Cleaning crystal points

MadelinesMum

I want to buy some crystal points and ebay has some cheap ones which are unpolished or more expensive polished ones. I have looked into how to polish then and it suggests Oxalic acid. I have never heard of this and it sounds quite potent! Is there something old stylee I can buff these crystal points up with?
Thanks in advance x

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-30pcs-1-inch-Gem-Rock-Quartz-Crystal-Wand-Point-90g-/220794498088?pt=Loose_Gemstones&hash=item336860ac28

Drachenfach

I think you might be better off just forking out for the already-polished ones.

Acids seem to be used mainly for removing dirty marks on the crystal such as mineral stains - the mirror smooth finish is usually produced by polishing the stone on a wheel or a lapidary pad.

You might get passable results using a suitable dremel attachment, but I'm not sure - quartz is awfully tough stuff!

MadelinesMum

I was also thinking this The finished product doesn't have to be that good though, so I might buy them and see how it goes. I did a bit of research and it seems bar keepers friend has oxalic acid in it, so I was thinking of making a paste and leaving it on the crystals for a few hours.

valk_scot

I have no idea at all about the polishing bit but would just like to say that oxalic acid isn't that obscure, it's found in rhubarb and especially rhubarb leaves. Boiling up a few rhubarb leaves in a burnt or stained pot is a good way to clean it.