Amethyst Geode

[Dragonfly Spirit]

Hello

I've inherited an amethyst geode, from my mum, well say inherited, no one else wanted it. Anyway I like it but it's very dusty, it's just been sat on the sideboard for years. How would I clean it? it's quite big, 12 inches high and about 6 inches deep, it's like normal rock on the outside and the amethyst is in side in like an arch. I'm not sure what to use to clean it, do I need some specialist jewellery stuff, money is a bit short at moment so probly won't be able to aford it if I do.

I'm thinking of either putting it on my ancestors shrine or making it the center piece of an altar but not sure yet. I don't know a great deal about stones and hardly anything about amethyst. I've allways been more attracted to blue stones like lapis or turquoise, but I do like this, not quite as much as the other stones but it is a nice piece and I know my mum love it. I think it would look better if I cleaned it and the amethyst would sparkle more.

Can anyone help with ideas about the cleaning or even about the amethyst itself?

Thanks

[Willow Rosette]

I dont use anything on any of my stones. Just water and sometimes a toothbrush if they are that dirty and can withstand water and a toothbrush. Im sure others will have better advice but thats all i use.

[LadyDryad]

An amethyst geode should withstand a good scrub with some lukewarm water and a soft brush (a tooth brush, baby hairbrush, or soft vegetable brush).

Alternatively, you could use compressed air (like for cleaning computer keyboards) but I find that stuff doesn't work too well, there is a risk that the stuff they put in the can can spray out and ruin what you're spraying, and I always worry about the can exploding.

[Baer]

My aunt has a big amethyst geode pretty much same size as what you said, and she cleans everything constantly, and on that she uses just warm water if needed and a big really soft bristled brush.



Alternatively, you could use compressed air (like for cleaning computer keyboards) but I find that stuff doesn't work too well, there is a risk that the stuff they put in the can can spray out and ruin what you're spraying, and I always worry about the can exploding.


Exploding cans? Jeez that doesn't sound too safe..

[blithespirit]

I have a geode very much like the one you've described. I won it in a drawing at a rock and mineral show when I was 17. It is currently sitting on my piano. I sometimes put small trinkets or things inside for charging, or little pewter figurines to look cool. You have reminded me that it needs a good once over on the inside. :)

[LadyDryad]

Exploding cans? Jeez that doesn't sound too safe..

As soon as I saw that warning on the can, I panicked a little. Nothing has ever exploded, but when I'm done with the can I put it outside in the shade so that, just in case it explodes, it won't be indoors!