For centuries, bloodstone, a dark green gemstone featuring red-spotted inclusions, has been of immense interest to many people due to its attractive look. Bloodstone has been consistently popular throughout history because of its beauty and hardness, and it is found in many different types of jewelry, including rings, pendants, beads, carvings, seals, and talismans. Bloodstone is relatively hard and durable, but it must still be properly maintained to keep it looking good and stable and to prevent possible accidental damage. Bloodstone can lose its shine, loosen in its setting, or break if not maintained. 

The following guide will provide a summary of how to care for bloodstone, including methods of cleaning and how to prevent damage to the jewelry caused by moisture, how to store bloodstone jewelry, and precautions to avoid when handling the jewelry. Whether you have one or more bloodstone jewelry pieces, it's vital to learn how to care for them so they last.

Bloodstone Durability, Hardness, and Long-Term Care Considerations

To care for bloodstones, you must first know that they are made of microcrystalline chalcedony, a quartz family member. Because of this microcrystalline structure, bloodstones exhibit a good level of toughness compared to other decorative gemstones; however, this toughness is still a form of fragility.

• Bloodstone's hardness level is 6.5-7 according to the Mohs scale.

• The earlier materials can mildly scratch it, but a hard strike is likely to cause it to crack or chip.

• Regular daily wear could result in deterioration of the polish on the surface through abrasive actions or poor health habits.

Being strong and yet fragile makes bloodstones excellent candidates for jewelry; therefore, by knowing how durable this stone is, a bloodstone owner can make the best decisions regarding how to wear it, how often to clean it, and where to store it.

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How to Clean Bloodstone Jewelry Safely and Effectively

Cleaning bloodstone jewelry is critical to maintaining its appearance without damaging it. Because the manufacturing process causes oil from the skin and dust to be collected by all pieces of jewelry, this can lead to the stone's dullness if it is not cleaned often.

To safely clean bloodstone jewelry, utilize the following methods:

• Lukewarm water,

• Mild, unscented soap,

• Soft cloth or soft-bristled brushes,

• Dry immediately after cleaning with a lint-free cloth.

Cleaning bloodstone jewelry this way reduces the risk of injury due to chemical exposure or damage from harsh cleaning methods/tools. Only clean as necessary; if cleaned too frequently, the jewelry will experience more wear and tear from handling and washing.

Can Bloodstone Go in Water? Understanding Safe Water Exposure

Most commonly asked is the question, "Can bloodstones go into water?" The simple answer is "Yes"; however, there are key considerations and limits on when and how it is safe to do so.

Is bloodstone useful with water? Yes, exposing bloodstone to clean, lukewarm water for a short period of time is generally acceptable. But do not allow bloodstone to remain immersed in water for long periods of time, or allow bloodstone to repeatedly be immersed in water.

There are several factors to keep in mind when you want to wash bloodstone using water: 

• Do not put bloodstones in hot water or subject them to sudden temperature changes. 

• Never leave bloodstone immersed in water for long periods. 

• Use caution with glued or composite stone jewelry. 

Can bloodstone go into water? It can mistakenly be interpreted as unlimited safety in the water; rather, safe washing, under controlled conditions, is preferable to immersion.

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Best Way to Clean Bloodstone Crystal and Decorative Pieces

Bloodstone crystals should be cared for more gently if they are display pieces, carved items, or other types of non-jewelry bloodstones than with wearable jewelry types. The following methods will minimize the potential for additional wear and tear on your display specimen, as well as help maintain the same shiny finish that bloodstones have today.

• Lightly wipe with a slightly damp fine microfiber cloth to clean the stone.

• Only use mild soap, no dish soap, when there is a noticeable amount of dirt on the stones.

• Rinse the stone quickly under running water and then dry it thoroughly.

• Do not use solvent cleaners or abrasive cleaning pads.

Following these four basic methods of cleaning and caring for bloodstones will preserve the natural color of the stone and the lustrous surface of the polished bloodstone.

Can Bloodstone Be Cleaned With Soap or Ultrasonic Cleaners?

When asked if soap could clean bloodstone, many owners think mild soap is okay if the following are met:

• It is diluted.

• It is used sparingly.

• It is rinsed thoroughly to avoid soapy residue.

The bigger question is whether or not bloodstone would be safe in an ultrasonic cleaner. The answer is simply, 'no!' Ultrasonic cleaners:

• Causes vibrations, which can cause the stone to crack internally.

• It can cause loose metal settings.

• Can damage the inclusion and surface polish.

The same concerns apply to steam cleaning. The safest and most effective way to clean and care for bloodstone is by manually cleaning it with soap and water.

What Damages Bloodstone and How to Avoid Common Mistakes

To prevent irreparable damage, it is important to understand how bloodstone can be damaged. Although bloodstone is generally a resilient stone, it does have some specific weaknesses.

Common causes of damage include the following:

• Dropping the gemstone or hitting it with a sharp object

• Using abrasive cleaning tools or polishing compounds

• Exposure to acids, bleach, or ammonia

• High heat caused by wearing or repairing the bloodstone

• Storing the bloodstone next to tougher gemstones

To avoid damaging bloodstone, individuals should remove the potential for damage through educated habits and careful handling of bloodstone.

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How to Store Bloodstone Properly for Long-Term Safety

The correct storage method is essential to maintain the quality of gemstones. By storing bloodstone correctly, you can prevent scratches, cracks, and dulling of the shine of the stone.

Some tips for storing bloodstone are

• Bloodstones should always be stored separately from diamonds and other stones that are much harder than the bloodstone.

• Bloodstones should be stored inside padded jewelry boxes or soft fabric pouches.

• Bloodstones should not be placed in direct sunlight or near any heating device, such as an oven or radiator.

• Bloodstones should not be stored in moist or wet areas.

The proper storage technique preserves both the bloodstone gemstone and its mounting, especially for polished jewelry.

Bulk Bloodstone Storage Tips for Jewelry Makers and Collectors

Professional storage of greater quantities necessitates greater regulation regarding how bulk bloodstone is stored. Incorrect bulk storage practices can result in severe damage and loss of material due to damaged surfaces.

Recommended methods for maintaining bloodstones for use within the jewelry industry are as follows:

• Use of soft liners within individual compartments

• Padding between bloodstones prevents contact with other stones.

• Label clearly to prevent any unnecessary handling.

• Maintaining a stable environment temperature and humidity

Organized bloodstone storage systems will prevent damage to bloodstones due to wear and tear and maintain bloodstones in the quality they were manufactured for long-term storage.

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Bloodstone-handling precautions during jewelry making

When working with bloodstone during the cutting, polishing, and setting processes, it is important to take proper precautions when handling your stone. Despite bloodstones' exceptional durability, excessive stress can cause them to crack.

The best practices for taking care of bloodstone during the jewelry-making process include:

• Avoid too much pressure when cutting the stone.

• Avoid heat from building up when polishing the stone.

• Using gentle support to secure the stone during setting.

• Use fine-polishing compounds when polishing bloodstone.

• By following the above precautions, bloodstones will retain their internal structure and surface finish during the entire production process.

Daily Wear and Maintenance Tips for Bloodstone Jewelry

Consistent habits are necessary to clean and maintain bloodstone jewelry effectively; this is especially true if you wear the item often. These are some daily maintenance recommendations:

• Remove your jewelry prior to engaging in any type of physical activity, e.g., sports/exercise/manual labor.

• Try to keep perfumes, cosmetics, and hair sprays away from the stones.

• After you’ve worn the stones, wipe them with a soft cloth. The oils/residue must be removed from the "stone."

• Check the settings periodically for any looseness.

Maintaining these habits will help ensure the durability and maintenance of the Bloodstone while preserving its beauty for many years.

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Long-Term Preservation Strategies for Bloodstone Jewelry

Aside from everyday maintenance, long-term strategies and plans will help prolong the life of bloodstone jewelry. Examples of these include rotating pieces of jewelry, scheduling the periodic inspection of the items, and keeping them out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures for prolonged periods.

To preserve the polish and color of the stones, collectors should limit handling of their pieces and store them in a stable environment. Jewelry manufacturers should keep a record of their handling procedures to help ensure uniformity and minimize potential damage to multiple batches of product.

Final Thoughts 

A durable yet sensibly handled precious gemstone, a bloodstone’s reward for proper cleaning and storage is its ability to maintain its polish and color. Gentle cleaning with a lukewarm solution of water and soap (never ultrasonic or steam) and drying completely before storing are ways to keep bloodstone looking excellent. Storing bloodstone properly means keeping it separate from tough stones and out of heat, moisture, and sunlight.

If worn properly every day, there are ways to care for and keep bloodstone jewelry safely for years. GemstonesForSale is a reliable source for obtaining information and standards on how to care for and collect gemstones safely.

To help preserve the value of bloodstone and to show respect to this stone's long-time history, care must be taken when cleaning and storing the gem using gentle methods.

FAQ 

Is bloodstone durable?

Yes, bloodstone is harder than 6.5 to 7.0 on the Mohs hardness scale for gemstones and, therefore, can be worn daily if cared for properly.

Can I wash my bloodstone jewelry with water?

Yes, bloodstones can be briefly submerged in lukewarm water; however, they should not be soaked for an extended period of time.

How do I clean bloodstone safely?

Bloodstones should be cleaned with mild, unscented soap, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth or soft brush. They should be dried immediately after cleaning.

Can bloodstones be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner or a steam cleaner? 

No, ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners use vibrations that can put pressure on the stone, causing it to crack internally, and heating them can loosen their settings.

Does bloodstone scratch easily?

While bloodstones can withstand light scratches, they can sustain damage from harder gemstones or sharp objects.

Will bloodstone lose its brilliance?

Bloodstones can lose their luster from daily wear and dirt, oil, or residue buildup, but proper cleaning can restore them.

How do I store my bloodstone jewelry?

Bloodstones should always be kept in a padded box or soft pouch away from other jewelry and away from places that might get wet or hot.

Can I wear bloodstone jewelry every day? 

Yes, bloodstones can be worn every day; however, you will want to take them off during activities that involve heavy work, sports, or contact with chemicals.

Can soap damage bloodstone?

If soap is too harsh or not diluted properly, it may cause a buildup of residues on bloodstones. You may use mild soap as long as you rinse it away completely.