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How to Brighten a Gold Nugget

Perhaps you've used a metal detector or a gold pan, and you've finally found that first gold nugget. Unfortunately, it doesn't have that radiant, polished glow you were expecting. In fact, it might even look a bit dull. You don't want to do anything that would harm this precious treasure, and some polishing methods (like using acid or a rock tumbler) can be risky. However, there's a simple, safe and straightforward way to bring out the inner radiance in your gold nugget.

Things You'll Need

Toothbrush
Jar with a lid
Vinegar
Salt

Instructions

- 1
  Get your gold nugget wet and scrub it with an old toothbrush to remove obvious mud and sediment. Let it soak in water for a few minutes, then repeat the scrubbing. You may find that you enjoy the rustic look and that no further polishing is necessary.
- 2
  Put the gold nugget into a jar and pour in approximately equal amounts of vinegar and salt.
- 3
  Seal the jar tightly with a lid and then shake the jar vigorously a few times.
- 4
  Let the jar sit for about half an hour, then check on your gold. If it is not sufficiently shiny, close the jar and shake it again, then let it sit for another half hour.
- 5
  Perform Steps 3 and 4 until the gold is polished enough for your taste. Rinse the nugget in clean water and replace the vinegar and salt mixture every hour if it takes longer than that for your nugget to get clean.
- 6
  Rinse your gold nugget in clean water one last time, and polish it gently with a soft cloth.

Rocks & Minerals