The "Waller" Solution
This method of mineral cleaning was first introduced to me by Roland Franke as a simple method of cleaning iron stain from minerals. Further research reveals different methods of using the basic solution.
As originally described by Roland the solution is made by dissolving in one liter of distilled water:
* 8.4g Sodium Bicarbonate
* 17.4 g Sodium Dithionite
* 5.9g Trisodium salt of Citric Acid (sodium citrate)
Once mixed, the minerals are immersed in the solution. The cleaning action can be accelerated by placing in an ultrasonic cleaner. This solution is not appropriate for indoor use because, once mixed, there is a strong odor of rotten eggs. Use only outdoors or in an area with proper exhaust venting. As usual read all precautions on the individual component packages.
The solution is good for only about 24 hours and should be discarded after that. Since a liter of solution may be more than you need, the Geological Museum of Copenhagen (Hansen, 1984) suggests a variation - you can prepare a stock buffer solution of one liter water, 28 g sodium bicarbonate and 59 g sodium citrate (citric acid). Then when ready place your specimens in a container, pour in buffer solution to cover the top, then carefully sprinkle on top 1 g sodium dithionite for every 30 ml of buffer solution. After five minutes another 1 g of sodium dithionite is added in the same way. They also recommend sealing tightly with a lid and keeping at room temperature to avoid the formation of sulfides and sulfur.
If you have heavy iron stain a specimen may require several treatments in succession as the solution becomes saturated and loses effectiveness. After your piece is clean then wash in distilled water for an equal amount of time that the specimen was in the solution. Then in running (or regularly changed) tap water.
Apparently the solution works by reducing Fe+3 to Fe+2 and then dissolving Fe+2 in the Citric Acid. The Sodium Bicarbonate balances the pH to be neutral. This last point means that theoretically you can clean any mineral in it without worrying about etching it. Practically though caution should be taken by testing on samples prior to immersing your best piece. In conclusion, I have stayed clear of the more hazardous hydrofluoric, sulfuric, nitric acids and treatments for specialized uses such as cleaning native copper. If you are looking for more information I highly recommend starting with John Sinkankas books Field Collecting for Gemstones and Minerals (originally published as Gemstones and Minerals: How and Where to Find Them and Gemstone and Mineral Data Book, both published by Geoscience Press.
References
Hansen, Mogen, Cleaning Delicate Minerals, Mineralogical Record, March-April 1984, pg. 103 Marcasite Disease and Preservation
von:
http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/john_betts/clean1.htmlhaldenschreck