Cleaning & Preparing Your Finds
What to do with the rocks once you get them home. Simple washing to chemical treatments.
The First Wash
Most finds just need a good scrub with warm water, dish soap, and a stiff brush. This removes mud, dirt, and organic matter. Let them soak overnight if the dirt is stubborn. Dental picks are great for getting into crevices.
Dealing with Iron Stains
Many crystals, especially quartz, come out of the ground coated in rust-colored iron oxides. Oxalic acid (often found in wood bleach) is the standard treatment. Soaking specimens in a warm oxalic acid solution can dissolve the iron staining and reveal the crystal underneath. Always use safety gear (gloves, goggles) and work in a well-ventilated area.
Mechanical Cleaning
For harder deposits or matrix, you might need mechanical tools. A textile cleaning gun (high-pressure water) can blast away clay. Air scribes (miniature jackhammers) are used by professionals to carefully remove matrix from delicate fossils or crystals.
Polishing
Some stones, like agates and jaspers, look best when tumbled or cut and polished. A rock tumbler is a great investment for beginners. It takes weeks, but the results are glassy, smooth stones that show off their patterns perfectly.