Log InRegister
Quick Links : The Mindat ManualThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryMindat Newsletter [Free Download]
Home PageAbout MindatThe Mindat ManualHistory of MindatCopyright StatusWho We AreContact UsAdvertise on Mindat
Donate to MindatCorporate SponsorshipSponsor a PageSponsored PagesMindat AdvertisersAdvertise on Mindat
Learning CenterWhat is a mineral?The most common minerals on earthInformation for EducatorsMindat ArticlesThe ElementsThe Rock H. Currier Digital LibraryGeologic Time
Minerals by PropertiesMinerals by ChemistryAdvanced Locality SearchRandom MineralRandom LocalitySearch by minIDLocalities Near MeSearch ArticlesSearch GlossaryMore Search Options
Search For:
Mineral Name:
Locality Name:
Keyword(s):
 
The Mindat ManualAdd a New PhotoRate PhotosLocality Edit ReportCoordinate Completion ReportAdd Glossary Item
Mining CompaniesStatisticsUsersMineral MuseumsClubs & OrganizationsMineral Shows & EventsThe Mindat DirectoryDevice SettingsThe Mineral Quiz
Photo SearchPhoto GalleriesSearch by ColorNew Photos TodayNew Photos YesterdayMembers' Photo GalleriesPast Photo of the Day GalleryPhotography

Techniques for Collectorshow to remove limonite from baryte

23rd Jun 2007 21:16 UTCstonefarmer

Help! i have an awesome cluster of barite crystals each measuring 22cm on edge but its encrusted with limonite how can i remove it ,preferably chemically as the baryte is soft and abrasion would ruin it.

23rd Jun 2007 21:29 UTCstonefarmer

-- moved topic --

2nd Jul 2007 18:54 UTCStephen Moreton Expert

If there is no acid sensitive mineral, like calcite, present, then the simplest method is saturated oxalic acid solution. Soak the barite for a day or two in a warm place, like a south facing conservatory. When the encrustation has all gone, wash it then soak in water. Change the water a couple of times to get rid of all the acid. The solution can be used many times until it begins to deposit yellow iron oxalate, at which point it is used up. An alternative method uses citric acid in combination with a sulphite. See my reply in this section to the chap wanting to clean Rogerley fluorite. Remember oxalic acid is rather poisonous. I have used it very successfully to clean Yorkshire barite that was thickly coated in iron oxide, but I prefer citric for fluorite as it is gentler, if slower.

3rd Jul 2007 09:59 UTCPeter Haas

Also soak the specimen in water for a couple of hours BEFORE you apply the oxalic acid solution. It will be difficult otherwise to get rid of all oxalic acid residues. Chemicals that have been taken up by cracks and small pores through capillary forces are not fully removed by washing.
 
and/or  
Mindat Discussions Facebook Logo Instagram Logo Discord Logo
Mindat.org is an outreach project of the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Copyright © mindat.org and the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy 1993-2024, except where stated. Most political location boundaries are © OpenStreetMap contributors. Mindat.org relies on the contributions of thousands of members and supporters. Founded in 2000 by Jolyon Ralph.
Privacy Policy - Terms & Conditions - Contact Us / DMCA issues - Report a bug/vulnerability Current server date and time: May 13, 2024 02:03:17
Go to top of page