GEMSTONE CARE

Proper cleaning and care of gemstones are essential to maintain their beauty and longevity. Different gemstones have specific sensitivities to cleaning methods, and understanding these can help prevent damage. Here is a detailed list of gemstones that require special care, including those that should avoid ultrasonic cleaners, water, and heat.

Gemstones That Should Not Be Cleaned with Ultrasonic Cleaners:
Emerald: Often treated with oils or resins that can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. Vibrations can cause internal fractures to expand.
Opal: Fragile and can crack due to vibrations and heat. Also porous and can absorb water, leading to structural damage.
Tanzanite: Sensitive to temperature changes and vibrations, which can cause cracks or fractures.
Pearl: Organic material with a delicate surface that can be scratched or damaged by vibrations and heat.
Turquoise: Porous and often treated with stabilizers that can be damaged. Ultrasonic cleaning can cause the stone to crack or discolor.
Lapis Lazuli: Composed of multiple minerals and is porous, making it susceptible to damage from ultrasonic vibrations and heat.
Malachite: Soft and porous, can easily be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. Can absorb liquids, leading to discoloration or structural weakness.
Amber: Organic material that is soft and can be damaged or cracked by ultrasonic vibrations and heat.
Jade: Can be treated with dyes or surface coatings that may be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. Additionally, jade can have internal fractures that can expand.
Moonstone: Has a layered structure that can be damaged by ultrasonic vibrations, leading to fractures or cleaving.
Topaz: Can have internal stress points that make it susceptible to cracking under ultrasonic vibrations.
Garnet: Some varieties can be sensitive to heat generated by ultrasonic cleaners.
Kunzite: Sensitive to vibrations, which can cause the stone to cleave.
Zircon: Can be damaged by ultrasonic vibrations, especially if it has been heat-treated.
Gemstones That Should Not Be Exposed to Water:
Opal: Highly porous and can absorb water, leading to cracking or crazing.
Turquoise: Porous and can absorb water and other liquids, leading to discoloration and structural damage.
Lapis Lazuli: Contains multiple minerals, making it porous and susceptible to water damage. Water can cause discoloration and weaken the stone.
Malachite: Very porous and can absorb water, leading to damage. Water can also cause the stone to lose its polish and luster.
Amber: Can absorb water and other liquids, leading to structural weakness and potential cracking.
Pyrite: Can oxidize and deteriorate when exposed to water, leading to a loss of shine and structural integrity.
Rhodochrosite: Can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water due to its high porosity.
Howlite: Porous and can absorb water and other liquids, which can cause discoloration and structural weakness.
Gemstones That Should Not Be Exposed to Heat:
Opal: Sensitive to temperature changes and can crack or craze when exposed to heat.
Emerald: Inclusions and treatments (such as oiling) can be damaged by heat, leading to cracks or changes in appearance.
Tanzanite: Can fracture when exposed to sudden temperature changes.
Amethyst: Prolonged exposure to heat can cause fading or change in color.
Citrine: Similar to amethyst, prolonged heat exposure can cause color changes or fading.
Kunzite: Known for its sensitivity to light and heat, which can cause the color to fade over time.
Topaz: Can be damaged by heat, leading to color changes or internal stress fractures.
Tourmaline: Heat can cause color changes and potential fracturing, especially in bi-colored varieties.
Peridot: Sensitive to acids and heat, which can cause damage.
Zircon: Prone to impurities, which can be affected by heat extremes. Fine blue and white zircon are often heat-treated and can be damaged by further heat exposure.