Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the crystals
• Part 2 of 3: Removing stains
• Part 3 of 3: Sanding and smoothing quartz
• Warnings

When quartz crystals are dug up from the ground, they don't look as sparkling, clear, and crystal-like as they do when you buy them from a stone store. Freshly mined crystals or crystal clusters are often encrusted with clay or dirt and their surface is covered with an oxide film. Before quartz crystals are polished and beautiful, they must first go through a 3-step process. You need to strip the crystals of clay and dirt, soak them to remove heavy grit and discoloration, then sand until they shine beautifully.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the crystals

1. Use an old toothbrush to rinse away any clay or dirt. You can perform an initial cleaning on the crystals with a toothbrush and water. Make sure to wash the crystals outdoors, as clay and dirt from the crystals can clog a sink.
   • Scrub the crystal to remove the caked clay. You will probably need to wash them a few times and let the crystals dry in between washes. Once the crystal is dry, the clay will crack and become easier to remove.
   • When the clay is properly set, spray the crystals off with a hose and its nozzle at maximum force. Just like using a toothbrush, you should do this several times a day and let the crystals dry in between.
   EXPERT TIP

   Soak the crystals in vinegar and ammonia to remove potassium carbonate, calcite and barite. The crystals can have spots of potassium carbonate, calcite and barite, all of which cause discoloration. You can use vinegar or household cleaner to remove these stains.

   • Immerse the crystals in enough vinegar to cover all of the crystals. Let the crystals sit for 8 to 12 hours.
   • Remove the crystals from the vinegar. Soak them in ammonia for the same number of hours. Then remove them from the ammonia, rinse them completely and dry them.
   • You may have to repeat this process a few times if the stains don't go out after the first few weeks.
2. Use a diamond saw to cut off any excess. There may still be some unwanted material on the quartz. You might also notice uneven edges. You can trim these materials with a diamond saw available at your local DIY store. However, diamond saws can be quite expensive and you may be better off borrowing or renting one from a friend.
   • Before you start, coat the crystal with a light coating of mineral oil.
   • There is no need to cut the crystal or press the saw. You just have to put the crystal under the saw and let the machine slowly cut through the crystal.
   • Cut the unwanted parts from the crystal. There may be some stubborn areas left that need to be removed with a saw.

Part 2 of 3: Removing stains

1. Use water, household cleaners and bleach. The easiest and safest way to remove stains by soaking the crystals is to use a combination of water and detergent. You can then soak the crystals in bleach overnight. If the crystals have few stains, it is best to soak them overnight in a mixture of water and dishwashing liquid or detergent.
   • Use a mixture of warm water and laundry detergent to wash the crystals. You can use a soft cloth to scrub the dirt and grit that comes off easily.
   • Then find a container that you can easily cover, such as a sturdy Tupperware container. Fill the container with warm water and ¼ cup of bleach. Place the gems in the bleach, cover the container, and set it aside in a safe place for two days.
2. Try oxalic acid for heavily discolored crystals. If the stones have much more stains than the normal dirt and grit, such as iron discoloration, you may need to use oxalic acid to properly treat the gems. You can buy oxalic acid - also known as draft water - online or at a DIY store. Buy a one-pound bag and a 4-liter water bottle. Make sure that the material from which the bottle is made cannot be corroded by the acid. Metal water bottles are not suitable for oxalic acid.
   • Fill the bottle up to three quarters with distilled water. Then add the oxalic acid. Wear an air mask to avoid inhaling the acid. You would also do well to do all this outside.
   • Stir the acid with a large rod or spoon until all oxalic acid crystals are dissolved. Add the crystal quartz to it. There is no fixed time for soaking quartz in oxalic acid. Depending on the stains, this can be from a few hours to a few days. Check the quartz regularly and remove it when the stains have disappeared.
3. Be careful when handling acid. You must take exceptional precautions if you decide to work with oxalic acid. Only do this if the quartz is very dirty. It is always safer to use bleach and water. If you choose to use oxalic acid, observe the following safety precautions:
   • Wear eye protection, gloves, and a face mask when handling oxalic acid.
   • Always pour acid into water. It is very dangerous to pour water into acid.
   • Have a friend or family member help you with this.
   • Make sure to protect your work area and proceed slowly to avoid spills. Keep some baking soda handy - baking soda will neutralize any spilled acids.
4. Rinse the crystals. Once you've soaked the crystals to get the stains out, you can rinse them off. Make sure you wear gloves and if you have worked with oxalic acid, also a face mask and eye protection. Rinse out any remaining bleach or acid with warm water. This will also remove any leftover debris.

Part 3 of 3: Sanding and smoothing quartz

1. Provide the right materials. Once the crystals are clean and spotless, you need to sand them down to make them soft and shiny. To do this you need to provide certain materials. Visit your local DIY store and get the following:
   • Sandpaper grit 50
   • Sandpaper grit 150
   • Sandpaper grit 300 to 600
2. Wear safety glasses, gloves and an air mask. Sanding crystal releases dust and powder, which can irritate your nose, mouth and eyes. When polishing quartz, make sure you wear safety glasses, gloves and an air mask.
3. Work the quartz with a 50 grit sandpaper. You should use the softest sandpaper to begin with. Carefully run the sandpaper over the surface of the crystal.
   • Get consistency. After all, you want all areas of the gem to be sanded evenly.
4. Then sand with a 150 grit sandpaper to switch to the sandpaper with the finest grit. You have to work towards a finer grit of sandpaper. Once you are done with 50 grit sandpaper, rub the crystal with 150 grit sandpaper. After this you continue with grit 300 to 600 sandpaper.
   • Rub gently through the entire surface of the stone again.
   • Make sure to smooth out any imperfections or discoloration on the stone.
   • When you are done with this, the crystal should be clear and shiny.
5. Rub the stone clean with a soft cloth. You can use a soft cloth after sanding the stone to add an extra shine. Rub the stone gently with a slightly damp cloth. Work away any lingering dust from the sanding, then set the stone aside to dry. You should now have a clean and polished quartz crystal.

Warnings

• Always use rubber gloves when handling liquid or powder oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is caustic and causes chemical burns when it comes into contact with the skin.
• Never heat oxalic acid indoors. The vapors can be quite strong and irritating without proper ventilation.