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[Rooi]

Hi all. I hope someone here can share their knowledge and experience with me on this issue. I am a jeweller and I am setting up my own cutting and polishing equipment (still in progress). That said, I do purchase stones online and I have found it a common issue, where wonderful stones arrive with, specifically, chromium oxide impregnating the stones fissures or inclusions. Now I acknowledge these stones (coming from India specifically) are cheaper and thus they can't spend much time on each stone dealing with issues such as this.
Here is an example. The polish is not so good, but the pietersite looks awesome. I don't want to make it worse of course but I am certain it can be improved upon. Is there any suggestions for removing the unsightly green stains? Thank you beforehand.
Rob

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[irockhound]

You can probably use something as simple as a water pik to clean them and using soap also helps.  I find the easiest way after using chrome oxide is taking it out to my garden hose and use the fine mist at high pressure and run it back and forth over the stone from different directions and it almost always cleans it out.  I would recommend that if these stones have been this way a while (obviously from shipping overseas) is to soak them in water overnight prior to using the spray to clean them off.  I definitely would NOT use any sort of ultrasonic cleaner as this can damage certain types of stones.

[Rooi]

You can probably use something as simple as a water pik to clean them and using soap also helps.  I find the easiest way after using chrome oxide is taking it out to my garden hose and use the fine mist at high pressure and run it back and forth over the stone from different directions and it almost always cleans it out.  I would recommend that if these stones have been this way a while (obviously from shipping overseas) is to soak them in water overnight prior to using the spray to clean them off.  I definitely would NOT use any sort of ultrasonic cleaner as this can damage certain types of stones.

Thank you irockhound!

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[Rooi]

I forgot to upload the image! I hope I uploaded this right (correct me if I have done it wrong)

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[55fossil]

     I purchased a dozen Pietersite cabs from India for a test. Stones were gorgeous with a lousy finish even though they looked good in the auction photo. When viewing the cabs at different light angles there were flat spots and just a rather poor final polish at best. Your photo shows a fuzzy reflection of light. A well polished stone will have a mirror polish on Pietersite.

   My suggestion is to keep them until you learn to polish cabochons and re-finish the cabochons. The difference is tremendous and will make your jewelry look far more professional.  You are on the right track.  good luck

[peruano]

Chromium oxide is a great way for showing imperfections: flat spots, cracks, and pits.  The fewer blems that you have the less CroO will remain after a good polish session.  It will not remove imperfections, but it will polish the good surfaces of your stone. 

[irockhound]

It is also a problem in things not always considered blems such as Rutilated Quartz, Sagenite Agate, Druzy Quartz, Plume Agate, and Moss Agate  and short of using sealers prior to finish this can be a problem.

[Rooi]

Thanks all for the encouragement and clarity. Fossil55 thank you, I will take that advice and hold off on attempting anything with these stones until I see consistent results in my own cutting and polishing. Thanks again all

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