Care guide
Stone care and cleaning
Use the gentlest method first. When treatment, origin, or composition is unknown, handle conservatively.
Universal rules
No ultrasonic
for fracture-filled, oiled, soft, porous, or thermally treated stones
No steam
for thermally sensitive stones: opal, tanzanite, emerald
Rinse thoroughly
soap residue leaves white film on dark minerals
Dry immediately
standing water etches soft carbonates and rusts iron minerals
✓ Safe⚠ Brief⚠ Caution✗ Avoid
Quartz family
Carbonates & Sulfates
Sulfides
Silicates & Oxides
Beryl family
Corundum
Organics & Synthetics
Last reviewed 11 July 2026 · Editorial team · Sources: GIA gem care guidance, Mindat mineral data, museum conservation literature