Hi Jaron,

This is the method I have used in the past for cleaning bullion coins. I imagine it would translate over.

First, soak in water with mild dish detergent. This should help loosen up and remove any grease/dirt.

Next, soak it in a very mild solution of water and lemon juice (or other citric acid source/solution). Check back on it often. The milder the solution, the safer it will be, but also the longer it will take. From what I have read, citric acid won't dissolve quartz, so it should keep the specimen intact, while helping to get rid of the staining.

Jaron,
Go with what Stuart said. I leave all specimen gold attached to the host rock but will clean/spruce up the gold in some cases.
I use 409 for the first soak with a good rinse and then real lemon juice.

I've used muratic acid to brighten up some of my stuff
or white vinegar NEVER together
I'm not trying to remove iron stains, just polish things up abit

Bill