Fwd: Re: [meteorite-list] Simplified Meteorite Rust treatment

From: meteorites_at_space.com <meteorites_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 09:46:21 2004
Message-ID: <20010501195233.22928.cpmta_at_c000.snv.cp.net>

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Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Simplified Meteorite Rust treatment
To: themeteoritesite_at_hotmail.com
From: meteorites_at_space.com
Date: 01 May 2001 12:14:37 PDT

On Tue, 01 May 2001, "The Meteorite Site" wrote:

>
> Hi Steve,
>
> I understand the process that you are using, but what about the damage
> from soaking the specimen in H20 for two weeks.
>
> Jim
> James Hartman
>

Another two examples:

I have a very nicely prepaired thin slice of Ahumada that I received from my good friend Darryl Pitt. I noticed one day that it began to ooze little droplets-- time to act!

I made up the solution and left it in it for 3 weeks. All rusting, even on the highly polished surfaces, stopped. The droplets enlarged to odd looking bubbles. I was worried that the crystals on this woudl pop out of a slice only a few mm thick ( and that would be a broblem ). But they did not.

Then after the three week period, I removed the specimen, wiped it off, and found that the large oxide bubles were attached to the piece at the point of their origin, and the surrounding metal was just a polished as before.

I dried the piece, and lightly wiped it off with soft cloth, and it sits on my shelf fine and free of bleeding.

I also did this with Quinginue-- another meteorite that can have rusting problmems.

Cured it.

Steve Schoner, American Meteorite Survey
  
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <meteorites_at_space.com>
> To: <meteorite-list_at_meteoritecentral.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 9:06 AM
> Subject: [meteorite-list] Simplified Meteorite Rust treatment
>
>
> > Over the years I have been experimenting with various methods of
> neutralizing FeCl3 and NiCl3 (Cl2 also) in meteorites.
> >
> > Now I have found that it can be done with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol
> right off the drug store shelf, and Red Devil lye (sodium hydroxide).
> >
> > Use as much isopropyl to cover the specimen in a glass or tupperware
> container, then add a teaspoon of Red Devil lye, or as much as the solution
> can absorb. If after a few days the first teaspoon dissolves, then add a
> bit more. This can be done with or without the specimen in the solution.
> >
> > Let the specimen soak in the container (covered) for a week or more.
> Don't be alarmed to see rusticles (sort of like those on the Titanic)
> forming. This is a clear indication that the chemical reaction is taking
> place, and the Cl is being absorbed by the Na in the solution, and the OH is
> attaching in its stead to the Fe forming a non corrosive FeOH and or NiOH.
> (These are the "rusticles" that you see)
> >
> > If during this time you see that the solution is turning rust brown, pour
> it and add fresh 70% isoproypl and another dash of Red Devil lye. After a
> week or two. Remove the specimen from the solution and allow it to dry.
> After a few days lightly sand it to remove the rusticles, then set it
> uncoated for a week or more to see if it still bleeds chlorides of iron or
> nickel. If it does, repeat the process for another week or more.
> > I have found this process to work well with Mt. Dieu, Brahin, Brenham,
> Canyon Diablo, Campo del Cielo, and other rusters. With pallasites, the
> crystals will sometimes rise a bit in their sockets, but once dry the FeOH
> that holds them will turn into tougher iron oxides. Sanding it down will
> make the surface level again. And I have found that after the light
> sanding, a day or so additional soak of pallasites is a good idea. Then dry
> and polish afterwards. For the really stubborn specimens, I will be working
> on a simple electrolosis addition to the above mentionned solution. This
> involves using a battery and a good resistor to create a small current that
> will drive the Cl ions out of and away from the meteorite. Will post as
> soon as I test the idea and get some solid results. Steve Schoner, American
> Meteorite Survey; http://www.geocities.com/american_meteorite_survey
> >
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> >

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Received on Tue 01 May 2001 03:52:33 PM PDT