i under stand its not swiss movment, but japanese are ussally consitroed to make really good stuff, so is this watch movement good?
Limestone and quartz do not normally come together. I think what you have is a calcite, the mineral crystal of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Calcite and quartz crystals do appear and look very similar. To find out, calcite is soft compared to quartz.
A weak solution of hydrochloric acid will work. A pool supply company or home center should have hydrochloric acid, look for muriatic acid. Be careful using Hydrochloric acid, it is strong and the vapor is harmful. Use the acid outside.
I agree with Deo - the 'quartz' you see is probably sparry calcite, since quartz crystals rarely form with limestone. The best way would be to cut off the limestone, but leave some - it looks so much better to have the native matrix.
I think the best thing you can do is to try and dissolve the limestone. If you try and break the quartz out of the rock you will probably crack it real bad. Home Depot or Lowe's should sell hydrochloric acid (also called muriatic acid) in the same department where they sell concrete. I think this should dissovle the limestone away from the quartz.
Soak the rock in dilute muriatic acid. The limestone will be etched away, freeing the quartz crystals. You can get it at your local hardware store. Be sure to read up on how to safely handle acids, and NEVER work alone! You may need someone to call for help if you have an accident. Test it in a small spot first, though. If it is something besides quartz, like calcite, it could destroy the entire rock. Quartz will not react, however. You may have to soak it for a few days. Good luck with your ore processing!
