Hover over your favourite gem and learn a little more about it.
Alexandrite
Generally stable to light, heat & chemicals. Do not boil. Ultrasonic with care (jewellers only).
Jade
Often polished with wax finish. Other- wise, very tough. Avoid high heat, solvents, acids & strong light. Soak briefly in ammonia, brush & rinse.
Amber
Easily damaged by heat, pressure, and chemicals. Wipe or soak in soapy water. Do not ultrasonic.
Kunzite
(Spodumene) Do not boil or ultrasonic. Heat & strong light can change color. Soak in ammonia, rinse & brush. Avoid hydrofluoric acid.
Amethyst
Avoid strong heat & abrupt temperature changes. Boiling & ultrasonic should be done with care not to “shock” stone. Soak in ammonia & brush.
Lapis Lazuli
Do not boil or ultrasonic. Often dyed. Avoid heat, solvents, acids, strong detergents. Clean gently with soapy water.
Andalusite
Ultrasonic OK. Do not boil.
Malachite
Do not boil or ultrasonic. Avoid heat, solvents, acids. Clean gently with soapy water.
Apatite
Heat & strong light can cause color to change or fade. Do not boil.
Opal
Very delicate & heat sensitive. Do not boil or ultrasonic. Avoid all solvents, acids, heat, abrasion. Brush with soapy water; brush accent gems.
Aquamarine (Beryl)
Ultrasonic with caution: jewellers should check for inclusions. Soak in ammonia, brush. Brush accent gems & rinse with warm, soapy water.
Pearl
Organic; avoid chemicals, hair spray, perfume, perspiration. Very soft. Do not boil or ultrasonic. Wipe with soft, damp cloth after wearing.
Beryl
Ultrasonic with caution: jewellers should check for inclusions. Soak in ammonia, brush. Brush accent gems & Rinse with warm, soapy water.
Peridot
May fracture if heat-shocked. Do not ultrasonic. Boil with care. Damaged by acids. Soak in ammonia & brush clean.
Cat’s Eye (Chrysoberyl)
Generally stable. Avoid boiling and ultrasonic.
Quartz
Avoid strong heat & abrupt temperature changes. Boiling & ultrasonic should be done with care not to “shock” stone. Soak in ammonia & brush.
Citrine (Quartz)
Strong heat (jewellers torch) may destroy color. Boiling and ultrasonic cleaning best done carefully, by jeweller. Soak in ammonia, brush, Rinse.
Ruby & Sapphire (Corundum)
Boiling and ultrasonic generally safe. Soak in ammonia & brush. Rinse with hot, soapy water.
Coral
Organic material, soft & often dyed. Do not boil, ultrasonic or use chemicals. Clean with soapy water. Brush accent stones & clean with Rinse.
Spinel
Boiling OK; avoid heat shock. Sonic cleaning OK; ultrasonic with care. Jewellers’ torch may fade light colors. Soak, brush & Rinse.
Diamond
Untreated diamonds OK to boil & ultra- sonic. Soak in ammonia, brush & rinse.
Tanzanite (Zoisite)
Do not boil. Will fracture if shocked. Soak in ammonia & brush, Rinse accent stones.
Diopside
Do not boil or ultrasonic; do not expose to hydrofluoric acid. Very heat-sensitive. Soak in ammonia, brush.
Topaz
Do not boil or ultrasonic. Fractures if shocked. Soak in ammonia & brush; clean accent stones with rinse.
Emerald (Beryl)
Use extreme care.(Fillings can be restored.) Do not boil or ultrasonic. Rinse, brush & Rinse with warm, soapy water.
Turquoise
Do not boil or ultrasonic. Attacked by acids. Cosmetics or perspiration may discolor stone. Many are dyed or “stabilized” with resins. Brush with ammonia, rinse & dry.
Garnet
Gentle boiling OK if temperature “shock” avoided. Ultrasonic with care. Sonic OK. Jewelers- avoid hydrofluoric acid & torch. Soak in ammonia, brush.
Zircon
Do not boil; ultrasonic OK. High heat or strong light could change color. Easily abraded—handle with care. Soak in ammonia, brush & Rinse.
Lolite
Gentle boiling & ultrasonic OK. Avoid thermal shock. Acids can damage. Soak in ammonia, brush, rinse.
