cleaning calcite

just looking for some tips on cleaning calcite. I've quite a few specimens that need some TLC. Thanx.

Michael,
Describe your calcite specimens, any associations and what is objectionable about them that you want to improve.
Rock

The calcite specimans that I intend to clean are soiled by some dirt, some clay, and a hard paper thin crustlike soil that doesn't come off by without scratching the calcite crystals.

Michael

I clean my calcites by putting them on water by some time to softener the soil and mud, then I rub them carefully and smoothly with a toothbrush.

If some dirt doesn't want to come out, I put them for a few hours (1-3h) in pharmacy hidrogen peroxide. Then, I rub them again, pass it by water and let it dry.

Never had any problem. The clay that the hidrogen peroxide don't remove it must be included on the clacite, it will be very difficult to remove.

Jorge

Thank you very much jorge!
I am going to try it later today.

i found hydrogen peroxide is good for removing mosses and lichens too =)

"A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits."

Matt,
I'm not a believer but that certainly makes you wonder!

If your still needing some ideas, i would recommend trying a VERY diluted bath of HCl, try it on a few samples you don't care much for to get the hang of it. This will clean off any Calcium Carbonate built up on the outsides, but it will also start to dissolve the Calcite as well. Make sure you have some rinse water mixed with bsking soda near bye to clean the sample before storing it away; sometimes the acid will continue to dissolve the Calcite after you clean it (I learned this from first hand experience and ended up losing a very nice piece of calcite for it!) Good luck!