Hobbies And Interests
Clay Removal
Clay can cling to crystals and obscure their natural beauty. If the clay particles are small or very dry, brush them off with an old toothbrush. You might find that the clay brushes off more easily if it's wet. If you can't remove the clay with a toothbrush, you'll need to get a pressure washer. Lay the crystals on a tarp or canvas dropcloth outside and spray them with a pressure washer. Let the crystals dry, and repeat the pressure washing if any clay remains. If you don't have access to a pressure washer, take your crystals to a do-it-yourself carwash. Lay a tarp down in the stall, and wash your crystals with the hose.
Iron Removal
Some crystals are discolored by iron, and the best way to remove the iron is to bathe the crystals in some type of acid. Oxalic acid is available at drugstores and is relatively inexpensive (usually between $2 and $4 per pound). In a bucket, mix 1 gallon of water with 1 pound of oxalic acid. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection when you work with oxalic acid. Allow the crystals to soak in the bucket of water and oxalic acid for a few days. It's best to put the bucket outside in a sunny place away from animals and children. After two to three days in the bucket, remove the crystals and rinse them with fresh water. Dispose of the oxalic acid and water mixture by mixing 1/4 cup baking soda in it to neutralize the acid before dumping it down a drain.
Brass Brush
Brass brushes are available in hardware stores in the cleaning or wood refinishing sections. They have brass bristles and are very good at getting into small cracks and crevices. When using a brass brush to clean crystals, use a back-and-forth motion and start with a light touch to make sure your crystals won't be scratched or burnished by the bristles. Increase your pressure as needed to remove any grit, clay, or dirt.