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Techniques for CollectorsCleaning the crystals of LARGE geodes

18th Apr 2014 23:08 UTCJeanette Hauser

My father gave me gifts of several large geodes, one amethyst and the other citrine. Both are too heavy for me to lift.

They have become dusty on the inside crystals and I would like to clean them. Some of the crystals are small, especially in the citrine, and even a slight wipe with a cloth broke some of them off.

Is there a spray that can be used to clean the crystals?

I also have other specimens that he gave me that have very small, delicate crystals that certainly would break if they were touched. So the same question exists for those: How can they be cleaned?

Thank you for your help.

18th Apr 2014 23:24 UTCJolyon Ralph Founder

Anything that is suitable for cleaning glass will be fine for cleaning amethyst or citrine.

Jolyon

19th Apr 2014 13:32 UTCRock Currier Expert

Could you send us some pictures of what you want to clean?

19th Apr 2014 14:33 UTCPaul Brandes 🌟 Manager

Welcome to Mindat, Jeanette!

One thing you might want to try for the geodes is Dow Scrubbing Bubbles cleaner. It's not a harsh cleaning agent and it gets into every crack and tight spot to loosen up dust and dirt. Afterwards, you can use a garden hose to rinse them off, depending on where they are located of course. For the smaller, more delicate specimens, some photos as Rock suggested would help to see what you're dealing with.

19th Apr 2014 16:56 UTCJeanette Hauser

Thank you for the quick replies! I shall take some photos within the next few days and add them to this thread.

BTW, my father was the founder of the Hendersonville, NC Mineral and Lapidary Museum and continued as President and COB until his death in 2007. His wife, Helen Hauser, continues to operate the Museum as President, along with very loyal board and staff members and volunteers.