Expert: Mike Fulcher - 7/1/2006

Question
Is there an acid or substance that will desovle shells i.e. mussels, winkles etc and not affect any metals?

Answer
Tom

Shells are typically composed of calcium carbonate, which is the same material that forms hard water scale in the bathroom.  Any one of the available hard water scale removers should do the trick, but given shells are a bit thicker than hard water deposits, it might take a while longer.  These cleaners are typically mixtures of sulfonic and phosphoric acid, and are safe for short term use on most metals.  Long term I'm not 100% sure.  If your metal happens to be aluminum, then I think you're out of luck since aluminum is readily attacked by even the weakest acids.  Copper will also be attacked to a lesser extent.  Steel, nickel, silver etc shold be OK for longer exposures.  If I didn't list your metal send me a follow up and I'll get back to you.  Thanks.