Rocks with copper, silver etc mineral in it
- Thread starter Bizzaro
- Start date
Rocks with any potential for heavy metals is a bad idea. Copper is actually used to eradicate certain parasitic pests in aquaria...so a large amount of copper leaching from decor could kill your fish quite easily.
Another thing to watch for when choosing rocks is where they come from. If they are rocks you found in the garden......or you neighbours' garden, beware f pesticidesnand herbicides that may have leached into the rock...I know borax was mined up in Calico and the surrounding desert....and copper mines have been dug up the for years. Better safe then sorry....
at least soak the rock for a few days to a week and test the water with a real and current heavy metal test kit.
Another thing to watch for when choosing rocks is where they come from. If they are rocks you found in the garden......or you neighbours' garden, beware f pesticidesnand herbicides that may have leached into the rock...I know borax was mined up in Calico and the surrounding desert....and copper mines have been dug up the for years. Better safe then sorry....
at least soak the rock for a few days to a week and test the water with a real and current heavy metal test kit.
Don't do it is the only correct answer. Copper ores can also contain molybdenum, arsenic, and combinations of other nasties. Some ores from that region are so unstable and unsafe that they pose health risks just sitting on a shelf.
Stick with agates and silica based rocks for colorful decor.
Stick with agates and silica based rocks for colorful decor.
That's why they built a live fire military base out in that desert!!! Hahaha!!!!
Thanks guys. Heavy metal test kit? Where can i get this? Can some plants eat up iron n other minerals? I'll just stick with river rock from Colorado next trip.
Heavy metal test kits are available in most chain hardware stores. They're more readily available in areas with increased well water use.