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Techniques for Collectorseffect of acetone on emerald

16th Feb 2017 12:50 UTCAqua marine

Hi everyone.

There is an emerald mineral on matrix that i want to buy here in our local market. i want to be sure that the crystals are not glued on it and its not been repaired. i have acetone and i can put the piece in acetone solution for 24 hours to be confirm. however i need to know wether acetone harms the emerald or not?

can you elaborate ?

16th Feb 2017 12:53 UTCWayne Corwin

acetone won't effect emrald.

16th Feb 2017 12:55 UTCDavid Von Bargen Manager

It won't affect pure emerald. If there has been some filling of faults and fractures with a a plastic, that treatment might be adversely affected by the soaking.

16th Feb 2017 13:09 UTCBob Harman

As DAVID VB noted, acetone might tell you more than just whether the emerald was repaired or glued on. I think, as the emerald is quite small, leaving it soaking in acetone for just 15-20 minutes should give you the answer. Any glue sensitive to acetone will be loosened up by then. CHEERS.......BOB

17th Feb 2017 02:00 UTCDoug Daniels

If you haven't bought it, I kind of doubt that you would be able to test it that way. I think most dealers don't want someone chemically messing with their inventory, for what ever reason(s).

17th Feb 2017 11:54 UTCAqua marine

its a big and expensive mineral. not a gem. with multiple crystals on matrix. only one way to be sure .acetone or MEK, i have acetone at the moment not MEK.

i will put the piece for 24 hours and hopefully it will be enough. so finger crossed.

Regards

17th Feb 2017 13:16 UTCJohn Collins

Keep the soaking procedure pin a sealed container as the fumes of acetone are not good to be breathing. (You often see the workers in nail shops wearing masks to avoid the fumes (not that that the masks do much).

17th Feb 2017 13:24 UTCWayne Corwin

Aqua

Let us know the results please ;-)

17th Feb 2017 13:41 UTCReiner Mielke Expert

"sealed container" metal not plastic as the plastic will dissolve. Also wear latex gloves ( not nitrile or vinyl) as this is the most resistant to acetone. Better yet do it outside.

17th Feb 2017 13:53 UTCWayne Corwin

A glass jar with a tight lid will also work.

And outside is best if you can.

18th Feb 2017 19:03 UTCAqua marine

Alright guyz. the piece turned out to be glued. they have used super glue. repaired from multiple locations. 21 hours in acetone and still the liquid couldn't eat all the glue as one glued rock piece that left the matrix had white sticky transparent thing.

thank you everyone for your help and suggestions. you guyz saved me.

i am quite astonished to see that 21 hours in acetone couldn't dissolve all the glue. it was some kind of super glue.

thanks alot guyz

19th Feb 2017 03:36 UTCWayne Corwin

The white sticky stuff might be elmers, try warm water.

19th Feb 2017 06:48 UTCAqua marine

here is the video clip

https://youtu.be/c1PQLLELqjc

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