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 Post subject: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Sun Oct 14, 2018 11:56 am 
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Hi,

For rough rubies, what sort of chemicals would you advice using in order to take the matrix/external rock off? Is Hydrochloric acid enough?

Thankyou.


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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Sun Oct 14, 2018 7:57 pm 
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No, that matrix is likely mica and hcl isn't going to do much to it. They use hydrofluoric acid to remove silicate impurities from included rubies prior to lead glass filling, but I would not recommend coming anywhere close to the stuff. It's incredibly nasty.

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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Sun Oct 14, 2018 10:00 pm 
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I hated using hydrofluoric in my Geology lab classes. Very dangerous stuff, and extreme safety procedures along with protective equipment is required.


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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2018 2:40 am 
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Ok great. I will give it a try! Mr Google is also suggesting using the acid in small time frames. Is this correct.. it is difficult to accept any old garbage that is put on the internet these days.

Thankyou, much appriecated!


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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Mon Oct 15, 2018 1:46 pm 
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It might be worth trying hcl. It is easy to gwt and can be handled safely, and in one csse cleaned up a tourmaline on quartz specimen of my dad's from being ok to being amazing.
Don't try HF. It goes right through your skin and melts your bones from the inside.

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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Sat Oct 20, 2018 7:18 am 
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Been away for a while... but tried HLC and it seems not to be working. The water turns a light green after a while, but no real matrix was removed... looks like i will have to look for something else..


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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 9:21 am 
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If it is not a learning excercise I think grinding away the outer crust would be a safer way for this particular stone. Acids can destroy good cabbing mtrl by tunneling through wherever incls break the surface.

Good luck.


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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:05 pm 
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Yes, I would have thought that grinding it away would be the best option. Get a coarse diamond whetstone and cut away under water by hand. Slow but safe and effective.


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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Fri Oct 26, 2018 5:43 am 
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I have been experimenting recently, using some lesser quality stones, with cutting using a diamond tipped disc. It seems to be working, but is there any chance that by cutting i can make the fractures inside worse.

Will post my progress, cheers guys.


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 Post subject: Re: Removing ruby matrix
PostPosted: Sat Oct 27, 2018 1:13 pm 
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It can be a problem if it gets hot, so you'll want some sort of coolant if possible. Otherwise that is just normal gem cutting, and probably the best approach. Just make sure not to breathe rock dust.

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