Removing Galena from Sphalerite

Hello all!

Any ideas on how to totally remove Galena matrix from Sphalerite specimen?Please,suggest only solutions that do not have any possibility reacting with the Sphalerite.


Thanks a lot in advance!
-Kostas.

Impossible.

Hi all!

Peter,thank you for your answer.I guess I'll try mechanically.Fortunately Sphalerite is harder than Galena...



Thanks!
-Kostas.

An air abrasive tool running glass beads will easily abrade away galena, the problem is that they will also eat away the sphalerite almost as easily. You will have to find a powder that will attack the galena and leave the sphalerite intact. I don't know if that is possible. Probably not.
Rock

Calcite will be between the hardness of galena and sphalerite, but not sure if you might still pit the sphalerite or cause fractures.

Hi all and thank you for your answers!


I guess I'll get Calcium Carbonate granular from a pharmacy and mix it with some emulsion to create a paste.Rubbing,I will try to remove the Galena.

Any ideas on what the emulsion should be?I need a thick liquid that will not harm the Sphalerite.


Thank you!
-Kostas.

Was mainly considering it as an abrasive in an air abrasive tool. If you are going to do it by hand, would probably try to cleave/remove it with a plastic tool.