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
111635


The time now is Mar 19, 2024 06:48

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.
Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode
  Goto page 1, 2  Next
  Index -> Conserving, Preparing and Cleaning Minerals
Like
6


View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 12, 2019 23:04    Post subject: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Hi, I hope someone has an insight on how to remove these buildups?


20190112_163544.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  22122 Time(s)

20190112_163544.jpg


Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 12, 2019 23:11    Post subject: Re: HELP! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Under magnifier


mmexport1547351215513.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  22084 Time(s)

mmexport1547351215513.jpg


Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

SteveB




Joined: 12 Oct 2015
Posts: 235
Location: Canberra

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 00:30    Post subject: Re: HELP! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Looks like quartz crystals which often have surface staining from iron compounds as well as calcium and other mineral salts deposits. Quartz is fairly inert to chemical cleaners as well as strong for gentle scrubbing.

With that in mind any cleaning you should approach in stages and not rush or assume anything.

First up I suggest you soak the specimen in hot water with some dishwashing detergent mixed in and leave it for a week or two. This gives timefor the water to soak into crevices and the detergent to reach deep dirt and oils and start to loosen some surface grime if its there. I always assume it is on all my specimens. This process can’t possibly damage the specimen but it may loosen cracks if there are any.

Next week take it out of the water and gently turn it under a running tap to allow dirt to be washed away.

Now refill container and place specimen back in and using a toothbrush gently carefully scrub the entire specimen, avoid harsh scrubbing at first as this can force dirt deeper into crevices and force cracks to open further possibly breaking the specimen.

If its still “ugly” to you at this point, I suggest looking for a product called CLR (Calcium Lime Rust), this is what its called here in Australia but the product or similar should be available everywhere in the world in supermarkets as well as hardware stores. Its a cleaning liquid used for common surface stains arond the home such as rust on concrete, water marks on windows, scale buildup in kettle and saucepans. as the name indicates its good on calcium stains, lime stains and rust stains. It works by reacting with certain of those compounds and dissolving them which means it can work well in removing similar stains the formed naturally on mineral specimens.

WARNING this also means it can react with similar compounds in the mineral specimen and its matrix too.

so its important in any chemical cleaning since you cant know for certain if a specimen maybe damged or not to place only a part of the specimen in the cleaning agent and check it visually often to look for signs the specimen itself is reacting undesirably. Typically youlook for signs of bubbles forming on clean areas of the specimen.

In your case i suggest find the ugliest edge that contains matrix and the stained crystals to use as a test portion. Using about 1cm of the cleaning solution CLR in a container carefully sit your specimen upright with ONLY the test part submerged. Watch for several minutes, you may see bubbles slowly forming and take note where on the specimen they are. If you have a steady stream of bubbles then something is reactiving aggressively with the cleaning solution and you may or may not want to continue at this point. I usually dont care if the matrix bubbles a lot, but a clean crystal shouldn’t and in your case it may if the staining is reacting fast.

Anyway leave it for a couople of hours without touching the specimen, checking regularly. Even if nothing seems to be happening dont touch. Leave overnight and following day list the specimen out and rinse under a tap. Hopefully if the surface staining is being dissolved you’ll see a clear line where the submerged portion was. If it damages the specimen this should be obvious and you should stop at this point. If you think its safe for the specimen to continue I would submerge completely in CLR for a week, maybe two. Depends on how reactive it is and keep an eye on the colour of the cleaning solution, the more it changes colour the more its dissolving.

After this rinse under water completely and maybe gentle toothbrush scrub too at this point.

Now leave specimen to dry for a few days.

The CLR process can be repeated using hydrochloric acid (testing, watching etc) But if you use acid (which isn’t the best cleaner, just one that can works better on certain staining compounds BUT also more likely to harm the specimen itself) you need to take complete precautions. Only use acids outside away from home and important metal items like cars and tools. Hydrochloric acid evaporates to a gaseous form which can linger and condense on/in metal items and rapidly rust them. For the same reason it can damage your eyes, throat and lungs. Its not a glowing green mist like in movies, it’ll be invisible and is VERY harmful. Make sure children are nowhere near and you use masks and gloves etc (check precautions always before using). Plus you will need a legal method of disposing with the used acid and never pour down the drain, you any idea how expensive it’ll be to repair the damage this causes.

Basically if you dont know what you’re doing and incapable of taking the precautionary steps then dont even consider acids. They are seriously bad stuff.

Bottom line is not all coatings on specimens can be removed , even with acids. But the process about is what I use and its very safe as long as you follow the directions. Some may suggest using white vinegar too as a safe acid alternative but for me I find CLR does the job the best. Its time consuming but worth going through everything above. Water soaking for a long time gets deep into rocks and matrix and helps carry detergent in too. Some specimens may break or crumble but usually a weakened specimen already. Washing under flowing water gently carries away surface dirt. But going in first with a hard brush just grinds hard grains across the surface damaging clean crystal surfaces etc which is why gentle brushing after a long soak andeven then still under water to carry away those harmful grits. The CLR is a purely chemical dissolving so no need to scrub but always test a small area of the sample first to make sure the desirable mineral doesnt get harmed, for example CLR will dissolve Calcite crystals which are high in Calcium. You should be able to find CLR or similar locally as a cleaning product for outdoor surface stains.

Take it slow and carefully and your specimens can reward you with amazing hidden wonders :)
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
1
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 00:46    Post subject: Re: HELP! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Wow first, thank you for your long response. Really appreciate your time. I have tried using several over counter product from hardware store..they are Weiman cook top cleaner and bar keepers friends for mineral deposit and rust stains. But I only sprayed on and used a soft toothbrush to brush without letting it sit in. As you mentioned, do I need to dilute CLR with water? I have not yet tried vinegar. Above cleaners I used were suggested by my local crystal store who sold me this citrine. The problem I have is this is a 50+ pounds geode. So I'll definitely need to get a huge container in order to soak it. Do you suggest using oxalic acid? It doesn't look like stain to me. More like a calcium or mineral build up, I wonder if acid can treat it. Thank again for your reply.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 00:49    Post subject: Re: HELP! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

From hardware store


20190112_234823.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  22060 Time(s)

20190112_234823.jpg


Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
1
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 00:50    Post subject: Re: HELP! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Citrine geode


20190112_234813.jpg
 Description:
 Viewed:  22053 Time(s)

20190112_234813.jpg


Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

GneissWare




Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 1287
Location: California


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 12:42    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Before haphazardly trying a bunch of chemicals, you might want to try and identify what the coating is. Place a drop of white vinegar on it, and look with a hand lens. If you see bubbling, it is a carbonate. That will narrow down the list of chemicals. Again using a hand lens, try scratching the surface with a straight pin. If this doesn't scratch through the coating, then it is hard, and may be a silicate coating. You will not be be able to remove that easily or safely. It is not an iron coating that Super Iron Out would help with. It's probably a reaction product caused during the roasting to produce the citrine color.

Given the size of the specimen, it location, and relatively small size, if it was mine, I would leave it alone. It provides some contrast.
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: Jan 13, 2019 12:58    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

The only thing I might add is that after soaking for a day or 2 and after using vinegar, I would then use a hi pressure cleaning gun. The quartz is stout and many coatings of various types can be removed or lessened with the use of the vinegar and then the cleaning gun.

I also would not recommend any other chemicals. Fiddling around with household cleaners and other chemicals, besides vinegar, will only lead to "doctored looking" quartz when all is said and done. BOB
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
1
   

Kevin Schofield




Joined: 05 Jan 2018
Posts: 162
Location: Beacon NY

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 13:26    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

I'm with Gneisssware on this one. The area with the coating is relatively small, and to my mind does not detract from the aesthetics of the piece overall. You could go to a lot of messy trouble for very little overall mineralogical improvement...
_________________
Veni, Vidi, Emi
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 13:35    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

I'll definitely try the vinegar method first. At this point I'll probably stay away from using household items or acid.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Pete Richards
Site Admin



Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 827
Location: Northeast Ohio


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 14:50    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

If it's not a carbonate (reacts with vinegar), it's quite possible that it is a crust of silica, in which case it will not be removable without dangerous chemicals that would also damage the quartz.
_________________
Collecting and studying crystals with interesting habits, twinning, and epitaxy
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 14:53    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Pete Richards wrote:
If it's not a carbonate (reacts with vinegar), it's quite possible that it is a crust of silica, in which case it will not be removable without dangerous chemicals that would also damage the quartz.


Got you! What kind of chemicals will I be looking into if that's the case? Someone suggest ed using Hydrofluoric acid "reagent grade". But I don't know how it will affect the crystal?
Sounds like soaking in vinegar would be the safest solution.
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Pete Richards
Site Admin



Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 827
Location: Northeast Ohio


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 15:06    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

ed7232004 wrote:
Pete Richards wrote:
If it's not a carbonate (reacts with vinegar), it's quite possible that it is a crust of silica, in which case it will not be removable without dangerous chemicals that would also damage the quartz.


Got you! What kind of chemicals will I be looking into if that's the case? Someone suggested using Hydrofluoric acid "reagent grade". But I don't know how it will effect the crystal?
Sounds like soaking in vinegar would be the safest solution.


It would probably be hydrofluoric acid - very dangerous - or possibly some other fluorine compound. I don't know the details. But in any case, if it's a silica crust, any chemical that will dissolve it will also dissolve the quartz. NOT what you want to do!

_________________
Collecting and studying crystals with interesting habits, twinning, and epitaxy
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
1
   

lluis




Joined: 17 Nov 2006
Posts: 710

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 16:52    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Good night (my time...) to all

Just being bad.....
It is not the specimen just a heated amethyst?
And then, if heated, how many reactions could have been there?

Fluorhidric acid is not a good solution...
If a calcium compound, would convert in fluorite, also insoluble.
If not, well,... quartz is not stable at it...
So, just a double loser....

Maybe just a gentle brushing....and having in mind that it is not a citrine, just heated amethyst...

With best wishes

Lluís
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
1
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 17:59    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

lluis wrote:
Good night (my time...) to all

Just being bad.....
It is not the specimen just a heated amethyst?
And then, if heated, how many reactions could have been there?

Fluorhidric acid is not a good solution...
If a calcium compound, would convert in fluorite, also insoluble.
If not, well,... quartz is not stable at it...
So, just a double loser....

Maybe just a gentle brushing....and having in mind that it is not a citrine, just heated amethyst...

With best wishes

Lluís


To what you r saying this is a heated amethyst? Not a citrine?
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

GneissWare




Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 1287
Location: California


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 18:13    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

ed7232004 wrote:


To what you r saying this is a heated amethyst? Not a citrine?

Yes. See my comment earlier today.
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: Jan 13, 2019 18:17    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Did you not know this????? I think most of us thought you knew this. YES YOUR SPECIMEN IS HEAT TREATED AMETHYST from Brazil. It is considered citrine, but artificially created from heat treating Brazilian amethyst specimens. All very, very common.

And as this thread has continued to go on, I will repeat how you should attempt to remove the area of crust. I should note that I have 30+ years of cleaning Indiana specimens and have gotten quite good with lots of experience.

First soak in water a day or two. Then get rid of the excess water and put some vinegar on the crust areas. Leave there about 1/2 hour. If the crust is a carbonate, it will largely disappear. If the crust is a silicate, the vinegar will basically have no effect. Rinse well after the vinegar then use a hi pressure cleaning gun to mechanically remove the crust. NO other chemicals as they might damage the quartz and even the backside of your specimen (which no one has mentioned) if the chemicals splash onto the backside.

This should do it. BOB
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 18:47    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

Bob Harman wrote:
Did you not know this????? I think most of us thought you knew this. YES YOUR SPECIMEN IS HEAT TREATED AMETHYST from Brazil. It is considered citrine, but artificially created from heat treating Brazilian amethyst specimens. All very, very common.

And as this thread has continued to go on, I will repeat how you should attempt to remove the area of crust. I should note that I have 30+ years of cleaning Indiana specimens and have gotten quite good with lots of experience.

First soak in water a day or two. Then get rid of the excess water and put some vinegar on the crust areas. Leave there about 1/2 hour. If the crust is a carbonate, it will largely disappear. If the crust is a silicate, the vinegar will basically have no effect. Rinse well after the vinegar then use a hi pressure cleaning gun to mechanically remove the crust. NO other chemicals as they might damage the quartz and even the backside of your specimen (which no one has mentioned) if the chemicals splash onto the backside.

This should do it. BOB


Got you thank you. Yes I m aware. I wasnt thinking right lol. I was think it is a heated citrine, not a heated amethyst. But it make sense now as most citrine out there are heated amethyst. Definitely will try the vinegar method tonight. Due to unbalanced surfaces. I will almost have to soak the entire bottom of the geode into vinegar. Hopefully nothing cracks or damaged during this process as this is the least harmful way..
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

ed7232004




Joined: 12 Jan 2019
Posts: 33
Location: Texas

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 13, 2019 21:21    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

been soaking the entire bottom in vinegar for about an hour now, used a brass brush to brush it off but no luck. doesnt look like calicium at this point. unless it needs to be soak for longer time..i will wait for a day or two while vinegar work its magic. if not then i might just have to give up on the crust or bring it to local shop and let the expert do their jobs lol
Back to top
Reply to topic Reply with quote
Like
   

Tobi
Site Admin



Joined: 07 Apr 2009
Posts: 4087
Location: Germany


Access to the FMF Gallery title=

View user's profile

Send private message

PostPosted: Jan 14, 2019 02:05    Post subject: Re: Help! how to remove build up from citrine geode  

ed7232004 wrote:
[...]Yes I m aware. I wasnt thinking right lol. I was think it is a heated citrine, not a heated amethyst. But it make sense now as most citrine out there are heated amethyst[...]
And you should not forget that real citrine is actually pale yellow (most natural citrines look like a smoky quartz with a slight yellow touch) and not that orange ...

And I'm also with GneissWare and Kevin: Think twice if the white coating really disturbs you. It adds contrast and gives the specimen a more "natural" look. As was said before, these heat-treated amethysts from Brazil or Uruguay are very very very common material, even in large sizes, so this white coating makes it at least somehow special.

Just my two cents :)
Regards
Tobi
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 2
  Goto page 1, 2  Next  

 
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