GeologyRocksCleaning rocks in the field.
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Jon
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Moss should come off easy
Mon, 08/27/2007 - 21:39Moss should come off easy enough.
Lichen is a different matter. It hardly ever comes off cleanly. Another question is: should you remove it? It took a few (50-100?) years to grow there.
If it really needs removing, try sandpaper and acid (?).
javi_geo
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As Jon have said,
Thu, 08/30/2007 - 08:46As Jon have said, lichens could have decens to hundreds years in age. But if you really need to see the outcrops, you can use bleach dissolved in a bit of water and rubbing with a brush. We remove them so, when it´s really necesary.
cheers!
Javi
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Cleaning rocks in the field.
Submitted by Matt on Mon, 08/27/2007 - 21:05.My recent fieldwork has been somewhat limited by the fact that most of my outcrops are totally encrusted with lichen and moss. Scrub as I may, a toothbrush and a bottle of water just won't shift enough of it for me to see the rock in any detail. Extensive hammering for fresh exposure is impractical, impossible or illegal* in varying degrees, so I really need a way to clean my exposures. Can anyone reccomend any techniques? The rock is limestone if it matters.
*I have permission to hammer, but questions may be asked if I knocked large chunks off of every outcrop I come to.