[Jewelry making - Article 00833] - Re: [Orchid] Removing calcium deposits

[coralnut]

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    Peter, You are correct...that is why I recommend vinegar cut with
    water.  It is quite mild and more easily controlled.  The harder
    nacre surface of the shell itself tend to resist the vinegar long
    enough that the unprotected and (as you say) more pourous calcium can
    be either burned away or softened.  I would not go so far as to say
    this should be an unfounded worry, but if one keeps a good eye on the
    process, the shell can be rinsed quick enough to preclude damage to
    the shell itself. 

    A hot water/vinegar mixture is also used to whiten hard coral beads.
     Then they can be dyed if one wishes or left white.  I have made
    quite a few of them.  I also use this mixture to clean calcite
    crystals that we find on/in shells in SOFL quarrys 

    Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT comcast.net


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