Fashion

How Durable is my jewelry?

How durable is my jewelry? First a note on the hardness of gemstones and therefore their relative durability.

To measure hardness, the jewelry industry uses the Mohs scale. This gemstone trade standard, conceptualized by Friedrich Moh in 1812, measures the ability of a gemstone or mineral to resist damage from abrasion. Diamond is the hardest at 10, while talc is the softest at 1. Popular gemstones like sapphire and citrine score 7, while ruby ​​and sapphire score 9. Occult Tetragrammaton Necklace

Most substances your jewelry comes in contact with will be around a 7 on the Mohs scale, so any gemstone with a hardness greater than 7 is unlikely to scratch. Spoo-Design

Precious metals (silver, gold and platinum) are very low on the Mohs scale – less than 4.5 – and will be crossed out.

How to clean semiprecious gemstones?

Turquoise

Mohs 5-6 Scale
Turquoise has a chalky texture and is considered delicate.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment to avoid scratches and chips.

It will scratch and chip easily if subjected to rough treatment. It does not like being submerged in water and does not react well to chemical contact. Anyone can make it change color – usually being greener.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never wear jewelry dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Lapis lazuli

Mohs 5-6 Scale
Lapis lazuli is a soft stone and sticks easily like turquoise.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface. Do not submerge in water as this may remove the protective coating.

Avoid contact with all chemicals.
Never wear jewelry dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Coral

Mohs Scale 3.5 – 4
Coral is a soft, porous organic gemstone.
Always store carefully in a separate compartment as it will easily scratch or chip.

Avoid large temperature changes and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never wear jewelry dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner. How durable is my jewelry?

Pearl

Mohs Scale 2.5 – 4.5

Pearls are less durable than most gemstones. They are sensitive to acid, dryness and humidity. Avoid exposure to chemicals such as hairspray and perfume, and clean them with a soft cloth after use, as the body’s natural oils can damage them.

Store them carefully, preferably in a pearl necklace box, suede bag, or tissue paper. Do not throw them in a box with other jewelry, as hard stones will scratch the surface of the pearl. Cultured granules can be washed thoroughly in mild soapy water.
do not dive. Do not dry in the heat. Dry it with a soft cloth. If used frequently, rest every 2 years. How durable is my jewelry?

Larimaro

Mohs scale 5 – 7
Store the larimar carefully, preferably in a separate jewelry compartment, a suede bag, or tissue paper.
Avoid exposure to chemicals such as hairspray and perfume, and wipe with a soft cloth after use, as the body’s natural oils can dull the surface.
Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight as it can cause discoloration.

Clean with a small drop of ammonia in mild soapy water and use a soft brush. Wash and dry thoroughly with a soft jewelry cloth.
Any cleaning preparation recommended for pearls is suitable for larimar. How durable is my jewelry?

Moonstone and Labradorite

Mohs Scale 6
Moonstone gemstones are stored in oil before being used in jewelry. This prevents the stone from drying out and cracking. How durable is my jewelry?

Can be scratched easily and must be stored in a separate compartment, How durable is my jewelry?

To clean, use a damp cloth to wipe the surface.
Never wear jewelry dip.
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner. How durable is my jewelry?

Chalcedony and Onyx

Mohs scale 7
Avoid aggressive chemicals.
Always store carefully in a separate jewelry compartment to avoid scratches and chips.

Clean with a soft brush in mild soapy water. wash well

Rose Quartz

Mohs scale 7
Always store carefully in a separate jewelry compartment because, despite its Mohs rating, rose quartz can chip and scratch easily. How durable is my jewelry?
Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight as it can cause discoloration.

Clean with a soft brush in mild soapy water. wash well
do not dive.
do not steam clean

Topaz

Mohs scale 8
A durable gemstone is not likely to scratch or chip easily. However, always store in a separate jewelry compartment as it may scratch a gemstone or precious metal.
Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and heat. How durable is my jewelry?

Clean with a soft brush in mild soapy water. wash well
do not dive.
do not steam clean
Never use an ultrasonic cleaner.

Amethyst, Citrine, Ametrine and Smoky Quartz

Mohs scale 7
Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and heat.
Always store carefully in a separate jewelry compartment to avoid scratches and chips.

Clean with a soft brush in mild soapy water. wash well
do not dive.
do not steam clean
It should survive an ultrasonic cleaning.

ghisellerousso

Kate Johnson is a content writer, who has worked for various websites. She is also a college graduate who has a B.A in Journalism.

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