How do you clean a small geode?

Answer 1

Many geodes are made of silicate minerals. These are very resistant to most cleaning agents and do not dissolve. Other associated minerals are sometimes soluble or damaged by cleaning agents so first determine what you want remove. Commonly there are iron minerals spread over the interior of geodes which obscures the crystals. Here is the way that we cleaned them at Ohio State University as learned from the quartz mines of Hot Springs Arkansas. 1: Clean off an opened geode with a standard detergent. 2: A laboratory glass cleaner composed of chromic acid can be used as it will not affect the quartz crystals but might dissolve some others. 3: A solution of Oxalic Acid brought to a boil will remove Iron compounds from Quartz. Let it boil for a while and soak overnight. WARNING: Both of these agents are hazardous chemicals. Do no t get on the skin, do not breathe vapors. Vapors can cause health problems and Oxalic Acid vapors are very reactive so do this outside.

Answer 2

To clean a small geode, you can simply use water and a soft brush to gently scrub away any dirt or debris on the surface. If the geode has stubborn stains, you can also create a mixture of water and mild soap to clean it. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the geode's surface.