FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[sher]

Hello Folks,
I happened upon quite a large amethyst specimen yesterday in a 2nd hand shop. It is mounted on a very heavy wood base, and due to the fact that #1, its an ugly base and #2 I am currently living in Italy but will be returning to the States in a few months and I want to cut down on the cost of transporting it home.

It seems that the adhesive in question is dark brown and resin like. I tried soaking the base in water, and it seems like the glue softened a little, but it is still firmly affixed to the base. .

Does anyone know what, if any solvents can be used on an amethyst cluster? The last thing I wish to do is harm this beautiful mineral.

[Jesse Fisher]

Organic solvents should not cause any harm to the amethyst, though skin contact or inhalation of vapors from many are not good for the human body. On the off chance that the specimen has been attached to the base with hot glue, you might want to try immersing it in hot water for a few minutes and see if the glue softens.

Next step would be to try acetone. It is not particularly effective against many resins or epoxies, but it is relatively safe and inexpensive compared to other organic solvents. If, after a day or two in acetone the glue is still solid, you will need to try a stronger solvent such as MEK or toluene.

When using any organic solvents, make sure that you have chemically resistant gloves (not the latex-type examination gloves) and work in a well-ventilated area (such as out side). Also, remember not to use a plastic container to soak the specimen in.