 08:19    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens.  

Ivan, as you probably know, calcite is very soft...if you use a toothbrush make sure it is either new or very thoroughly rinsed because toothpastes contain silica abrasives and any residue from them will scratch the calcite.

A safer method is to soak the pieces in soapy water for a while (hours is fine) and then spray them clean with a spray bottle like Windex comes in. Rinse and let dry. If the water in your area is hard, get some distilled or demineralized water (lots of Water Store type places sell it cheaply) for the final rinse to keep spots from depositing.

If your calcite require more drastic cleaning, why not post a picture of one or more and the FMF experts will give you more precise advice

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Ivan Fleisch




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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 08:51    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens.  

Hi Peter,
Thanks for the info.Especially the warning about toothpaste having abrasives.
I will go the safe way and do exactly what you suggested
.The photos and specimens posted on this site are in a league way above my collection,but I will try and spruce mine up and perhaps show the members a few of the better ones.
I have some others that also need cleaning and when I am ready,I will pose some more cleaning questions.
Thanks again.
Ivan
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Joseph DOliveira




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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 09:07    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens.  

Peter Megaw wrote:
Ivan, as you probably know, calcite is very soft...if you use a toothbrush make sure it is either new or very thoroughly rinsed because toothpastes contain silica abrasives and any residue from them will scratch the calcite.


I agree with Peter that a tooth brush may be too abrasive for the calcite. I usually use liquid dish soap and a soft 1" paint brush with long bristles, as they tend to be significantly softer than a tooth brush and can get in the little nooks and crannies that a tooth brush might not reach. For stubborn dirt or specimens that have a lot of fine dirt in between the crystals, I use a high pressure water gun. While a water gun is an expensive proposition, it can literally transform a specimen and significantly improve it's appearance. The water gun must be used with caution, as it can destroy a delicate specimen within seconds and can also injure you if the proper protective equipment (heavy gloves & safety glasses) are not used. (speaking from experience)

It is amazing how a little soap and water with minimal cleaning can improve the presentation of a specimen by removing dirt and the film that deposits from airborne particles around the home. Cleaning is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your collection.

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bob kerr




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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 09:18    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens.  

Depending on the "dirt" - consider iron-out or oxalic acid also. See:

https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?t=3246&highlight=iron

bob
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Ivan Fleisch




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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 09:23    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens.  

Thank you Joseph.
I am posting 2 photos for some advice on cleaning Descloizite and Smithsonite.
You and Peter are encouraging me to do some cosmetics but I will do it only with your expert advice.
Thanks again.



Descloisite lead Abenab Namibia.jpg
 Description:
Descloizite lead
Abenab, Namibia
20 x 15 cm.
 Viewed:  17602 Time(s)

Descloisite lead Abenab Namibia.jpg


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Ivan Fleisch




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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 09:27    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens.  

Now the second picture.


Cobaltium Smithsonite in matrix Tsumeb namibia.jpg
 Description:
Cobaltoan smithsonite
Tsumeb, Namibia.
13 x 8 cm.
 Viewed:  17574 Time(s)

Cobaltium Smithsonite in matrix Tsumeb namibia.jpg


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Pete Richards
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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 13:53    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens.  

bob kerr wrote:
depending on the "dirt" - consider iron-out or oxalic acid also.

bob


I would be extremely cautious about using these materials. Either one is likely to etch calcite. If you are going to try them, do so with a piece you don't mind ruining.

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marvsT/Nminerals




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PostPosted: Mar 02, 2014 17:53    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens  

Ivan, A note about cleaning calcite and other carbonates. Many crystals are temperature sensitive and should be cleaned with water that is at the same temperature as the mineral otherwise they may craze or even fracture.
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Pierre Joubert




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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2014 06:05    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens.  

Pete Richards wrote:
bob kerr wrote:
depending on the "dirt" - consider iron-out or oxalic acid also.

bob


I would be extremely cautious about using these materials. Either one is likely to etch calcite. If you are going to try them, do so with a piece you don't mind ruining.


I will go futher to add that oxalic acid will ruin your specimen.

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Jordi Fabre
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PostPosted: Mar 10, 2014 11:31    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens  

Recommended reading: How to remove iron stains?
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Ivan Fleisch




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PostPosted: Mar 11, 2014 01:56    Post subject: Re: How to clean calcite specimens  

Thank you all for the advice.
Would the cleaning of the above samples be similar to the method of cleaning calcite? i.e. soapy water and then clean water?
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