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Techniques for CollectorsCleaning iron stains on topaz crystals

15th Feb 2014 22:44 UTCBarry Miller

Is it okay to use a toothbrush with wet household scouring powder (such as Ajax) to scrub/clean topaz crystals? Also - can I use toothpaste to clean iron off of topaz crystals? Thanks.

15th Feb 2014 23:15 UTCKeith Compton 🌟 Manager

Hi Barry'


I wouldn't want to "scrub" any mineral - always be gentle !!!!


I think you would be safe with your suggestion but you would probably get a better result with something like soaking in super iron out. Not knowing where you live, if that is not available you could try wheel cleaner (the type you use on mag wheels - I have used this successfully in the past on topaz and quartz) and that will often clean off the iron stains.


There are other threads to super iron out that indicate the chemicals involved.


Cheers


Keith

15th Feb 2014 23:36 UTCBarry Miller

Thanks again Keith. My wife is uncomfortable (i.e., strongly objects to) my using any chemicals (except for real ordinary household cleaners) since we have a pup. So, in deference to her, my only means of cleaning the topaz is by mechanical means. I do wonder, since topaz is so hard, if using a toothbrush and toothpaste would work satisfactorily to remove the iron stains. These are not fine crystals by any means but I'd rather not damage them. I'd just like to see them better by removing some of that coating of iron.

16th Feb 2014 03:25 UTCDennis McCoy

Barry, I have used toothpaste on multiple minerals, including topaz, without problems. Unfortunately it does little except remove dirt.

24th Feb 2014 22:20 UTCRock Currier Expert

You can clean your topaz crystals in the same way you would in cleaning quartz.
 
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