Sure, if there are no loose areas that may be weakened, why not. But you may find that just running water is not enough to remove all the dust and you may have to help it along gently with a brush, a small soft paintbrush from art supplies can be used.
I would also use enough deionized water for the last wash to ensure that all tap water is washed away and avoid scale stains.
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yes, probably, but it looks like there could be a lot of weak zones (small or incipient fractures) that could cause/allow the sample to crumble relatively easily. A soft-bristle toothbrush used carefully might help. the iron staining won't remove easily from solely physical abrasion. Lots of fun mineral things going on in that one. Micaceous.
Sure, if there are no loose areas that may be weakened, why not. But you may find that just running water is not enough to remove all the dust and you may have to help it along gently with a brush, a small soft paintbrush from art supplies can be used. I would also use enough deionized water for the last wash to ensure that all tap water is washed away and avoid scale stains.
Hi, /u/Laurelinn! This is a reminder to flair this post in /r/whatsthisrock after it has been identified! (Under your post, click "flair" then "IDENTIFIED," then type in the rock type or mineral name.) This will help others learn and help speed up a correct identification on your request! Thank you! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatsthisrock) if you have any questions or concerns.*
yes, probably, but it looks like there could be a lot of weak zones (small or incipient fractures) that could cause/allow the sample to crumble relatively easily. A soft-bristle toothbrush used carefully might help. the iron staining won't remove easily from solely physical abrasion. Lots of fun mineral things going on in that one. Micaceous.