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Gem Care
Even though gemstones are typically harder and more durable than almost anything else, they do
require proper care to prevent damage and preserve their beauty.
- Keep them clean.
- Many gems tend to attract dust and dirt. The two most common elements on earth are
silicon and oxygen; therefore the most common component of dust and dirt is silicon
dioxide, or quartz. Quartz has a hardness of 7. Many faceted gemstones and most opaque
minerals used in jewelry have a hardness rating equal to or less than 7. These two facts
mean that most jewelry is susceptible to scratching by common dust and dirt.
- Most gems can be cleaned with soap and water using a soft brush, and many can
withstand more rigorous cleaning methods. If you are unsure what kind of gem you are
trying to clean, skip the soap and use just water and a soft brush. Keep in mind that
improper cleaning may damage or destroy a gemstone. Soap or ammonia may be fine for a
diamond, but can stain turquoise. Ultrasonic cleaners may be great for some types of
stones, but may shatter stones with inclusions such as emeralds.
- Avoid extreme temperature, light, or radiation
- Most gems are treated in one way or another. The two most common are heating and
radiating. Both of these processes will alter the color, and if not done correctly can
produce undesirable results. Many stones will darken over time if left in excessive heat
and light, such as on the dashboard of a car under with the windshield in the sun. Some
will lose their color. Amber will melt and opal will crack if exposed to excessive heat.
When amethyst is heated it turns yellow. Although it is doubtful that your amethyst ring
left on the dash will become a beautiful citrine, it may develop a brownish tinge.
- Most blue topaz became blue by being exposed to radiation. Amethyst, heat treated to
become citrine, may have its purple color restored when exposed to radiation. Although
few people have any contact with radiation sources, other than microwave ovens, it is
good to keep in mind the potential damage if you do work in an occupation where exposure
is possible. Although the two examples mentioned may be seen as a good thing, many other
stones do not fare so well. Even in the cases where properly applied radiation may
produce good results, just like with heat treating, you may not get the results you want.
Two more classic examples for the line 'Don't try this at home'
- Most gems are safe in the cold, but opal, or any other material that has a water
content, will crack if exposed to sub freezing temperatures.
- Some treatments are not as 'permanent' as advertised, and some gemstones just don't
like a lot of light. Although most stones that are treated are stable in sunlight, some
may lighten in time. Many stones such as aquamarine from certain locals tend to lighten
when exposed to sunlight for excessive periods.
- Keep them dry - except opal
- M>ost transparent gems are impervious to water, but others such as opal, turquoise
and lapis lazuli will absorb water; and whatever is in it - like dish soap or shampoo.
Most stones need to be kept dry, but opal owes its beauty to water embedded in the
crystalline structure. To preserve opal, it should be stored in high humidity, like in a
zip-lock bag with a moist paper towel. If it dries out it will lose its natural beauty
and crack.
- >Strung gems should never be immersed in any kind of fluid. If the cord is of natural
fibers, it may not dry correctly and can form mold or mildew, weakening the cord so that
it may break. Man made cords may weaken or even melt if exposed to the wrong chemicals.
- Avoid impact
- We have all seen the film clip of the stone cutter making one precise blow against a
diamond and having it split just perfectly. Accidental impacts may be disastrous in real
like. Diamonds have perfect cleavage as do several other stones - which means that if hit
at the right angle, the stone will split cleanly. If it is hit at the wrong angle, it may
shatter. Even stones with poor cleavage will chip around the edges if accidentally hit.
- Avoid household chemicals
- Many household products are harmful to various gemstones. Dish soaps, shampoos, and
hand lotions and many others others, will stain or dull many gems. Strong detergents may
strip oil or resins used to treat some stones such as turquoise or emeralds. It is often
best to remove rings or other jewelry before doing household chores or anything where the
stone may be exposed to harmful chemicals.
- Store Separately
- Many jewelry boxes are a tangle of chains and stones - and each time you stir around
looking for a particular piece, the softer stones and metals pick up minute scratches
from the harder stones. To protect your investment, and the beauty of the gems, store
them in such a way that the stones cannot come into contact with other stones.
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Gem And Mineral Info.com
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