I Tested Popular Cleaning Methods for Rocks and Minerals-Surprising Results!

Don't you hate finding awesome rocks only to have them full of muck and gunk? I know I do! So today we are going to be testing out popular methods for cleaning rocks, like Iron Out and CLR. I have tested many different ways to clean rocks on this channel, dish soap and vinegar, citric acid, and even an ultra sonic cleaner! I was surprised with the results of this experiment and can't wait to try out more cleaning methods!
Dustin's Channel and Video! ‪@dustinfindsrocks‬ • How I use Muriatic Aci...
Shout out to my awesome patrons: Ancient Soul, Michael Trudell, Ellie Mayne, Lisa Sierras, Cooper Moon, Rick, Jennifer M, Kevin Kloth, Julia Shoemake, Herbert Wilson, Dwayne Smith, Karley "Bioanthro", and Paul-I truly appreciate your support!
Linktree: linktr.ee/agat...
Patreon: / agateariel
Etsy: agateariel.ets...
Spreadshop Merch: agateariel.mys...
My Must Have Rockhounding Items: www.amazon.com...
Hi-Tech Diamond 10% off: hitechdiamond....
Follow me on Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com...
Follow me on Instagram: / agateariel
#agateariel #thefinders #rocksandminerals #rockhounding #cleaning
Happy Hounding!

[@christianmarshall6250]

Muriatic acid is definitely extremely strong, but as someone who uses it over and over and over as part of my job, it's not as scary as you might think so long as you're careful. Definitely use it outside for your rock cleaning as you're supposed to have good ventilation. For mixture, definitely only use a splsh in one of the larger buckets, and use something wooden or plastic to stir it together before adding the rocks. The fumes and muriatic acid itself will damage most metals, especially stainless. Do not mix it 50/50 or anything close to that. You basically want it to be like 10% acid. And just sit with the rocks and watch them in case any have a negative reaction

[@MrDynamite110]

I think I speak for everyone when I say we want you to do the muriatic acid!

[@Ceceoh]

I walk my dog at the old landfill in Santa Fe, and I always come home with a pocket full of “pretty rocks”. I knew cleaning would make them better, but had no idea how until this video dropped right in front of me. Thank you, Agate Ariel. ( Subscribed!)

[@alexwrightofficial]

if the rock is sticky it may be amber 😁

[@AgateAriel]

Oh I might have to look that up!

[@faerymum122]

Kinda looks like the end of a large bone....

[@aar83]

I thought maybe it could be amber as well.

[@Abattoir3ach]

Last time I looked at rocks was in elementary school but your videos brought me back to the excitement I had. Love your enthusiasm! Keep up the great vids

[@Jpm463]

9:19 mix 2 cups of water with a 1/4 cup of salt. If it floats, it's likely amber! If its amber, keep it separate and out of direct sunlight. Amber that has insect inclusions can be worth hundreds!

[@gerradfoster8777]

Muriatic is an industry term for Hydrochloric acid (HCl). Any limestone (CaCO3, MgCO3) will fizz/bubble. I use my old pyrex glass kitchenware inside a large plastic tub lined with baking soda for any bubbling over. When you soak any porous rocks the acid can get trapped inside, so I use a dilute water and baking soda mix to neutralize any residual acid in the rocks. Also, the gloves are great, but liquids splash so it is a good idea to have protective wear for your clothes and general area around the tub. I recommend soaking outside because of the fumes. It can be a pain to use, but you get some amazing results. Agatized coral is beautiful with all lime removed.

[@Willrocs]

Gloves are a must and so is eye protection at the very least if not a full face shield.

[@christianmarshall6250]

​@@WillrocsI use neither. And I use muriatic acid constantly to clean jobsites at the end of each one. (I do tile and marble)

[@elizabethschaer9636]

I was a chemistry major. I would definitely wear a face shield.

[@AaronChapman]

I could watch you talk about rocks all day.. I might have to stop working a few hours early to go creeking

[@annaverdon]

I've never used CLR before - but will have to try it! I use the powdered Iron Out all the time for my agates and have had great results. Make sure you use warm/hot water and mix it until it is completely dissolved before adding your rocks to the mixture. I've never had it happen, but I've heard of others having problems with the powder not dissolving all the way and it has left black marks on their stones. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

[@Grandmasrockin]

I soak my rocks in mineral oil over night in a glass bowl. Then the next day I pour the whole bowl full into a strainer over another bowl. Then after they sit for a bit, I put them on a paper towel. Can do more at a time with less work. Love your videos!! This one was so informative!! Thank you!

[@jonbloodworth474]

Mineral oil or mineral spirits? Mineral oil is used for cooking boards for example to impregnate the wood fibers to prevent water from doing so and prevents molds and bacterias from doing so. Mineral spirits is a commonly used solvent in all types workshops. Great for cleaning oils and resins, used for thinning paints stains and varnishes, etc.

[@dustyjo1010]

The “strange rock” looks like it has an internal structure similar to a sea sponge or soft coral. My best bet is a fossil of some kind.

[@AgateAriel]

Oh I might have to look that up!

[@dustyjo1010]

@@AgateAriel would love to hear any updates you find! Love your content btw🙌 your voice is very soothing to have on while I draw

[@kimbarleemoon3870]

​@@dustyjo1010 I actually thought the same thing! I mean people find sea shells in the desert and mountains all of the time.

[@Elle_Riley]

yeah the 'suction-y' aspect to it sounds like fossil to me, too, but that's about all i could tell. very cool and unique!!

[@cmsjca]

It is Calcite and looks like it might be part of a cafe formation - though there are also other places Calcite forms like that besides caves, some hot springs and remnants of caves can even be found outside - don't collect from inside caves, it is prohibited.

[@alyciadiehl4537]

I believe the stone you were asking for help identifying... agatized coral! The "lines " are the structure of the coral. It's very pretty. ❤

[@VersaiOnline]

These solutions in an ultrasonic would be interesting

[@AgateAriel]

Oh I never thought of using the solutions in the ultrasonic cleaner! Might be something to try!

[@RobWenzel84]

I have a 30L ultra sonic cleaner its huge and it cleans rocks really good but i only use clr in it im to scared to put the muriatic acid in it ​@AgateAriel

[@preppy890]

Mur-ee-at-ick acid. Is used to wash brick and masonry.

[@AgateAriel]

Haha that did not register correctly in my brain clearly 😆

[@preppy890]

@@AgateAriel Oh well, I cringed every time you said it. I worked in a chemistry lab for 30 years. I have used Zep acidic toilet bowl cleaner on my rocks with good results. I will just leave jasper in a dilute solution for a week or so if they have a heavy lime scale coating on them.

[@IngeniousOutdoors]

Came here to say this myself. "Myurik" was driving me insane

[@AgateAriel]

@@preppy890 I am but an imperfect human 🙂 I’ll have to look into zep!

[@preppy890]

@@AgateAriel aren't we all.

[@steve1]

Just some safety tips for using acids. always add the acid to water rather than adding water to the acid, with the hydrochloric acid (muritic) make a dilute solution maybe 5% or 10% you can find a dilution calculator online to see how much acid and water you need, a dilute solution will not bubble up like the video you saw, wear long sleeves and safety glasses and gloves, if you get it on your skin wash it off with plenty of water it will not start to damage you before you have time to wash it off, have a tub with bicarbonate of soda dissolved in water to neutralise any spills and your rocks when you are done with the cleaning. None of the acids you can buy will be highly concentrated and are safe as long as you follow some simple some safety procedures.

[@lisakier7029]

I have tried many products, but I settled on Krud Kutter Must for Rust. I first scrub the rocks clean with cleanser and rinse well. Then soak until the rust is gone. Added plus- it is also a rust inhibitor, so your rocks will be rust free for a long time.

[@pardanut13]

Be careful where you store it. I some muratic acid in my shed. Everthing with exposed metal was coated with rust including my mountain bike Mountain

[@somebodysmom963]

So if you want something non-toxic, I always used denture cleaner from the $1 store on my rocks. A few tablets fizzing over nite works good.

[@msmarigold4647]

What do you do with the chemical water when you're finished with it?

[@prof-quack]

I’m no chemist, so I haven’t the foggiest on how these reactions work. All the same, another nice video!

[@AgateAriel]

Haha me either! And thank you!

[@sjjellybeansarahjean2587]

When I would find rudist and coral fossils in college, they kind of looked like that mystery rock! They were cool. We had a cretaceous sea bed near campus :)

[@hippocket31]

Muriatic acid is really pretty safe. We use it to clean calicification off the seashells we collect. Four to one, add the acid to the water, not the other way around. Use tongs and dip the shells for about 5-10 seconds, then into a bowl of fresh water to rinse. When you are done. Add baking soda to the acid to neutralize. Watch a shell video to see this done. I just bought a tumbler and I'm in the middle of my first tumble. Thank you for your channel!

[@patriciabock4299]

That was awesome! Great information on cleaning the rocks! Thank you for showing us what happens with the different solutions. Lots to learn about rocks!

[@coreyloyer5001]

I feel like your "strange rock" might be petrified wood? I'm no expert, but it kinda gives me that feeling. Good video ❤❤

[@AgateAriel]

It does look like that but it doesn’t feel like petrified wood, definitely a strange one!

[@nesstuck1927]

I was thinking petrified wood or maybe amber.

[@ladygeek6926]

Amber sounds logical. To me it looks like smoked dried pig feet cartilage at the supermarket 😂

[@MotherofMetalBev]

@@AgateAriel it looks like fibrous gypsum of some sort.

[@anibalperez7072]

You got a lot of agates, and other beautiful rocks i think the ones with the line going around the rock is onyx but for sure you have some good rocks

[@pleegjepleegje]

Oh no. I bought muriatic acid a couple of weeks ago, but I'm scared to use it too 😅 I hoped this video would help 😂😂😂

[@trentenmerrill5239]

You have a nice voice lol. When I have a hard time sleeping I put on your videos and I have you talk me to sleep.

[@Hehatwsmashultimate]

For the unknown sticky mineral, could very well be labrodite

[@deniseromero4575]

Because I don't want to totally destroy something good I only use water or white vinegar for cleaning. Good results so far.

[@blakebufford6239]

Hi. Love your videos. I've used Muriatic acid and you don't have to submerge the rocks in it. You can paint it on with a brush and it doesn't cause such a mess. Works great with any type of calcium carbonate type materials. Always wear safety' goggles and gloves and old clothes. You don't want it in your eyes. Also use it outside. Thanks!!!!😊

[@msmarigold4647]

Yes every thing they said is the proper way to use muriatic Acid, You don't have to be afraid of it just cover up and do it outside. Dispose of it properly its very bad for the earth and any run off around where you are working.

[@Nemnar7]

I wonder what would happen if you then ran them through your sonic cleaner for the regular dirt?

[@AgateAriel]

Right! I might have to take the ones that are still dirty and put them in there

[@joecarter6864]

Ok, I normally don't comment on videos, but I have a couple of things to say. First and foremost, water ALWAYS goes in First! If you put the chemical in first and then add the water there is a chance of splashback and you don't want that on you or any other surface. Iron out works so much better with warm water. To help clean and neutralize the rocks after any type of chemical cleaning, use baking soda and vinegar to neutralize it it will also help clean a little more. Just using water after any chemical cleaning does not take all of the chemical off and can actually help iron out soak into your skin!!! Trust me, you don't want that happening! I became extremely sick when iron out was absorbed into my skin.

[@Cancer5772]

I was thinking CLR could be a goer seeing as it removes Calcium n Lime that's so amazing

[@nesstuck1927]

The strange rock to me looks like a lot like a piece of amber that I own, but also looks like it could maybe be petrified wood.

[@TwinAgates]

9:33 From rocks I’ve found around Minnesota this does look like calcite on the rock to me! I’ve found rocks around gravelly areas with calcite and small pebbles stuck all around the rocks. You could always shine a UV light on it and if it fluoresces it’s probably calcite(that should come off soaking in CLR or Vinegar).

[@1erinjames]

The one that kept getting s n allergies, that you said felt sticky, I think that's a type of very old preserved tree sap.

[@AgateAriel]

Oh that’s definitely something to look into!!

[@1erinjames]

@@AgateAriel lol I typed "smaller" and didn't check after my comment posted. Idk what s n allergies is. Had to force keyboard to type that this time. The word I typed was smaller. Fun stuff.

[@kitarkaarastis6993]

That's what I think, too. Its texture is very much like a rough amber I have. Is it rather light for its size?

[@sauhamm3821]

the way you said, "...but not for me..." makes me want to hear you voice characters in cartoons and video games!

[@sandmaker]

A good demo, nut you should have tried the muratic acid. Puta few at the time and not solid calcite rocks. That said, do what your comfortable with. I have never had all the foaming up you put in the video. This was fun. Heep having fun and learning. 😷⚒ 👍

[@AgateAriel]

Thanks sandmaker! Maybe I’ll get the courage in one of my next videos!

[@sandmaker]

@@AgateAriel y'a just never know.💓🤗

[@elizabethschaer9636]

You might try Bar Keepers Friend. It is oxalic acid in a scrubbing powder.

[@jonbloodworth474]

Oxalic acid is delicious in some vegetables like wood sorrel, nature's skittles

[@WorldofRockhounds]

I was hesitant on using the Muriatic acid too but I was talked into using it to clean some pet wood and it was worth it.

[@kikihammond5326]

I think your see through sticky rock may actually be ambergris. At first I thought it was topaz until you said it was sticky. Ambergris looks like a rock but has a waxy, sticky feel. It's not a rock at all. Look it up. Depending where you found it, it may just be that. It will also have a scent if that's what it is.

[@AgateAriel]

Oh interesting! I will have to go smell it! Lol

[@hn454]

Loved the side by side comparisons. Another wonderful video, thanks!

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you so much!

[@michellegonzalez5258]

I have tried it all! Still have to soak for weeks!

[@Cancer5772]

I find that to keep the cleaning process ongoing n will and can take time but I put quartz/druzy quartz near pieces, sit them where they can get fresh air on them helps the natural cleaning process, incense, candles also help.

[@RobWenzel84]

Muriatic acid and CLR are my two favorite rock cleaners

[@Tharronis]

Try the acid, just use appropriate protective gear and precaution. (Goggles, gloves, etc; do a little research on what's appropriate so you feel more comfortable and prepared) Putting it off while feeling unprepared was the safest move!

[@AgateAriel]

Thanks! Yes I think you’re right, maybe I’ll do some more research to feel more comfortable with it!

[@hadleywooten3689]

There is a safe acid the beach shellers use

[@ero1347]

I've also been curious but nervous about the acid. I still want to try someday - where did you get it?

[@AgateAriel]

I just ordered it on Amazon!

[@Algoldprospecting]

Cool cool 😊

[@jonbloodworth474]

My first thought was poorly formed petrified wood for the mystery mineral. Then thought amner agter the second bath when the shape looked like it was a gel almost dripping from the top piece which seemed to be some sort of actual rock.

[@saralynn518]

# Looking around thinking these rocks look darn clean # I get it though! Thank you for experimenting. I want to, but always put it off. The dirt left in those tiny holes. All I can think of is put it in a vice and hit it with a power washer from a distance. Might go straight through though, hahaha

[@VersaiOnline]

Do you still recommend citric acid?

[@AgateAriel]

I think it all depends on what you need to clean! I have had some great results with citric acid so I definitely still think it’s a good contender!

[@stuartcraig5885]

So I was sitting here looking at my new rocks... Thinking about tooth brush scrubbing them and I had an idea. What if a mason jar was used. Hand the rock inside how ever you see fit, maby fishing line and a stick. Do vinegar and baking soda?

[@toddbrewer683]

Just a little off topic, what size is your Vevor Ultrasonic Cleraner? I think you have found the perfect size, and cannot figure out if it is a 6l or 10l or larger.

[@misscdog]

Did you neutralize the acids with baking soda or anything? Another channel I just watched said if you don’t you will end up with yellowing over time.

[@michellemevans3123]

I would be afraid to do any of it! Someday I will pass. And the rocks will go somewhere. Hopefully no agents in them going back into nature, water, gardens, fish tanks etc. I soak in water for a long time, then brush clean. No chemicals

[@elizabethlewis3509]

How are you disposing of the CLR and the iron out chemical?

[@dawnminard218]

Agate Ariel I am a new watcher of your channel love your videos. I found something that works really great. Also, I'm also very new to collecting rocks in crystals. What I found that works amazing as well. Is a toilet bowl cleaner that is called the works? It is amazing.

[@Dasquadwith6]

I'd be interested to see what the contents/ingredients of Iron-out are. I have rust treatment on hand that contains Phosphoric acid...I haven't tried it on rocks, but I'm wondering if there are any similarities.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Nice, muratic acid is not that bad. Glasses, gloves and ventilation for all chemicals.

[@AgateAriel]

Maybe I’ll get the courage in the future! 😅

[@saralynn518]

Mystery rock is maybe Amber? Just going off the colors and structure. I have a piece of Baltic Amber that shares some similarities with yours.

[@VisualMind]

Could the weird rock be some type of fossil resin? Especially since you said it's kinda sticky 🤔 (and someone suggested amber which is really old resin, right?)

[@omadeitz3340]

I live on an old tailings pile from a mine. I am going to get some car and try this on some of the stones here.

[@angelquinn745]

I wish I even had one agate because I love them so so much but where I live I can't find them The only thing I find is Petoskey Stones charlevoix stones stuff like that. I even went up to the UP to tahquamenon falls and we went to the lake over there and still nothing. So bummed

[@malagastehlaate9923]

CLR would be something my Pops would use a lot... For cleaning surfaces before painting. He would recommend it highly... but yeah. I like CLR... I also like Zud for rust removal... ... but that's me.

[@orion84037]

I have had great luck with Iron Out and muriatic acid on Dugway geodes and Utah septarian nodules. The septarian nodules have to be babysat, otherwise it will eat them away to nothing.

[@timpaxew712]

The reaction is that the basic limestone/calcite is being dissolved by the various acids (like a baking soda volcano) so to clean the mystery rock of acid residue you can use something basic (like soap or baking soda water) to do the opposite reaction

[@heatherr1164]

I have watched a few videos where someone cleans seashells with muriatic acid. It didnt bubble at all.

[@traceytrimm3352]

where do you find your rocks? I live in Northern NY State

[@nikkilovesrocks]

I clean my rocks by collecting rain water & soaking them for... well I have some that have sat in rain water for years! I replace the water 2-3 times a year. It works the BEST! Even for a quick 1week soak. It's the best for plants , fresh water fish, & spritzing on your skin & hair! Collect rain water! If it's clean collection it does NOT get stagnant! 💖

[@kevinspiteri1789]

i use HCL a lot but the 90 percent will literally dissolve some rocks, the 5 percent is much better ... HCL will dissolve dirt on rocks so its very effective

[@suzscully]

Yay!!!

[@AgateAriel]

Whoo hoo!

[@patriciakellogg9447]

I use some Borax to clean my rocks, works great.

[@Kicks001]

Could the 'sticky' rock be fossil bone? It looks to have marrow. If it sticks to your tongue it is fossil bone.

[@debbiespeaks8357]

The rock you showed that looks like it has long fibers, looks like one that someone had shown and said it was in the asbestos family

[@adventureswithdaylan7161]

Muriatic acid is a great way to clean rocks. What I do is put my rocks in a container, put water in the container till it covers the rocks and then add the muriatic acid until it starts to fizz and bubble. Just putting the rocks in pure muriatic acid will have the results that you saw in that video that was scary. Water first then little acid. I've used that acid a lot over the years. I have even gotten it on my skin with lime on my skin. If you have running water nearby you can easily wash it off quickly with little harm. Always wear eye protection when using it that is one thing you don't want in your eyes.

[@LeviSedlacek]

Hi I love your videos

[@GruntMike17]

As a warning, I would strongly suggest a disclaimer when using two chemicals like these because they can create toxic fumes or other reactions. Especially with muriatic acid so if anyone is going to try this please ensure you are using separate containers, gloves and the rocks are insanely clean before mixing.

[@debralipke8239]

Weird rock amber type ?

[@timpaxew712]

I live in an area with practicality exclusively limestone and calcite so any acid will just make my rock into a baking soda volcano

[@covenant11]

myoor-ee-at-ik as per the dictionary

[@AgateAriel]

Haha missed out on some letters in there didn’t I 😆

[@covenant11]

@@AgateAriel my grandfather used to use that stuff for everything...removing stumps, cleaning concrete, washing his hands...;)

[@Ariel-lol]

Hey, I like rocks, and my name is Ariel. You like rocks, and your name is Ariel😂

[@shanecorning5222]

"This one I STILL do not know what this is. Texture is STILL weird. .. It. .. kind of sticks to your fingers?" ~ Ariel ; ... .. . Fossilized SASQUATCH poo !!!!!! .. .. :-D .. . .Hahahahaha, you were Rubbin' it Haaaw Haw. .. . :-D

[@shanecorning5222]

EBay that sh%t right. $1,000 like those haunted dolls just make sure your hacker friend helps you lol

[@chuckiephead]

The piece at 11.00 looks like a fossilized bone fragment! but i'm def no expert!

[@bilh3292]

I didn't think you will get the rust stains out of the one crystal. It's hard to be sure from a video, but it looks like the crystals formed over an iron base! Instead of looking at it as staining, look at it as inclusions!

[@WarszawaScream]

The mystery rock looks like Amber!

[@liliankuhn4671]

I tried CL&R on my rocks last year & nothing happened. It was 100% CL&R & no water added.

[@Matt-kt9nm]

Always add acid to water. 6:41 that reaction was caused by adding water to acid. Edit 9:11 honey calcite

[@micheletaillac7097]

it is brown banded limestone

[@Chasenhaws]

I wonder if that "sensitive" rock is amber.🤔

[@nickj9176]

I would take the acid because I ran out and need more

[@justcurious4060]

could it be amber? petrefeid amber?

[@leandromartinsalbuquerque1972]

Gosto muito de pedras,dos seu vídeos ,são todas lindas!! Mais a apresentadora é mais muito mais liiinndaaa!!

[@michelleallman4360]

That one looks like what we call sap rocks the sap on the tree gets so hard like a rock i could be wrong tho

[@kzbay1685]

Mmmmm Aldi pretzels.

[@hbrill3238]

I was thinking "Ooo.... Too Good yogurt!" Lol

[@AgateAriel]

Haha making everyone hungry over here 😂

[@kzbay1685]

@@AgateAriel I work for Aldi, so I had to call out the pretzels. :)

[@TotalDissolvedSalamanders]

Muriatic acid is just Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), I use it regularly in 5% solution to wash and disinfect glassware in labs. When I clean rocks I will make a 10% solution which is stronger and warrants the use of gloves if you are worried. Use either a hood or be outdoors while using it as it degasses and release some stinky and corrosive gases. Use deionized or distilled water if you are diluting the acid to the correct concentration and have a neutralizing agent at hand such as calcium carbonate or sodium carbonate. DO NOT use strong bases such as hydroxides or hypochlorite with any acids unless you know exactly what you are doing as it can be extremely violent in the reaction! Otherwise HCl is not a scary acid to use, unlike nitric, sulfuric, or hydrofluoric acid; all of those 3 require special care, handling, and use; as they can eat through a lot of materials. I use HCl most days at work as a soil scientist.

[@troylarsen2454]

Calcite will react to most acids. I personally do not like iron out that much. Well it has its place. I prefer citric acid for cleaning any Rocks. Agates included. One thing I like to do once they're done soaking. I will scrub them With an old toothbrush, hot water, and dish soap. Then neutralize with baking soda. Chalky LSA paints should not be soaked in any acid or chemicals.

[@CookingWithCows]

Meeric acid :D

[@DeanG55]

Ariel, are you already running out of ideas? Deano here from the beautiful Napa Valley of CA. I find it far easier to scour (no pun intended!!) the internet and see what already has worked and not worked on cleaning rocks. I got thousands of hits on my internet search for what is best to clean rocks. I would watch you all day just slicing open rocks. I love your enthusiasm and you show no disappointment in everything you uncover. (BTW vinegar seems to be the overwhelming consensus as I rapidly scanned many sites.) Love you site and I look forward to new videos.

[@brianblackwell7203]

That one kinda looks like petrified wood