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 clean Dioptase?

23rd Feb 2012 09:53 UTCJonathan Ertman

Hi how do i clean dioptase thanks Jon.

23rd Feb 2012 11:05 UTCJolyon Ralph Founder

Water at room temperature and a toothbrush. It's not safe to use most chemicals on Dioptase.


What are you trying to clean off of it?


Jolyon

23rd Feb 2012 11:10 UTCRock Currier Expert

For best results, show us a picture or at least tell us what it is you want to clean off your dioptase?

23rd Feb 2012 11:52 UTCJonathan Ertman

dark limonite stain,rust stain the dioptase is from congo,it is about 3x3x3 with many small xls

right i use my monster ultrasonic to clean it,the ultrasonic can hold minerals up to foot long

i got free at the medicla building i work at they where to pitch but it works jon.

23rd Feb 2012 17:44 UTCRolf Brandt

be very careful with an ultrasonic cleaner. if too much energy goes into the cleaner, the whole specimen might fall apart. the Congo stuff is quite brittle. Rolf

25th Feb 2012 11:17 UTCRock Currier Expert

For removing iron stains/limonite from dioptase you can use Iron Out much like you would to clean iron stains from Quartz. See the directions the Iron Out/Waller section of this article. First however use a high pressure fabric gun to remove as much crud from the specimen as you can. You can make the waller solution warm and put that in your ultrasonic and that may spead the process. Sometimes the "iron staining" is mixed with tough impacted fine grained "clay" minerals and you may need to repeat the process several time and you still may not be sucessfull. If you suspect that there may be some carbonate mineral on the specimen you may wish to try and remove it with a 10% Nitric acid solution. Nitric acid is the only common acid that will not damage the dioptase, the others will. Can you scrape any of the offending crud off with a knife or needle point? Is the dioptase underneath shiny?

28th Feb 2012 09:27 UTCJonathan Ertman

Hi cannot scrape off because the crystals are small,but the ultrasonic worked thanks for the help.Jon
 
Mineral and/or Locality  
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: March 28, 2024 23:55:58
Go to top of page