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Techniques for CollectorsCleaning azurite from Bisbee, Arizona

19th Oct 2016 18:40 UTCStephen C. Blyskal Expert

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I recently obtained this specimen from an E-Rocks auction, from Wendel Minerals. The views show the front and the back of the specimen. I noticed that the specimen looked like it had never been cleaned and wondered what I could try on it. I have a high pressure water gun and I also have access to an ultra sonic cleaner. I am also familiar in the use of SiO.


Any advice is welcomed. My only previous experience is using the high pressure gun to clean a large specimen of malachite after azurite from Milpillas mine.

19th Oct 2016 18:52 UTCBob Harman

First of all the malachite and azurite are carbonates so I don't advise using acids, but a very short 15 second soak in dilute vinegar should not hurt the specimen. I have not had much experience with SIO and malachite/azurite so I would defer to others using SIO on your specimen.


I suggest soaking your specimen in soapy water overnight then GENTLY clean with your hi pressure cleaning gun. Start gently, gradually working up towards a stronger water stream and see how it goes. The tips of the azurite crystals may be delicate so be prepared to stop well before your spray gets strong. I think that gentle cleaning should improve your nice specimen. CHEERS.......BOB

19th Oct 2016 21:22 UTCSteve Hardinger 🌟 Expert

I've cleaned similar specimens before, sometimes with great success, and other times with no apparent change.


I start with 30 minutes in the ultrasonic cleaner, with the dirty/display face down in the basket. If this doesn't work, then the water gun (gentle first, to minimize possibility of damage, before getting very close).


Avoid super iron out as it often discolors and darkens copper minerals, especially azurite. Oxalic acid (being acidic and often rather slow to remove iron stains) would (probably) cause too much damage in the time required to de-rust your specimen.


Remember also that some specimens are ugly and just can't be improved.
 
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