How to Clean your Rocks and Fossils with Acid | Lake Michigan Coral Fossils

[@markpashia7067]

Yup, some of those could use a second bath. When the bubbling stops it can mean one of two things. It can mean all the limestone is gone and nothing for the acid to react with, or it can mean that all the acid has been neutralized by the limestone and it needs more acid. Usually best to clean up and start fresh for a second round rather than just add acid though.

[@upnorthadventureswithccc]

Great demonstration ! I have done a few fossils in acid in the past but always wondered what would happen to fossil soup and I like the results. Nice to see everything from the old sea bead. Your chain coral turned out amazing !

[@Operocks]

Thank you! Loved the chain coral results. Thanks for watching

[@followingmypath3144]

Cool results, the chain corals are the best. How do you dispose the used acid, what is the proper way? thanks

[@Operocks]

Thanks for watching, to properly dispose of it you’ll want to fully neutralize the pail of acid/water by slowly adding baking soda until it no longer reacts. Then it will be safe to dispose of.

[@BlindSquirrelRocks-dv9lc]

Thanks for the demonstration! Funny how the acid bath exposed the meaty chunks of the "fossil soup" stone, and eliminated the broth! Since I have some fossil imprints on limestone matrix, I'll be careful to keep those rocks "dirty"!😄

[@Operocks]

Ha yeah I’m going to pull the fossil soup just a tad bit earlier next time to keep it somewhat held together by matrix, although seeing all the ‘ingredients’ is pretty neat! Thanks for watching.

[@markpashia7067]

Right off the bat, I would have dipped the knife into the neutralizer just to protect it and any drop on it that might have ended up on the pocket cloth. Just a thought when working with acids. Always neutralize anything that had any possible contact with concentrated acid. Safety first.

[@GMAN1965]

Cool video I've done this myself, I love how the chain corals turn out. still trying to figure out a way to strengthen them when they are finished because they are so fragile.

[@Operocks]

I know! I thought about a clear coat to strengthen them but not sure if I’d like the shine. Thanks for watching

[@Eggabeth81]

9:00 is so cool!!!!!

[@Operocks]

One of my favorites from this batch! Thanks!

[@greatnorthernviews3052]

That’s pretty cool I will have to try that.

[@Operocks]

Thanks for watching!