QuestionHow do I safely remove glue from an amazonite pendant?
AnswerSusan, thanks for this question.
ACETONE SOLVENT
The best overall solvent for the more common cements used on gemstones is acetone. Some fingernail polish remover contains acetone (check label) and may be used but is not as strong as pure acetone like you can get from a hardware or home supply store. Generally a pint is the smallest container I have seen offered for acetone. This is the solvent of choice for epoxy cements and for super-glue type cements. Special epoxy solvents are available but are costly and should not be needed.
MECHANICAL METHOD
A flat edge of a razor blade or very sharp knife may be used to very carefully flake off excess cement, using the blade almost flat to the stone surface and avoiding any corners or shapes cut into the stone. A blade edge used as in cutting or scraping can damage the stone. The idea of this method is to hold the sharp blade almost flat to the stone so it goes between the cement edge and the stone surface, flaking off the cement and gently running along the stone without chipping the surface. Without previous practice using this mechanical method to remove cement residue, I suggest only using solvents to do the work.
HOW TO REMOVE CEMENTS WITH ACETONE
Usually a soaking is needed to dissolve the cement and to penetrate into areas such as drill holes for earring posts, etc. Put the stones into a glass jar with a good lid and just cover with acetone. The lid should be on the jar because acetone will evaporate and is bad to breath and will burn. Let all soak for a couple of hours then remove stones, rinse and see if the cement is loosened. If not, soak longer and overnight if needed. Loose but still remaining cement may be removed with a wooden tooth pick or similar safe form for scraper which will not damage the gemstone. Acetone will dry the skin and is best handled while wearing suitable "rubber" gloves. To use the jar method, gloves are not needed as log as the hands are not directly handling the solvent. Remove the material form the soaking jar, rinse with water then use your hands to handle the stones.
DYED STONES
While Amazonite feldspar has its natural color, some other kinds of gemstones are dyed and solvents such as acetone may remove some dyes. Your stones are likely natural color but it is still wise to check to see if the acetone is releasing any dye. To check, use a swab to wipe the surface of the material firmly then see if any color shows on the swab. Also, when soaking, check once in a while to see if the color of the stone is in the solvent or remove, rinse and dry to take a good look at the stones. If so, the cement must be removed mechanically as with a razor with some risk to the stone. Stones which may be dyed include lapis and turquoise and a few others.(Never use solvents on inexpensive turquoise because it most likely has a plastic impregnation and the plastic may begin to dissolve.) Better qualities of colorful opaque to translucent gemstones are not usually dyed but low end stones are often dyed to simulate the color of higher grade stones. Since some dyes are affected by different solvents, there is not a single rule to follow beyond checking as you go along for signs of dyes being released or removed form the stone material.
Susan, let me know if this works for you or if you have problems;it should work unless the cement is an uncommon one.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
