Simply open each gallbladder, filter the bile through a fine mesh sieve to collect any size of stone, even the smallest. In order to optimise the harvest we strongly advise you to check that no stones have remained stuck in the gallbladder. Stones can also be found in the liver or the bile duct (they are then relatively small).
Once recovered, rinse them in cold water to remove the bile and reduce the risk of them bursting during drying.
Once rinsed, carefully place the stones in a cardboard box with multiple holes of about 2 cm on each side to allow air to circulate.
The top of the box can be left open provided the stones are not in direct sunlight. If they are, they will darken and lose their value. The drying process should be temperate and gradual.
For this purpose, the drying temperature should be between 17 and 24°C.
If the temperature is too high, the stones may burst.
If the room is too damp and poorly ventilated, the stones may become mouldy.
We also advise you to use 2 boxes:
One for drying gallstones (knowing that the average drying time is 1 to 2 weeks depending on the size of the gallstone and the temperature)
Another box for dry gallstones
Once dry, be very careful when handling them, as the stones have become very breakable. If they were to break they would lose their value – even though we buy all the stones in any condition.
The best way to tell if a stone is dry is to weigh it two days in a row. If the weight does not change, it is dry.
Once dry, the stones can be stored in a well-ventilated cardboard box in the dark for 9 to 12 months without any problems.
