Do you know that your morning shower or a quick dip in the pool could be slowly ruining your precious gemstones? Many people think that gemstones can handle water, which is partially true. Some gems like diamonds and rubies usually handle a splash, but some gems are mainly fragile and can be ruined completely. So, hopping into the shower or chlorinated pool with your favorite ring or pendant could become a nightmare.
In this guide, we will talk about what makes gems highly delicate, how to care for them, and name some gemstones to avoid water, so that you can keep their shine alive for many years to come.
What Factors Make Gems Sensitive
If you love to carry your jewelry wherever you go, you need to pay more attention. This habit can damage your gem. You need to strictly avoid wearing some types of gems in the shower or pool because water, heat, body washes, and especially pool chemicals can permanently discolor, crack, or dissolve these sensitive minerals. So, what makes gemstones sensitive to water:
- Porous Gems: These stones act like sponges, and they can absorb water easily. Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli are porous in nature.
- Organic Gems: Instead of traditional earth-mined minerals, they are created by living organisms or biological processes. These gems are incredibly soft and easily destroyed by chemicals. Pearls, Amber, and Coral are some examples.
- High-Water Content and Soft Stones: These gems are usually composed of hydrated silica and contain water naturally. Exposing them to water or chemicals can cause them to dry out completely and lose their shine. Opal is a great example of this.
- Low Hardness: Minerals that rate 5 or below on the Mohs hardness scale (like Fluorite and Apatite) are structurally soft, and water can erode their finish, dull their polish, and cause them to crumble.
- Chemical Reactions: Generally, tap water and pool chlorine contain chemicals that can react with metallic elements like iron or copper in certain gems, which leads to rusting or toxic leaching. Malachite and Hematite are some examples.
Gemstones That Should Not Get Wet: Quick Table Guide
The purpose of this quick table guide is simple. It will help you understand some gemstones that cannot get wet, so that next time you can protect your gem for a longer period.
| Gemstone | Hardness | The Specific Danger | What Will Happen |
| Pearls | 2.5-4.5 | Acidic soaps, chemicals, silk thread rot. | Chlorine and soap can make them dull, and water stretches the string. |
| Opals | 5.5-6.5 | High porosity, thermal shock, and water inclusions. | Hydrophane opals can absorb water and lose their shine. |
| Turquoise | 5.0-6.0 | High porosity and copper content. | It can easily absorb soaps, oils, and chlorine, permanently turning from bright blue to muddy green. |
| Emerald | 7.5-8.0 | Natural fractures filled with oil or resins. | Soaps and hot water can strip its fracture-filling oils and reveal deep hidden cracks. |
| Malachite | 3.5-4.0 | High copper content and softness. | Water splashes make it dull instantly and can leach toxic copper compounds into water. |
| Selenite | 2.0 | Water solubility | Literally dissolves, flakes, and will turn into a chalky slurry over time. |
| Pyrite | 6.0-6.5 | Iron sulfide composition. | Iron oxidizes in moisture and chlorine and creates rust spots. |
| Lapis Lazuli | 5.0-5.5 | Porous calcite and pyrite matrix. | Water can break down the calcite binder; chlorine can destroy the polish and leave white residues. |
| Fluorite | 4.0 | Low hardness and cleavage planes. | Water can seep into cleavage cracks, which causes the stone to lose its luster. |
| Amber | 2.0-2.5 | Organic origin and resin composition. | Hot water, shampoo, and chlorine can cloud the stone surface and cause fine crazing cracks. |
Every natural gemstone for sale available in the market holds a story waiting to be worn and cherished. With the right gemstone and care knowledge, you can create unforgettable moments with your favorite jewelry for a long time.
How To Care For Gemstones
Gemstone care is not that hard; you just need to include some simple steps in your daily routine like:
- Remove jewelry before showering or doing dishes.
- Remove jewelry before hopping into the pool.
- Avoid using ultrasonic and steam cleaners on porous or treated stones.
- If your gem gets wet, then dry it out immediately with a soft cloth. Never leave the gem wet for a long time.
- Store them separately, or in an individual soft fabric pouch to keep them away from harder stones.
- Keep the stone away from humidity and direct sunlight.
- Apply lotions, perfumes, and hairsprays first, and then put on your jewelry. And when the work is done, take off your jewelry first.
Summing Up
Understanding some basic knowledge about your stone when you shop for natural gemstones ensures that every piece you choose stays as breathtaking, shiny, and timeless as the memory behind it. Every gemstone comes with natural flaws, which is not bad. Just take your time to research, understand your mineral from the inside out, and you’re good to go.
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