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Techniques for CollectorsEtching out sperrylite crystals from the matrix
17th Nov 2008 02:24 UTCKeith Williamson
I have a specimen of Russian sperrylite in the chalcopyrite matrix with several crystal faces peeking out. I want to expose the crystals better. Is there another way to etch the crystals out other than with a pick?
Thanks, Keith
17th Nov 2008 10:17 UTCRock Currier Expert
28th Jul 2011 18:58 UTCJim Walker & Mary Fong/Walker
2nd Aug 2011 17:07 UTCPeter Haas
12th Aug 2011 20:15 UTCAnonymous User
Use a knife to remove the matrix around the Sperrylite but make sure you keep a distance-don't touch the crystals.You can mask the crystal with a large piece of tack.
Clean as much matrix you think will be safe and leave some matrix around the crystal.
Take abrasive powder (make sure the material has a hardness closer to the matrix than the Sperrylite!) and use a drill with a brush head to remove the matrix around the crystal.
Make sure the drill is not twisted too fast,don't let the temperature raise.
A good idea would be to create a paste :mix abrasive with some viscose liquid-like dish wash detergent-inert and easy to clean off.
It's much slower method but safer.
Good luck!
-Kostas.
13th Mar 2012 20:00 UTCcallie
13th Mar 2012 20:48 UTCErik Vercammen Expert
14th Mar 2012 06:21 UTCRock Currier Expert
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Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: March 28, 2024 18:46:37