We use cookies to show content based on your preferences. If you continue to browse you accept their use and installation. More information. >

FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board
The place to share your mineralogical experiences


Spanish message board






Newest topics and users posts
18 Mar-08:12:52 Green seam. Looks like it in a state of decay. (Ning)
18 Mar-06:47:13 Mineralogy & museums 10 - cardiff - 12th-13th august 2024 (Roy Starkey)
18 Mar-02:50:32 Re: collection from dany mabillard (Dany Mabillard)
17 Mar-01:57:58 Re: collection of volkmar stingl (Volkmar Stingl)
15 Mar-14:27:47 Re: collection of philippe durand (Philippe Durand)
15 Mar-13:49:04 Re: collection of firmo espinar (Firmo Espinar)
15 Mar-09:18:42 Re: collection of michael shaw (Michael Shaw)
15 Mar-03:45:43 The mizunaka collection - rhodochrosite (Am Mizunaka)
14 Mar-21:29:31 Re: monthly mineral chronicles, mineral guides and more... (Crocoite)
14 Mar-14:47:27 Re: collection of philippe durand (Jordi Fabre)
14 Mar-13:56:01 Re: collection of philippe durand (Philippe Durand)
14 Mar-11:24:43 Re: collection of philippe durand (Jordi Fabre)
14 Mar-08:55:22 Re: collection of michael shaw (Michael Shaw)
14 Mar-08:44:47 Re: the mim museum in beirut, lebanon (Mim Museum)
14 Mar-07:24:12 Re: collection of volkmar stingl (Volkmar Stingl)
14 Mar-02:30:15 The mizunaka collection - quartz (Am Mizunaka)
14 Mar-02:20:37 Re: collection of volkmar stingl (Tobi)
13 Mar-23:40:08 Re: collection of volkmar stingl (Volkmar Stingl)
13 Mar-14:22:58 Re: don lum collection (Don Lum)
13 Mar-14:02:43 Re: collection of philippe durand (Philippe Durand)
13 Mar-00:57:48 The mizunaka collection - quartz (Am Mizunaka)
12 Mar-07:36:06 Re: can you recommend a lab to analyse specimens (Luiz Oliveira)
11 Mar-16:19:18 Re: collection of philippe durand (Riccardo Modanesi)
11 Mar-15:18:26 Re: collection of philippe durand (Philippe Durand)
11 Mar-15:13:07 Re: collection of philippe durand (Philippe Durand)

For lists of newest topics and postings click here


RSS RSS

View unanswered posts

Why and how to register

Index Index
 FAQFAQ RegisterRegister  Log inLog in
 {Forgotten your password?}Forgotten your password?  

Like
111630


The time now is Mar 19, 2024 00:41

Search for a textSearch for a text   

A general guide for using the Forum with some rules and tips
The information provided within this Forum about localities is only given to allow reference to them. Any visit to any of the localities requires you to obtain full permission and relevant information prior to your visit. FMF is strictly against any illicit activities related to collecting minerals.
How to clean golden calcite
  
  Index -> Conserving, Preparing and Cleaning Minerals
Like
2


View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message

jtozier




Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 8
Location: Montana

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 18:01    Post subject: How to clean golden calcite  

Hello all!

I am new hear and looking for some info specific to the type of crystals I will be working with.

Golden Calcite from Montana.

So far I have tried a vinegar bath and scrubbing with a brush. This left a sort of white haze. I also tried muriatic acid and this gave it a great golden smooth color but I am afraid it may make the crystals loose value if it is etching them?

So far I have heard to use.

Super Iron out
Citric Acid
Oxalic Acid

Which one? I am leaning towards trying citric acid next since it seems the least toxic. I watched a video on youtube of someone if Florida cleaning some calcite seashells with it and it appeared to work well.

I also have a question on repair. I was descending a very steep cliff section and slipped dropping a very large piece of calcite. Some pieces broke off and I was wondering if LocTite glass repair would be a good choice to reattach some of the crystals?



IMG_0233.JPG
 Mineral: Golden Calcite
 Locality:
Montana, USA
 Description:
 Viewed:  29917 Time(s)

IMG_0233.JPG



IMG_0227.JPG
 Mineral: Golden Calcite
 Locality:
Montana, USA
 Description:
 Viewed:  29988 Time(s)

IMG_0227.JPG



IMG_0237.JPG
 Mineral: Golden Calcite
 Locality:
Montana, USA
 Description:
Here is a close up of the common contamination that the crystals have.
 Viewed:  29970 Time(s)

IMG_0237.JPG


Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

kushmeja




Joined: 28 Jul 2014
Posts: 244
Location: New Jersey


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 18:12    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

Have you tried using a high pressure spray water gun, like they use for screen printing and cleaning fabrics? You can buy one for like $50 online, and they're great. Based on your pics with the light scaling on some of the calcite, I'd say that the water gun would blast that right off. The only thing is that you would need to be careful not to have the pressure too high, or it would damage the crystals because calcite is fairly soft.

All of the chemical methods I'm aware of would run the risk of reacting with the surface of the calcite, causing it to etch or get a waxy/melted surface luster. Calcite is a base, so it will react with any acid, even fairly inert acids like vinegar or citric acid.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

jtozier




Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 8
Location: Montana

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 18:16    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

The funny thing is I own a screen printing shop and yes I have used the spot gun. It really did not clean the minerals off the calcite.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Bob Harman




Joined: 06 Nov 2015
Posts: 765


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 18:27    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

Welcome to this site! Rather nice specimen, but you must be careful cleaning all carbonates, and especially calcite!

Your discussion suggests you already may have over cleaned the example. Anyway, soak the specimen in soapy water for a day or two, then try a hi pressure cleaning gun with water. Start very gently and only in stout areas. Cleaning in areas of the crystals with incipient cleavages may be disastrous and the hi pressure might just completely cleave your calcite.
I would NOT use any (!) form of acid. I would NOT use iron out (no iron staining that I can see), or scrubbing with a stiff brush (as calcite is soft).

In my opinion, you probably have done all you can for that specimen so be content with it after the soapy water and hi pressure cleaning and a final rinse.

As to repair, it really is an individual specimen problem. If it is only one or two pieces that fit back together perfectly and make a great specimen, then you might try it, but on a mediocre specimen where the multiple pieces might not fit back together in a perfect manor, attempted repairs only magnifies the flaws. BOB
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

jtozier




Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 8
Location: Montana

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 18:37    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

Thanks, you know what my problem must have been not soaking prior to using the spot gun.

This one piece here is my favorite. However I feel like it is hardly held together. If you pick it up there is a little flex in the center by where the smaller crystals are. I was thinking of possibly ordering a tiny syringe to insert some glass loctite inside where the flex is happening.

This brings up another question, how do you all ship your crystals? I feel like the single pieces would be easy, buy anything that has multiple crystals seems like it would arrive broken.



IMG_0229.JPG
 Mineral: Golden Calcite
 Locality:
Montana, USA
 Description:
 Viewed:  29881 Time(s)

IMG_0229.JPG


Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

jtozier




Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 8
Location: Montana

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 18:39    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

If a specimen has a haze to it, would it be ok to use a quick acid dip to remove that?
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Bob Harman




Joined: 06 Nov 2015
Posts: 765


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 19:19    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

If the calcite "haze" is a very thin crystal surface crust, I might try a 10-15 second swirl in vinegar. If the haze is within the crystal, no amount of anything will lessen or remove it.

CHRIS, I think you are trying to accomplish too much. On higher end examples, only an expert should try injecting hairline cracks or cleavages. In my opinion, not worth it on lesser examples. The repairs most likely will not look well, maybe making your specimen look worse.

As to shipping, most higher end examples are shipped insured and those with incipient cleavages are noted that shipping, even when very well packed, may arrive no longer intact. BOB
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

jtozier




Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 8
Location: Montana

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 20:35    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

Thanks, I appreciate all the help, this is a nice active forum you have here.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Turbo




Joined: 30 Sep 2009
Posts: 260
Location: Delaware


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 21:04    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

0227 is a really nice piece. I would not alter that in any way, it would only decrease it's value. For many localities calcite does not have a lot of luster, and for some it is not expected to even for high end pieces. My Montana pieces have low luster, but at the same times it's the color and the chevrons that make the pieces unique.

As far as packing calcite, wrap generously in long lengths of clear plastic, but do not use cling wrap and do not wrap tightly. Then fit that into its own box with enough plastic around it that it can't shift around. Then that box can be in the larger shipping box suspended in packing peanuts.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

jtozier




Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 8
Location: Montana

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 10, 2017 22:26    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

Thanks! 0229 is the other side of 0227, so it is nice all around and it sits very flat.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Turbo




Joined: 30 Sep 2009
Posts: 260
Location: Delaware


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 11, 2017 08:37    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

jtozier wrote:
Thanks! 0229 is the other side of 0227, so it is nice all around and it sits very flat.


Oh, cool! So it looks like they do exhibit some natural selective etching? By the way, I have a group called "Calcite Collectors" on facebook. It's always cool when members share self-collected material.

My biggest Montana calcite I had shipped to me. It was very heavy and did succumb to an unfortunate break to a more prominent crystal. I repaired it with a clear material not unlike epoxy, but light cured. I made sure to wipe off any excess material.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

jtozier




Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 8
Location: Montana

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 11, 2017 11:35    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

Just joined! The 110 Golden Calcite from the museum is awesome, I have seen one piece that large at my spot. I have no idea how anyone could manage getting that back to a vehicle without destroying it!

I have been finding ones that are buried in the dirt that will be perfectly smooth. Ones that are in open caverns that have etching from wind and sand and ones that are in enclosed pockets that may be clean or have mineral deposits on them. This area produces all different types in my opinion.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

roswellrockman




Joined: 20 Jan 2017
Posts: 4
Location: Roswell NM

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 11, 2017 13:04    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

In regard to repairs. You might try paleo- bond. It's supposed to be like a super superglue for fossils and minerals. I have not tried it yet but it has been highly recommended by several of my associates here in NM.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Robert Seitz




Joined: 29 Dec 2015
Posts: 258
Location: Phoenix, AZ


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 12, 2017 11:56    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

I've used Paleo bond to stabilize a few specimens with very friable limonite matrix. It appears to work, however, it changed the color of the matrix for a couple of specimens. I was warned to try on a small part of specimen before using so was aware with my pre-testing this would happen. I don't know what might happen with a calcite repair. Advise test before full use as always the case. Just like acid for that matter
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Philip Simmons




Joined: 24 Feb 2011
Posts: 79
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 13, 2017 22:10    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

As recommended by others, I wouldn't do any further chemical cleaning to the specimens. Iron Out will definitely etch the calcite, although not nearly as fast as HCl or even vinegar.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
1
   

Susan Robinson




Joined: 05 Aug 2010
Posts: 163
Location: Hancock, MI

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 14, 2017 09:13    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

My recommendation is to keep the calcite away from the chemicals - it's fine the way it is. Also, never allow calcite and fluorite specimens to be subjected to extreme cold - it causes the crystals to crack and craze, especially the terminations on the calcite. The calcite crystals from the Brushy Creek, Missouri, locality are a good example of what happens to calcite scalenohedrons when subjected to cold.

Susan Robinson

_________________
Susan Robinson
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
1
   

jtozier




Joined: 10 Mar 2017
Posts: 8
Location: Montana

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Mar 14, 2017 15:01    Post subject: Re: How to clean golden calcite  

Alright, well all this certainly makes things easier on my end. So the general method would be a long soak in water with laundry detergent, then a a gentle cleaning?
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   
Display posts from previous:   
   Index -> Conserving, Preparing and Cleaning Minerals   All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1
    

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


All pictures, text, design © Forum FMF 2006-2024


Powered by FMF