I found some garnets at Garnet Hill near Ely, Nevada. We have been using vinegar, a wire brush, nail files, etc. trying to remove the rock around them so we can use them for jewelry. Any ideas on how to dissolve the rock without damaging the garnet would be appreciated.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
Garnets from that area of Nevada are most likely in a matrix rock called Rhyolite. Rhyolite is the volcanic version of Granite. It is quite hard and not easily dissolved. You could try Muriatic acid, but USE EXTREME CAUTION handling it, and follow ALL precautions on the label. It should be safe to use on Garnets and clean them quite well. Before attempting using muriatic acid, do some searching on the web, read the precautions you'll need to take, and see if it is really something you want to attempt.
If you visit a lot of rock sites they tell you to clean the rock with muriatic acid. It is also recommended to check on the region that the granet was found because in some regions they have small veins in the rock that could damage the rocks.
Here is a better how to's for those tough deposits - showmerockhounds.com/
Sounds like you had a nice trip.
I'm not familiar with this type of stone but I have used a rock tumbler for other stones and they turned out quite nice.
Why don't you check out this You Tube video and some forums where regular people tell about their 'solutions'. You may change your mind about removing all of the rock formation.
www.google.com/
www.mindat.org/
www.mindat.org/
I have at least 50 lb rock full of garnet, but trying any method to get to the gem, seems impossible
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
