[Jewelry making - Article 00133] - Re: [Orchid] Meteorite and rust

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    Hi Sarah, Remove the rust from the meteorite just as you would with
    any other metal, starting out with the grit necessary to remove the
    rust, say 400 or 320, and go through the steps to a polish.  Then you
    will need to re-etch the meteorite to get that patterned effect (they
    are called Widmanstatten figures) using nitric acid.  I use 4 parts
    water to 1 part nitric and you will only need to leave it in the acid
    for 10 to 20 seconds.  I don't think it is as pretty if you over etch
    it, so watch it closely as you etch.  You might want to warm your
    acid bath a little to getting it working quickly, and be sure your
    meteorite is clean and grease free.  After it is etched, clean and
    dry the meteorite thoroughly (I usually rinse it in alchohol as the
    final step before drying).  I do a lot of meteorite jewelry and I
    don't use anything to coat it with to prevent rust and usually have
    no problem. Of course, if you leave it sitting in a wet environment
    it will rust and you might try oiling it, but that would only provide
    temporary protection. 

    Good luck with your pendant! 

Best regards,
John

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