How to Clean Geodes: The Ultimate Guide
Geodes are spherical stones with crystal formations and hollow centers. They are frequently broken into two half-spheres to reveal the crystals inside. They can also be cut or sculpted into different shapes. Geodes form deep within animal burrows, tree roots, and volcanic rock.
Geodes are rocks that have a basic exterior shell. But inside, there is a stunning display of crystals. Mineral cooling and heating under pressure made these crystals over many years. It is easy to clean the outside of a geode, but it can be harder to clean the inside if it is dirty. It can spoil the beautiful gem-like crystals people seek when they hunt for geodes.
However, now that you’ve acquired your new geode collection, it’s time to clean it up. Geodes and thundereggs can get dirty, so we’ll review some of the simplest ways to clean them. Let’s get started!
How To Clean Geodes?
Geodes can be cleaned in different ways. Using chemicals or water and a brush to clean them is an option. You must wear protective gear like glasses, gloves, and a respirator if you use chemicals.
Easiest Method To Clean A Geode
Washing your geodes or thundereggs with soap and water is the quickest and easiest way to clean them. After you have washed them, soak them in a bucket of water containing 14 cups of household bleach for two days.
When it is time for cleaning, the geode will be scrubbed with a toothbrush and a denture cleaner. It is the very last thing to do. This process can be made more accessible by using an old electric toothbrush. Scrub the denture cleanser into all the gaps and crevices to remove any grit deep within the fissures.
Wood Bleach Method For Cleaning Geodes
If you see iron stains inside the geode, you can clean it using this approach. However, remember that wood bleach is dangerous, so wear eye protection, gloves, and a respirator mask when dealing with it. Also, remember that wood bleach is corrosive, so avoid storing it in metal containers.
First, the geode or thunderegg must be adequately rinsed to remove as much dirt as possible. Next, combine the oxalic acid solution. Combine 1/8 cup oxalic acid with 5 liters of water to do this. After that, immerse the geodes in the oxalic acid solution for several hours. However, please don’t soak the geodes for much longer than this because it can harm them.
If the geodes are still stained after a few hours, try soaking them for another hour or two. If you rewash them, I’d recommend increasing the concentration of the solution a bit. Finally, rinse the geodes thoroughly with warm water after soaking them.
CAUTION
If you think or know that your calcite crystals and carbonates have been damaged by wood bleach, clean them with a weak wood bleach solution. Wash and soak the geode in warm water afterward.
WARNING
Wood bleach is poisonous, so be careful when you use it. Wear eye protection, gloves, and a NIOSH-approved respirator mask. Do not use wood bleach in metal containers because it is corrosive and will eat through the metal.
Oxalic Acid and Calcite Crystals
Oxalic acid can harm calcite crystals and carbonates, so it’s essential to be aware before using it. If you believe you possess one of these stones, apply a tiny amount of diluted oxalic acid solution and wash and soak the geode in warm water.
Read more: Some Famous Gems Get a New Setting
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Clean Geodes
Using vinegar and water to clean geodes is an additional method. Soak the geode for 24 hours in a container of vinegar. Rinse it off with water afterward. It will help to clean off any built-up mineral deposits that are usually located on the outside of the stained geode.
You can clean amethyst with warm soapy water. In general, ultrasonic cleaners are harmless, but you should avoid using them on stones that have been colored or treated with fracture filling. Amethyst should not be cleaned with steam, nor should it be exposed to heat.
Vinegar is an acid that dissolves bits of a material called calcium carbonate in limestone. It releases carbon dioxide, a gas that rises to the surface as a stream of bubbles. Rocks that don’t contain calcium carbonate won’t fizz because they don’t have anything to dissolve.
Consider collecting a bowl of fresh saltwater if you are near the ocean. If you are not near the ocean, mix a tablespoon of sea, rock, or table salt into a water bowl. Ensure that your stone is well submerged in water, and soak it for several hours to days. Rinse and pat dry after use.
