Discussion: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities

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SecretNinja	Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Sep 29 2009, 12:29 PM EDT Hi my lovely Washagonian (washington/Oregon folk) dirt nerds, I need your help. I have searched the site and the web but I have not found a good solution to my dilemma. I have some GREAT Zeolite and Quartz specimens however they are nicely nestled in some pretty tough basalt. We got them out of hiding with chisels and big whackum smackum hammers but now how do we get the rest of the matrix off? This is the first time I have hunted and prepared this type of material so I'm just, well call it clueless. :) Is this where I break the dental pic out or is there a better method? I am also aware of once I free my quartz crystals, to soak them in an acid bath to remove any staining but I'm not that far yet. What about the zeolites? I do have some furry zeolites so those will just be separated and removed from the host rick and put way way up high where the cat cannot reach them but what about cleaning the smaller crystalline zeolites? Will an acid bath eat alumna silicates? Thanks you guys! You’re the best! Post reply Do you find this valuable? Keyword tags: quartz removing matrix zeolite
aubreyreynolds9@gmai	1. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Sep 29 2009, 7:29 PM EDT I am a Chemical Engineer. Na OH (lye) will attack alumina silicates unfortunately it will attack quartz. I will research the subject but I can not think of chemicals that will dissolve basalt without damaging quartz and zeolites. Bill Post reply Do you find this valuable?
rockcandyguy	2. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 1 2009, 9:55 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 1 2009, 9:55 PM EDT I don't know anything that will dissolve basalt that you'd want to use at home, but a trim saw will reduce the matrix size, then sandblast (or flame trim) the cut edge for a natural appearance. If your fuzzy minerals have dirt (not stains) on them, dip them in a strong baking soda solution, then in a weak vinegar bath. The carbon dioxide bubbles will lift the dirt off the fuzzies. Bob Post reply Do you find this valuable?
jakesrocks	3. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 1 2009, 10:52 PM EDT "I don't know anything that will dissolve basalt that you'd want to use at home, but a trim saw will reduce the matrix size, then sandblast (or flame trim) the cut edge for a natural appearance. If your fuzzy minerals have dirt (not stains) on them, dip them in a strong baking soda solution, then in a weak vinegar bath. The carbon dioxide bubbles will lift the dirt off the fuzzies. Bob" Don't forget to soak them in cold water (preferably distilled) afterwords, to stop the acidic action of the vinegar. Don Post reply Do you find this valuable?
rockcandyguy	4. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 2 2009, 12:18 AM EDT Good point, Don! Post reply Do you find this valuable?
SecretNinja	5. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 5 2009, 1:02 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 5 2009, 1:02 PM EDT You guys are all so awesome! Thank you so much! :) Post reply Do you find this valuable?
jakesrocks	6. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 5 2009, 2:30 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 5 2009, 2:30 PM EDT Speaking of cleaning specimens, does anyone know of a good mail order source for Oxalic acid ? I'm about to run out, and my old source has gone out of business. Don Post reply Do you find this valuable?
pvjjh	7. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 5 2009, 3:35 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 5 2009, 3:35 PM EDT "Speaking of cleaning specimens, does anyone know of a good mail order source for Oxalic acid ? I'm about to run out, and my old source has gone out of business. Don" I have purchased OA on ebay with no problems. It is cheap stuff. Though if you google OA you can com up with suppliers that may have better prices. Paul Post reply Do you find this valuable?
jakesrocks	8. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 5 2009, 5:06 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 5 2009, 5:06 PM EDT "I have purchased OA on ebay with no problems. It is cheap stuff. Though if you google OA you can com up with suppliers that may have better prices. Paul" Thanks Paul. I'll give it a try. I used to get it from a lapidary supply place that has gone out of business. I have some geodes and agatized coral that I want to clean up. Also some pet wood specimens with bad iron staining on them. Don Post reply Do you find this valuable?
pvjjh	9. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 5 2009, 7:24 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 5 2009, 7:24 PM EDT "Thanks Paul. I'll give it a try. I used to get it from a lapidary supply place that has gone out of business. I have some geodes and agatized coral that I want to clean up. Also some pet wood specimens with bad iron staining on them. Don" No problem. You may want to try a product called Iron Out. You can get it at most hardware stores. oxalic Acid works but it takes so long to to work. The Iron Out works in a matter of hours and doesn't seem to bother the rock. Bob Jackson turn us on to this stuff to clean Fluorite. We have been using it for other rocks too and it seems to work just fine. I like it anyway. Paul Post reply Do you find this valuable?
jakesrocks	10. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 5 2009, 7:34 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 5 2009, 7:34 PM EDT "No problem. You may want to try a product called Iron Out. You can get it at most hardware stores. oxalic Acid works but it takes so long to to work. The Iron Out works in a matter of hours and doesn't seem to bother the rock. Bob Jackson turn us on to this stuff to clean Fluorite. We have been using it for other rocks too and it seems to work just fine. I like it anyway. Paul" I'll give it a try. I have to run to Menards tomorrow anyway. I'll pick some up, and let you know how it works. Don Post reply Do you find this valuable?
pvjjh	11. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 5 2009, 7:40 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 5 2009, 7:40 PM EDT "I'll give it a try. I have to run to Menards tomorrow anyway. I'll pick some up, and let you know how it works. Don" I know I have been pleased with the results and it only takes a couple of hours that we have seen. Just mix according to the instructions and let them soak a bit. Yeah, let me know what you think after trying it. Paul Post reply Do you find this valuable?
jakesrocks	12. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 6 2009, 9:09 AM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 6 2009, 9:09 AM EDT Hey Paul, just to let you and others know, Covington still has Oxalic acid listed in their catalog. They have 1 and 5 pound packages. I need to order a couple things from them, so I'll get 5 pounds while I'm at it. Don Post reply Do you find this valuable?
dbsagates	13. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 6 2009, 11:02 AM EDT "Hey Paul, just to let you and others know, Covington still has Oxalic acid listed in their catalog. They have 1 and 5 pound packages. I need to order a couple things from them, so I'll get 5 pounds while I'm at it. Don" Oxalic Acid is pretty common stuff you guys most local hardware, paint stores have it in Lb. boxs and is usually under another name like "Rainbow" they use it to clean up ole hardwoods ect. Also for any rust stains like on Pet-Wood, local stores also sell Muriatic Acid by the gal. which is way faster acting than Oxalic. Just get a 5gal plastic container and mix up a batch (acid to water) and put it in an out of the way place with a lid and can be used over and over until it gets stained bad, just have to add more acid from time to time. They recommend washing your items and soaking them in water for a few days after the treatment. DB Post reply Do you find this valuable?
pvjjh	14. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 6 2009, 12:12 PM EDT "Hey Paul, just to let you and others know, Covington still has Oxalic acid listed in their catalog. They have 1 and 5 pound packages. I need to order a couple things from them, so I'll get 5 pounds while I'm at it. Don" Thanks Don, I think it is widely carried in lapidary supply houses and hardware stores. However there may be cheaper places to buy it. That is why I recommended eBay or a google search for an outlet. At least they will combine the shipping with your other stuff. Paul Post reply Do you find this valuable?
dbsagates	15. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 6 2009, 8:47 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 6 2009, 8:47 PM EDT Ya Paul it would be interesting to watch guys shop till they drop. Ha I have been treating about 200 lbs of Wy Blue Forest wood that I picked up at a sale right in front of Bob for a dollar mind you. I was cutting a piece this after noon and it broke up and caused my 12" blade to bend in about an inch groan. I never heard such a racket, so now down and out till I pick up another one. DB Post reply Do you find this valuable?
jakesrocks	16. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 6 2009, 8:59 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 6 2009, 8:59 PM EDT Hey DB, did that $300.00 agate breath a sigh of relief when you bent that blade ? Man, that's a bummer. Thought I ruined my 16 incher a while back. I lucked out. I always run my belts just a little on the loose side. I fried the belt, but the blade was ok. ----- Don Post reply Do you find this valuable?
dbsagates	17. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 6 2009, 9:11 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 6 2009, 9:11 PM EDT "Hey DB, did that $300.00 agate breath a sigh of relief when you bent that blade ? Man, that's a bummer. Thought I ruined my 16 incher a while back. I lucked out. I always run my belts just a little on the loose side. I fried the belt, but the blade was ok. ----- Don" Ha it was kinda funny this guy came with his agate and we were talking and I said he lets go out to the shop I have a piece of wood cutting and I heard this clunk and blade banking so I shut it down and opened the lid and he said hey your blades bent. I said well guess what your not getting your rock cut with this saw today and didn't feel like trying to figure out how to hold it in the 7" one. I think after two blades bent I need to make the belt a little bit looser Thanks for reminding me Don. DB Post reply Do you find this valuable?
pvjjh	18. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 6 2009, 9:38 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 6 2009, 9:38 PM EDT "Ya Paul it would be interesting to watch guys shop till they drop. Ha I have been treating about 200 lbs of Wy Blue Forest wood that I picked up at a sale right in front of Bob for a dollar mind you. I was cutting a piece this after noon and it broke up and caused my 12" blade to bend in about an inch groan. I never heard such a racket, so now down and out till I pick up another one. DB" Ouch man! It always scares me to cut somewhat fractured rock or even those t-eggs that is hard to know what is on the inside of them. Bending a 24" blade makes me cringe. Bummer DB. Now you got me thinking I best check belt tension. lol You guys talk about 300$ for an agate, I don't want to spend 300+$ on a new blade. Paul Post reply Do you find this valuable?
pvjjh	19. RE: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities Oct 6 2009, 9:40 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 6 2009, 9:40 PM EDT As for shopping until a guy drops. It only takes a couple of minutes to find the best price and shipping with all of the "buy it now" stuff on eBay. Paul Post reply Do you find this valuable?

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Discussion: Quartz & Zeolites in Basalt matrix - Western Washing/Oregon Localities

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