How to Clean Rocks and Minerals

Cleaning rocks can be difficult! In this video I walk you though one of my favorite rock cleaning methods!
How to clean rocks and minerals:
1. Add rocks to a sealable container.
2. Fill up container have way up the rocks with water.
3. Fill the other half with vinegar.
4. Add a nice big squeeze of dish soap
5. Swirl/shake/stir rocks every couple of hours
6. After 24-48 hours dump out and throughly rinse rocks.
7. Voila! Clean rocks!
My Must Have Rockhounding Items:
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Books:
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Happy Hounding!

[@phillipbaugh9876]

I love you lady... I've been treasure hunting and rock hounding since I was a lil kid. I have started back and I still get that rush of excitement when I find something. I have a lot of goodies and was looking for good videos to polish them, so thanks for sharing

[@AgateAriel]

Of course glad I could help!

[@compubyte2010]

GREAT JOB !!! .. I'd like to make two suggestions. .based on the beginning of the video.. that Big rock, that caused issues when cleaning them. I've found if I put the BIG rocks on the bottom and smaller ones in.. they tend to fill in around the big ones much better.. As for finishing them till they don't smell like vinegar anymore.. ( and as you know vinegar is an acid ) .. pop the rocks into water and baking soda afterward cleaning the rocks and it will neutralize the vineager. Not just neuterialize the acid. but bubble a bit, which will help push and clean out those small cracks and crevises .. Just a thought.. great video!!

[@AgateAriel]

Awesome thank you for the suggestions!

[@jcouch1993]

I love the sparkles that vinegar and blue dawn makes. I figure it's a chemical reaction but haven't found anything online. I was starting to think it was just an anomaly but seeing it happen to you too proves otherwise

[@AgateAriel]

I’ve never thought of that! Yes I wonder why it does that 🤔 very interesting!!

[@mythserene]

It's the sodium hydroxide in the dish soap reacting with the vinegar to form tiny crystalline salts. 😊🧪

[@jimmymcgill2557]

@@mythserene interesting! do you recommend letting things soak for a couple of days when using hot water and dish soap (i briefly remember reading that it loosens any dirt from small cracks this way) but i can't say i've noticed much difference from just leaving it for a few hours?) also i'm not using vinegar anymore due to running out and haven't noticed a difference in that respect either!

[@mythserene]

@@jimmymcgill2557 I don't know about that part. I was just looking at cleaning up rocks, saw the comment, and knew because I majored in biochem/chemistry 😊

[@johnkent885]

Vinegar and baking soda mixture works great.

[@CityRockhounding]

Really great cleaning job. They turned out awesome. I know citric acid works well, but most people have white vinegar and dish soap at home, so that's where I'm starting. Thanks for the tips and process. I know it takes a lot of work to do what you do here on KZbin, planning, editing, hounding, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your journey with us. I'm an introvert, it would be hard for me to do that.

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you for the kind compliment! And agreed this method is perfect for beginners since most people have the items already at home! 😊

[@IveGotStones]

I just love your personality and how you love rocks, all my friends think I'm nuts cause I love rocks the same way😂, definitely a new fan👍. Also when it comes to anything quartz related, Chalcedony, Jasper, Agate, Druzy etc, I use super iron out (powder), just a friendly tip, it seems to do the best job for me.

[@AgateAriel]

Thanks so much! Yes I have heard that before as well! I haven’t tried it yet-but I would definitely like to!

[@bernardaaron4103]

😂 I thought it was just me! Had know idea!😊

[@kevinkiesel4937]

Thank you for this!! Time to clean my rocks a little better!!

[@AgateAriel]

Of course! 😊

[@philstover2422]

Love the enthusiasm and that you share your knowledge. Thanks

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you!!

[@CacklingChick]

6:26 That one really cleaned up nicely!

[@sp1ralg1rl]

thank u! my first time cleaning rocks!

[@joeymuckuck6735]

leave ur rocks soaked in plain vinegar for a good month, your gonna like the way they look 😀 quartz looks awesome they go see through'ish 😯

[@AgateAriel]

I might have to try it!

[@kermann-bv8um]

I have to try this for sure other are talking Lysol bowl and water and after sitting pour in toilet and rinse it with water for as long as you soaked in the acid. BUT THIS IS SAFER

[@AgateAriel]

Oh I haven’t heard of that method before! Yes I hope you try it!

[@kermann-bv8um]

@@AgateAriel The acid in the Lysol and Water is stronger and deeper clean but this seems just fine

[@mattwodziak1750]

Just fyi, the black one is called prophyry. They are fairly common on the north shore and can be found in much of minnesota as well. I really like keeping them. Would love to slab a few and make them into coasters.

[@AgateAriel]

Awesome thank you!!

[@annabuske4334]

This was really helpful since I have just started collecting

[@AgateAriel]

Awesome! I’m glad I could help!

[@GREEKEXPLORERS]

Amazing video and great work!! The rocks are beautiful!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you!! 😊

[@M.S.K.F_VLOGS]

Very good work . I am supporting you.

[@RagnarRocks]

Awesome clean job Ariel! Looking forward to your adventures with citric acid, iron out and muriatic acid! So many possibilities! My favorite one is the petrified wood with the druzy pocket!

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you!! Yes that one was super cool! I’m glad I was able to clean up the druzy part!!

[@jimmymcgill2557]

@@AgateAriel i found out the hard way as i'm new to actually going out hunting for crystals/rocks instead of just buying them and was experimenting with soaking in vinegar to clean my rocks, had some nice white pieces of 'Calcite' (vinegar some dish soap and baking soda with some boiling water after 10 minutes and the next day they were a bit smaller and had a really rough and gritty surface where it dissolved! 😂 citric does the same just incase you come across any! l also i've got a small Dremel coming soon which are meant to be very helpful and a great tool for sanding, polishing, and even faceting if the rock isn't too hard (but then again you only need to get a diamond tipped attachment for harder rocks!) 👌🏻💎

[@MNpicker]

Looks like some very nice tumbling material 👌 They cleaned up great!! I like the jasper 😃

[@AgateAriel]

Right!! Some of the pieces are too large for my tumbler but I’m hoping to do a few!!

[@craigallen9731]

Great video, thanks! My 8yr old son has been collecting rocks for art projects and this will surely help! Ps. You'd be a great cast as Harley Quinn...

[@AgateAriel]

Oh that’s awesome! Glad I could help! Also I have never heard that before!

[@ianjohnson8128]

Try tumbling volcanic glass sand and vinegar for about 4 days with the hard stones you want to clean up and wash after. Not as good as the acids but still better than the ones you showed.

[@stephendall2329]

I wish that I could get my rocks to sparkle even half as much as your smile.

[@nicholasjohnson4295]

Fun fact! Vinegar is acidic and soap is a base. While they both have uses, together they will just neutralize or weaken each other. If you did a separate soak of vinegar and another of concentrated soapy water or baking soda, you may experience better results

[@ianjohnson8128]

Yes I agree from Down Under NZ

[@annomaly751]

Thank you for posting this, you’re awesome ❤🎉

[@AgateAriel]

Of course! Glad it’s helpful!

[@Ilikeusingburnerphones]

Thank you I sold one crystal I found last night and cleaned it I make over R23k thanks

[@AgateAriel]

Wow that’s awesome!

[@Hawkeyes003]

I'm not gonna lie, I have about 10-15 Kemps ice cream buckets for my rock needs as well! 10/10 would recommend 👌

[@AgateAriel]

Awesome! Hope it helps! 😊

[@Aries41474]

Just use IRON OUT. No scrubbing required, gets in the cracks & when you're done, just pour it down the tub, sink or toilet, it's good for your pipes.

[@americanpatriot430]

If you add sand and ceramic media it would help tremendously

[@gregderksen1996]

Hey Ariel, have you had any issues with calcite being eaten away with your diluted vinegar method? i recently put a bunch of rock in a pure vinegar bath (lots of river scum on them and read somewhere to soak in vinegar to get rid of it) and to my dismay, after a few days much of the calcite veins in a couple had been eaten away. rookie mistake on my part. was my first attempt on cleaning. currently have some just soaking in water and dawn. Amethyst is quite possibly my favourite mineral, but i gotta say i love that black/red/black (banded iron?).

[@AgateAriel]

I haven’t had issues with this method and it may be because the vinegar is diluted but I have heard of that happening before! There definitely is a learning curve!

[@manofcorn5930]

This is great! I have a question, do you have any insight on how to was limestone or other carbonate rocks? Because I'm thinking the vinegar would dissolve and break apart the limestone samples since vinegar is acidic

[@Thracium]

Hello, what kind of rock exactly is the 4-th washed rock you show at the end - this big red stone, where you say that you like the detail? :)

[@toad766]

Nice rocks!

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you!!

[@debrashattuck6068]

I can not identify any of my rocks. I have tried the field guide, lens, apps and rock group's. There are no clubs locally, Any suggestions on how to identify??

[@treybeedee6177]

Would it hurt if I used a dental pick at this beginning stage of cleaning. BTW I have some 4-7 lb rocks that I know are great rocks , but I need someone to help me identify the minerals that created these rocks I have a 4 lb rock that has been identified as an agate. I can see the banding in that one. I came across a huge rock collection in my mom’s attic. She didn’t know they were there. She got the house from her second husbands mother whom she took care of till she passed. Anyways, that is how I got started tumbling rocks. I love it!!! Learning all the different rocks, minerals and fossils is a whole other world. Do you know anyone that will help my identify some of the big rocks that I washed up and took different views of. I appreciate all of your help and I appreciate your channel. Thank you so much God bless.

[@AgateAriel]

Send them too my email and I can check them out! No I don’t think a dental pick would hurt as long as they aren’t super soft rocks

[@meganslater5421]

Hello there. I found this gray rock that has quartz like bits to it. It feels heavier than it should. I think it may be a big quartz with a layer of gray crud on it. I put it in vinegar and it bubbles. Is there anything else I can do to get rid of the gray crud?

[@sharonwalton2033]

Are these from your backyard?!?! If so, then I would like to say that my backyard was kinda dug up in an area, and there's a TON of rocks there, do you think I can use those?

[@AgateAriel]

These rocks are from a local beach! Yes o would definitely check through the rocks in your yard! You never know what you might find!

[@sandiledlamiini2133]

Thank you pretty Agate Ariel..

[@ObsidianEmbrace001]

Do you go around creeks and rivers to find those? We've been hitting streams around us, so far so good.

[@AgateAriel]

Yes! Lakes, rivers, streams, all those places are perfect for rockhounding!

[@user-ej6ur4rx5j]

Agate Ariel my name is Marcus and I am a fan I'm somewhat consumed in the rock thing at the moment but I wanna see if I can send you some rocks of mine and maybe you can give my your best opinion I believe there different but maybe not what do you think about that?

[@brumasbusiness]

that lawn must look now...

[@minnesotarockhounder]

What do you do for river rocks even dirtier then those you used in the video like ones with river scum and river burn? Same method for Extreme dirty rocks or what? 😅

[@AgateAriel]

I actually have been using an ultrasonic cleaner lately and have been loving it!

[@lemongrab6173]

What about white shirt bleach ? Would it be a good substitute for the vinegar?

[@AgateAriel]

I’m not sure-I’ve never tried it!

[@MineralsandJewellers]

Thanks for 385 Subscribers❤

[@Professionalbeachwalker]

Do you sell those after ?

[@shravyamanuru373]

i dont have normal vinegar is it ok if i use apple cider vinegar???

[@AgateAriel]

I’ve never tried that so I’m not sure!

[@kismatkepathar267]

Good

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you!

[@JadentheOGcarter]

does other vinegar work

[@AgateAriel]

It did! I’m actually making a video comparing this method and another one and the results are surprising 👀

[@faithgrowsdeep]

where do you find those red and black rocks i need me some of those

[@AgateAriel]

Yes it was such a cool find!! I found this one at a Minnesota lake!

[@brosbarth5833]

i did this for my school work

[@TheeAntiChris]

Does anyone know if this solution remove rust stains from river rocks?!

[@AgateAriel]

I haven’t found much success with rust removal, but iron out does the trick!

[@sharlenagiles9478]

That's for showing your cleaning method. But it would of been really helpful for beginners if you were saying the names of the rocks too

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you for the tip! I will be sure to include that in the future!

[@smcewen7]

It's very difficult to know the exact name of alot of rocks,because alot of them cannot be identified until they're cut open.

[@ferd3007]

Does it works for quartz crystals?

[@AgateAriel]

Yes!

[@timsimota982]

Are you from Minnesota? I live up in Brainerd

[@kpgirl1]

Can I tumble my rocks after using dish soap like this?

[@ianjohnson8128]

Yes you can but use Landry soap so it doesn't pop the lid of your tumbler. 😅

[@ianjohnson8128]

Also you can use soft volcanic sand to soften the tumbling process with the soap and tumble stones for as long as you need to clean them without damaging your rocks 🪨

[@Kinokamimusic]

The cicada had me thinking I was hearing things

[@faithgrowsdeep]

im saving 75$ to get a tumbler and grit so i can do the same stuff you do

[@AgateAriel]

Oh that’s awesome!! You will have to keep me updated on your rock tumbling journey!

[@Papiiswagg]

Damn I have to clean like 4 cubic yards of rock. This is gonna take me some time lol

[@AgateAriel]

Haha gotta do it in a 5 gallon bucket! 😂

[@Papiiswagg]

@@AgateAriel 🤣🤣 I used two wheel barrels and after 2 days of work and a dislocated disk, the rock was shiny once more lol nice video thanks for the tips!

[@gonebananas777]

I have so many tubs of rocks outside by my shed, I keep saying I put them there bc I need to clean them, but I'm finding them faster than I can clean them! I can't really identify them very well until I get them cleaned up, bc I'm VERY green when it comes to identifying rocks

[@Papiiswagg]

@@gonebananas777 cleaning process is tedious my friend

[@fenq2783]

can i use apple cider vinegar

[@AgateAriel]

I have never tried apple cider vinegar before so I am not sure!

[@gmansjewels]

And this whole time I’ve been posted up in my bathroom scrubbing with an old toothbrush

[@AgateAriel]

Haha oh no! Well I’m glad I could help! 😊

[@briancurtis6022]

"It had a lot of moss on it...." so it was a Moss Agate? (grin)

[@AgateAriel]

Haha good one 🤣

[@helenarichard]

Get out

[@roshanittiachan8869]

Does Hydrogen Peroxide help? Or would it damage the rock?

[@AgateAriel]

I’m not sure actually! I’ve never tried it!

[@roshanittiachan8869]

@@AgateAriel it is usually used to remove dirt from wounds, so i got curious lol.

[@elainebates6967]

But isn't the yellow color normal?

[@AgateAriel]

On which one?

[@elainebates6967]

@@AgateAriel The yellowy color on the one stone at 4.49 that you want to get the color out that you don't like.

[@AgateAriel]

Oh gotcha! It could be some limonite staining which would be more difficult to get rid of! Either way it’s a pretty cool rock 🪨 😊

[@americanpatriot430]

Please do this in a bikini next time! Guaranteed 100x veiws!😂😂😂❤❤❤ love your videos!

[@spaced4448]

I know it's confusing but next time put the big rock at the bottom first 🤣

[@hosannamcbride1337]

You are so pretty ariel

[@anjalidash1562]

Make clear audiable words to hear properly

[@AgateAriel]

Thanks for the suggestion! I definitely have learned more about audio since making this video!

[@11Evalone]

Neato! I just use mah spit. :P

[@AgateAriel]

Haha to each our own! 😂

[@aliciapoore9413]

Vinegar destroys rocks minerals and gems!

[@AgateAriel]

It can eat away at things like calcite, but I haven’t had too much issue with it!

[@machone1]

NooooIf you let sit&soak or shake it,the quartz,crystals,& agate WILL be GONE.Makes bad rust&’ll eat away any glitzy metallic crystals!

[@AgateAriel]

It won’t eat Quartz that I know of but will dissolve calcite!

[@MizzAugust7]

Seems wasteful to not save the exact liquid you would use to clean- more rocks. But then the new generation is very wasteful compared to how my Mother who lived through the Depression & apricating the loss of everything- raised me.

[@AgateAriel]

Sounds like you have a great mother! 🥰 unfortunately you can’t save the cleaning solution as it neutralizes

[@treybeedee6177]

@@AgateAriel I was going to say the same same thing!

[@treybeedee6177]

It was a great question , but there’s a reason to clean your rocks and that dirty water with it’s additives isn’t good with going forward with creating beautiful tumbler rocks

[@tuexss]

Please dispose of the cleaning solution properly, don't pour it into your garden.

[@AgateAriel]

I pour it over my outside tile, I don’t want weeds or grass growing in that area-no garden near by so no worries!