FG'sS Don't! It probably won't soften the glue but more likely
damage the stones. Where doesn't info like that come from?
I say…
As a Lapidary I use 5min Super Strength Epoxy exclusively as a dop.
I don’t like shellac or dop wax. So I have to use open flame or hot
water to loosen stones from dop sticks. Hint: don’t boil, but heat in
a pan of water. Start cold to prevent temperature shock.Let the water
and stones heat on Medium until the water forms slight bubbles and
gives off a bit of steam and test. If not loosened by now heat a bit
longer.
I’ve only ever damaged opal this way. The glue was still
sufficiently strong to pull off part of the stone on disconnect.
Similarly kyanite and emerald or any non-quartz stone with lots of
cracks may pull up leaving some material in the glue but if your
stones are solid, you shouldn’t have a problem. Don’t plunge them in
cold water to cool them after you heat them though. Let them air
cool.
Now I don’t know what stones you have, but if these stones are of
quartz or cryptocrystalline quartz (chalcedony) you shouldn’t have a
problem. However, if you do boil them accidentally, make sure its not
for very long. Colored quartz can loose it’s color. I turned smoky
quartz into rock crystal by leaving it on the stove.
Any but the most heat sensitive stones should be safe. Heat, do not
boil! I can’t say for sure, but you should be ok.
“Attack” works well, but it is not a safe product by any means. I
avoid it.
Personally, I have had no real issues with heating stones in water.
The opal I mentioned was a victim of impatience.
TL Goodwin
Lapidary/Metalsmith
http://thepacifikimage.com