| Alexandrite | Generally stable to light, heat
& chemicals. Do not boil. Sonic OK, ultrasonic with care (jewelers only). | Jade (Jadeite & Nephrite) | Often polished with wax finish.
Other- wise, very tough. Avoid high heat, solvents, acids & strong light. Soak briefly
in ammonia, brush & Water-Pik.
|
| 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. No ultrasonic. | Opal | Very delicate & heat sensitive.
Do not boil or ultrasonic. Avoid all solvents, acids, heat, abrasion. Brush with soapy
water; brush accent gems. |
| Aquamarine | Do not boil. Ultrasonic
with caution: jewelers should check for inclusions. Sonic OK. Acids can cause damage,
especially hydrofluoric. Soak in ammonia, brush. Brush accent gems & Water-Pik with
warm, soapy water. | Pearls | Organic; avoid chemicals, hair
spray, perfume, perspiration. Very soft. Do not boil or ultrasonic. Wipe with soft, damp
cloth after wearing. Do not store in safe deposit box for long periods. Need light. |
| Beryl | Do not boil. Ultrasonic
with caution: jewelers should check for inclusions. Sonic OK. Acids can cause damage,
especially hydrofluoric. Soak in ammonia, brush. Brush accent gems & Water-Pik 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; sonic cleaning is OK. | 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 (jewelers torch) may
destroy color. Boiling and ultrasonic cleaning best done carefully, by jeweler. Soak in
ammonia, brush, Water-Pik. | Ruby &
Sapphire (Corundum) | Boiling and ultrasonic generally
safe. Soak in ammonia & brush. Water-Pik with hot, soapy water. May have glass-filled
cavities that could be dislodged. |
| Coral | Organic material, soft & often
dyed. Do not boil, ultrasonic or use chemicals. Clean with soapy water. Brush accent
stones & clean with Water-Pik. | Spinel | Boiling OK; avoid heat shock. Sonic
cleaning OK; ultrasonic with care. Jewelers’ torch may fade light colors. Soak, brush
& Water-Pik. |
| Diamond | Untreated diamonds OK to boil &
ultra- sonic. Soak in ammonia, brush & Water-Pik. Fracture-filled diamonds must be
treated with care. Jeweler’s torch can remove fillings—let him know if you know
your diamond is filled! | Tanzanite (Zoisite) | Do not boil or ultrasonic. Will
fracture if shocked. Damaged by hydrofluoric & hydrochloric acids. Soak in ammonia
& brush, Water-Pik 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 Water-Pik. |
| Emerald (Beryl) | Use extreme care. Usually filled
with oil or resins that might be removed with cleaning. (Fillings can be restored.) Do not
boil or ultrasonic. Rinse, brush & Water-Pik 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 & Water-Pik. |
| Iolite | Gentle boiling & ultrasonic OK.
Avoid thermal shock. Acids can damage. Soak in ammonia, brush, Water-Pik. | Note: | If in doubt, let the appraiser
clean your jewelry. Remember that cleaning might loosen stones—check carefully. |
