Removing hard crust from amethyst

Gem Related Discussion
1

Hi, I’m wanting to know a good, safe and reliable method to remove the hard concrete like substance around amethyst crystals. I read somewhere about soaking it in vinegar. I did this for a few weeks and it didn’t seem to work well.
I’ve used soapy water and abrasive scourer, soaking in vinegar and even tried chipping it off.
Any advice?

2

Hi there,

CLR is available at most chain grocery stores. I was told it is the only way except grinding it off. Just soak it in the CLR I don’t believe it will it will hurt the stone.

Good Luck!!

3

I would cut it with a gem saw

4

Ah ok, not sure I can get CLR here in Cambodia lol

Thanks

5

Soak it in a glycolic acid solution; link to DuPont Chemical white sheet below. If that doesn’t do the trick soak it in a citric acid solution. Both options are less costic than using muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid).

https://www.chemours.com/Glycolic_Acid/es_MX/assets/downloads/K15587Web_Concrete_FINAL.pdf

Thomas Harter
(Opal.Tiki)