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Techniques for CollectorsHow to clean: Goethite psm. Siderite, Rutile, Quartz

23rd Mar 2015 11:51 UTCPatrick D'Elia

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Hello, I recently acquired a multi-mineral piece that doesn't look like it has ever had any cleaning or prep work done to it. The basic makeup of the piece is goethite after siderite, with quartz, muscovite, and some small intergrown rutiles. I would love to clean off some of the brown dirt/rust from the piece (see photos) but am not sure how to proceed without harming any of the minerals.


Thanks for the help!

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23rd Mar 2015 12:44 UTCBob Harman

PATRICK, To start with I would soak your example overnight in soapy water with no bleach. Then I would use water in a hi pressure cleaning gun (dry cleaning gun) starting with a fine hi pressure mist gradually building up to a hi pressure spray, while rinsing the specimen often in a bucket of water. Taylor your spray to the stoutness of your specimen so the spray just removes dirt and any coatings, but does not begin to blow off little pieces. I think you will be quite happy with the results, but it will probably never really look super great. I would not use Super Iron Out, bleach or acid (except for a quick 15 second swoosh with vinegar). After this, reassess the specimen and be realistic whether further cleaning attempts are necessary. CHEERS…….BOB

23rd Mar 2015 13:38 UTCKristopher Dingfield

I have had some luck using simple green and a toothbrush (gently and in a cycle, soak, brush, rinse, spot gun, rinse and then repeat) also I have cleaned a few using a sand blasting cabinet and glass bead. Again be careful lightly hit it with glass bead and back off check and rinse specimen and then repeat.
 
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