How to clean an Amethyst geode?

Question

I own an amethyst geode and I have no idea how to clean it.

Answer 1

Instructions

1 Place a towel or rubber mat down in your sink to protect the geode (and your sink). Place a teaspoon of dish detergent directly into the geode.

2 Fill the sink with water until the geode is completely covered. Let it soak for 15 minutes to loosen dirt.

3 Gently scrub the geode, inside and out, with a small bottle brush or toothbrush (soft-bristled). The brush is necessary to remove dirt from crevices, but use a gentle touch so you don't dislodge small amethyst crystals.

4 Rinse the geode with distilled water--using distilled water prevents mineral deposit residue on the amethyst. Inspect the amethyst crystals for remaining dirt. Brush the geode again with detergent if any grime remains.

5 Place the geode on a towel, in a well-ventilated area to dry.



Tips & Warnings

Many amethyst geodes will come clean through just the detergent and water cleaning. If additional cleaning is necessary, mamasminerals.com suggests soaking the geode in bleach (1/4 cup). Place the geode in a plastic bucket and carefully pour the bleach into the bucket (along with sufficient water to cover the geode completely). Let the amethyst geode soak in this solution for two days. Remove it, rinse it, and brush the geode with a soft toothbrush and denture cleaner, also recommended by mamasminerals.com.



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Answer 2

I would start with kitchen detergent and a brush. If that doesn't do the job to your satisfaction try soaking it in dilute hydrochloric acid (10%). If there are carbonate minerals in there HCL may dissolve them so be careful. HCL will not hurt the amethyst.

Answer 3

There is a cleaner called MEX All-Purpose Cleaner that you can buy in hardware store. It is very safe, can be used out in the garage. Be careful with it, wear gloves for instance, but it is much safer than acid. Soak them for 2 days and rinse thoroughly and very well in cold water.

Answer 4

If there is any limestone involved it may dissolve and allow the crystals to fall out if you use an acid or vinegar to clean it.

Answer 5

Soak it in strong Vinegar and water solution, couple days.