How do I extract a ruby from a rock?

Question

We have a ruby encrusted in rock, found on a mountain. How do we work away the rock to get to the ruby? Which chemicals work best?

Answer 1

It depends on what rock your ruby is encrusted with. Corundum (the mineral which ruby is a variety of) is very resistant to most acids even when hot and concentrated. You can try soaking your specimen in diluted hydrochloric acid first and see how that goes, if no luck try it undiluted. ALWAYS wear rubber gloves, apron and eye protection when using acids and do not pour acids down your sink as they may well damage the plumbing very badly. Pour the waste acid over marble chips to neutralize it then rinse it away. You may also need to use needles and old dental tools to pick off the remaining matrix. This applies to a specimen that IS corundum, I would advise you to get it checked out first as there are many red minerals and if it is not corundum acid may well totally destroy your specimen.

Hope that helps a bit.

Answer 2

sedimentary rocks