Techniques for Collectors : Pyrite Sun (original) (raw)

Howdy All,

I tend to think Rock might be onto something here, 'blue' tarnish is normally surface alteration/weathering etc. Organic breakdown or oxidization is usually grey-green and powdery.

I believe I may have a solution for preventing the breakdown of these specimens, however I cannot guarantee that this method will help retain luster. Maybe someone can experiment with this further and perfect it until it will retain luster!

I recently received several small pyrite suns, several of which were broken. Simple breaks of two or three pieces for each specimen, although I had more than enough for my needs, I thought I would experiment with then some.

First I brushing them all clean of any powder or loose particles.

I then mixed a solution of Weldbond pva glue, five (5) parts glue to three (3) parts water.

Using a small paintbrush, applied it to both sides of each break, leaving it until it was touch dry, then applied another coat to one side and held the pieces together until they held. I used this on each piece until all were finished.

I left the specimens for several days to allow for full curing.

I further mixed a solution of one (1) part glue to five (5) parts water and again using a slam paintbrush applied it to one side of each specimen.

Again leaving then for several days to cure fully.

Then repeated this on the second side, making sure not to have any excess glue left anywhere.

These were all done sometime in October 2009, and have so far all remained in one piece and appear to be holding together well.

I have added a quick photo here of one that was in three (3) pieces and to my surprise it is also showing some luster!

Maybe it is just a time thing for the solution to settle?

I have been using these pieces as giveaways for kids, with notes on the labels as to the repairs done.

I hope this helps someone.

Cheers Mark.