[NHCOLL-L:4175] RE: cleaning nicotine-staining off mineral specimens?

[Robert Waller]

Hi Vicen,
In my experience (and, yes, I did used to smoke) this kind of yellowish nicotine/smoke/dust tinge does clean well in water with a mild soap (such as Orvis soap).  For any specimens that are not water soluble, very friable, containing sulfide oxidation products, subject to matting when wetted, etc., I would recommend washing in room temperature water containing a mild soap.  If the specimen is robust then light brushing with a soft brush will speed the cleaning greatly.  As always, it is important to rinse well and ensure specimens are thoroughly dried before returning to a closed cabinet.
Best wishes,
Rob
 
Robert Waller, PhD, CAPC, FIIC
President and Senior Risk Analyst
Protect Heritage Corp.
622 Simoneau Way
Ottawa  ON  K4A 1P4
email: rw at protectheritage.com
phone: 613-830-1883
skype: rrwaller

and,
Sessional Adjunct Professor
Queen's University Art Conservation Program
15 Bader Lane
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6
613-533-6000, ext. 74338
Fax 613-533-6889 

________________________________

From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu on behalf of Vicen Carrio
Sent: Tue 27/01/2009 9:57 AM
To: NHCOLL-L at lists.yale.edu; GEO-CURATORS at JISCMAIL.AC.UK; preplist at oeb.harvard.edu
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:4174] cleaning nicotine-staining off mineral specimens?




Dear all,

I have received this enquiry.
Any suggestion?
There are some 5 to 600 specimens.

Thanks,

Vicen

Ms Vicen Carrió
Geological Conservator/ Preparator

National Museums Scotland
National Museums Collection Centre
242 West Granton Road
Edinburgh EH5 1JA
Phone  +44 (0) 131 247 4254
Fax +44 (0) 131 2474322
v.carrio at nms.ac.uk
http://www.nms.ac.uk <http://www.nms.ac.uk/> 

Note:  My working days are Monday to Thursday
======================================
Hi Vicen,

Here's a summary of my enquiry...

We've just been given a rather nice mineral collection. Previously, the
specimens had spent several decades on open display shelving, in a
cigarette-smoke rich atmosphere. Many of the specimens have a dull
yellowish nicotine/smoke/dust tinge, which impairs the natural
colour/lustre, and reduces their visual appeal.

Is there a particular recommended way of removing this, and restoring
the original lustre of the specimens? Obviously there is a wide range of
minerals species with different chemical properties, so particular
treatments may not be appropriate for everything. However, any
suggestions gratefully recieved, especially if they can be performed
safely in an open sink or similar. If necessary, fume-cupboard
approaches might also be feasible though.

Thanks

John
=================================================

"The world's greatest dressmaker." Jean Muir: A Fashion Icon.
http://www.nms.ac.uk/jeanmuir

National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130

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