[ARC5] Crystals in WWII

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 15 Mar 2013 at 13:15, J. Forster wrote:

> I think that HF is often generated at the reaction site by mixing a
> metal Fluoride (like CaF2) with an acid.
> 
> It is nasty, dangerous stuff to handle and store in pure form.

Yes. VERY dangerous. As I said, not only does it cause burns which are very 
slow to heal, it penetrates the skin and attacks the bone beneath.

This is the main reason I would like to know how well that rust remover, such 
as the "WHINK" I have been buying at the local grocery store and have been 
using for years, will work at "etching" crystals.

That stuff appears to be dilute enough to not be particularly dangerous if 
common precautions are taken, yet, if it works, we can use it reasonably 
safely.

I guess I'll just try it and see what happens, then will report here and 
elsewhere.

Ken W7EKB