How to Clean and Care for Aquamarine Crystals and Jewelry - Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Aquamarine is the most attractive gemstone, capturing the heart of admirers with its cool blue tones and likeness to the tranquility of the sea. The name comes from Latin: “Aqua” means “water,” and “marina” means “sea.” Aquamarine as a gemstone has been valued as a precious gem since ancient times for its natural beauty, belief symbols of hope and protection, and durability. Aquamarine has been a show stunner still in rings, solid pendants, earrings, and raw crystal collectors. 

If you are fortunate to have this amazing stone then it is important to understand how to clean aquamarine stone and properly care for it to keep the sparkle of the stone alive. In this step-by-step guide, we will explain everything you need to know, from how to clean aquamarine rings and pendants to how to store aquamarine gemstones safely.

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Key Characteristics of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is from the beryl family, the group that includes emerald and morganite. It ranks 7.5–8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it relatively hard for a stone and not perfect. This hardness means that aquamarine can withstand normal wear, but you should properly care for your aquamarine to prevent scratches, chips, and dullness.

The following are some of aquamarine's key characteristics:

• Transparency: Typically transparent to translucent
• Color stability: Resists fading from normal light but can fade with extreme heat
• Durability: A little tougher than softer stones like malachite, but can chip due to a hard blow

Because of its unique properties, knowing how to care for aquamarine stone is essential to maintaining its brilliance.

Buying aquamarine in bulk? Learn how to save smart with How to Calculate Cost Per Carat for Bulk Gemstone Purchases in Jewelry Making.

Why Aquamarine Needs Special Care

Even though aquamarine is a resilient stone, it can be damaged through improper cleaning or storage. Here’s why: 

• Chemical exposure: Acids in perfumes, household cleaners, and chlorine can diminish the surface or wear away the set.

• Heat and sunlight: Even a little sun can make aquamarine fade; be careful of prolonged exposure!

• Scratches: Storing aquamarine with harder stones, such as diamonds, will cause scratches.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Aquamarine Stones

You don't need to spend a lot of money on cleaning supplies or take your aquamarine to the jeweler every time it needs a cleaning. Cleaning aquamarine at home can be very easy and effective, and safe for both raw crystals and fine jewelry. Here is a complete cleaning routine to clean rings, pendants, earrings, and loose stones, as well as things to avoid.

For Aquamarine Jewelry cleaning tips

Step 1 - Create a cleaning solution

Put a few drops of mild soap in a small bowl of lukewarm water. Don't use very hot water, as an abrupt change in temperature can hurt the stone.

Step 2 - Soak in the jewelry 

Put the jewelry in the bowl of dishwashing solution and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help get rid of dirt, oils, and buildup from lotion or makeup. 

Step 3 - Soft Brush 

Using a soft toothbrush, brush around the gemstone and its setting. Always remember to plug the sink or use a strainer to keep things from going wrong.

Step 4 - Rinse Properly 

Make sure to rinse your jewelry well under running water that is lukewarm. Always remember to plug the sink or use a strainer to keep things from going wrong.

Step 5 - Dry and Polish

Use a lint-free microfiber towel or cloth to dry the jewelry. Don't use a paper towel to dry the jewelry because it could scratch the surface.

For more jewelry cleaning insights, check out our guide on Citrine Crystal Care. 

For Raw or Polished Aquamarine Stones 

It is important to be careful when cleaning raw aquamarine because dirt and grime can get trapped in rough surfaces.

• To get rid of the dirt, rinse it under lukewarm running water.

• You can gently scrub the dirt with a soft-bristle brush and mild soap.

• Allow the material to dry completely before putting it back to avoid moisture-related damage.

If you like gemstone jewelry, don’t miss our guide on How to Care for Malachite – Essential Tips for Preserving Its Beauty.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Aquamarine

How to store aquamarine gemstones 

Aquamarine is relatively resilient, but it can still scratch, lose color, and become damaged as a result of improper storage over time. You need to keep your gemstone beautiful and safe by not letting environmental factors- humidity, light, heat, and harder gemstones affect it. 

Why is storage important?

Aquamarine ranks at 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it harder than many stones but softer than diamonds, rubies, or sapphires. This means the stone can: 

• Scratch softer stones if they are stored in proximity, or, 

• Be scratched by harder stones if the stones are stored in the same jewelry box. 

• Despite being fairly resilient, its appearance (and metal settings) can still be affected by heat, light, and humidity.

Here’s how to store aquamarine gemstones properly:

• Maintain Humidity: Storing aquamarine together with silica gel packets in a lined jewelry box or similar dry storage should avoid an accumulation of moisture which could make a metal setting tarnished or attract dust to the jewel and make the appearance look cloudy. Always store aquamarine in dry places and never in areas with anticipated high humidity, like bathrooms, or near heat sources where condensation is likely to occur.

• Avoid Sunlight and Heat: Although aquamarine is fairly stable, prolonged and continuous exposure to sunlight may slightly fade the blue. Heat can also put stress on the stone or even expand metal prongs, which could loosen the stone. Keep your jewelry away from windows, heaters, and hot cars.

• Keep Away from Other Stones: Never toss aquamarine into a mixed jewelry box. Diamonds and other hard stones can scratch aquamarine, while the aquamarine can damage softer stones like fluorite. When storing, use a very soft pouch, an individual compartment, or a velvet-lined jewelry box to keep the pieces separate. When traveling, wrap every piece in a microfiber cloth or use a padded jewelry case.

Quick Storage Checklist

• Use a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box.
• Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture.
• Keep away from sunlight and heat sources.
• Store different types of gemstones separately from harder or softer gems.
• Wrap each piece to avoid damage while traveling.

If you buy aquamarine gemstones online, your seller should ideally provide a storage pouch or protective case, especially if the stone is polished or set in jewelry.

are you a Pisces? Learn how aquamarine enhances your zodiac energy in Pisces Gemstone Guide: The Magical Aquamarine and Chalcedony.

Energy Cleansing of Aquamarine Stones for Spiritual Users

If you're using aquamarine for its magical use, then you'll definitely want to cleanse the energy attached to it. While quartz best practices are more rigorous, cleansed energy can bring out aquamarine's subtle properties. 

• Smudging: Use sage or palo santo smoke.
• Sound Cleansing: Leave on or beside a singing bowl or tuning fork.
• Recharge in Moonlight: Recharge in bright moonlight overnight. Just make sure it is not direct sunlight. 
• Charging with Crystals: Place it near or on selenite or clear quartz clusters.

Want to learn more ways to cleanse your crystals at home? Check out our detailed guide on How to Cleanse, Charge & Activate Crystals at Home.

Troubleshooting Tips 

Even with good aquamarine gemstone maintenance, to maintain the shine of the jewelry or minimize scratches over the years Here is how to remedy most problems or what you want to avoid:

1. Dull or Cloudy Appearance

Why it happens:

• Buildup of lotions, soap, or oils

• Hard water spots due to improper drying after washing

• Jewelry stored in humid conditions

How to fix it:

• Soak jewelry in warm water with a mild soap for 10–15 minutes.

• Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub away grime from behind and between all crevices.

• Rinse well, then dry with a microfiber cloth to restore luster.

Prevention:

• Use a soft cleaning cloth to wipe the jewelry after each wear.

• Avoid aquamarine rings while applying lotions or perfumes due to possible discoloration.
  

2. Scratches on the Stone

Why it happens:

• Contact with harder stones, like diamonds or sapphires

• The jewelry being dropped or knocked against a hard surface

• Storing pieces together without padding.
  

How to fix it:

• Minor scratches: A competent jeweler could polish the stone to restore a smooth shine.

• Deep scratches: This may require that a professional jeweler either recut or repolish the stone.

Prevention:

• Always store aquamarine away from other pieces, either in a soft pouch or in a lined jewelry box.

• Remove jewelry before playing sports or performing hard work

3. Color Fading

Why it happens:

• Excessive exposure to sunlight or heat.

• Chemicals found in cleaning agents or chlorinated water.

How to fix it:

• Once color has faded, it cannot naturally be restored. You must consult a GEMS professional to discuss treatments.

Prevention:

• Keep your jewelry in a cool, dark place.

• Avoid leaving it in cars and/or near windows or bright lights.

Final Thoughts 

Aquamarine is more than just a lovely gemstone, it symbolizes peace and calm in color, as well as clarity and elegance through time. If you properly care for your aquamarine jewelry or raw crystals, you can pass down the great beauty of the piece for generations. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and how you handle it are all good practices to ensure you preserve its beauty and energetic properties. 

Whether you have an aquamarine ring or pendant or a wonderful raw piece, as long as you treat it with care, it will remind you of how beautiful it was the day you received it.

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FAQ

Q: Can aquamarine go in water?

Yes, aquamarine can be briefly rinsed in lukewarm water, but avoid prolonged soaking or hot water.

Q: Is it alright for aquamarine to touch water?

You can rinse aquamarine briefly in lukewarm water. Don't soak or use hot water.

Q: How can I clean aquamarine at home?

To clean aquamarine use mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft brush. Don't use harmful chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.

Q: How often should I clean my aquamarine jewelry?

If worn often clean it once a month. If not worn many times clean it every couple of months (2 or 3).

Q: Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on aquamarine?

You cannot use ultrasonic cleaners. These cleaners can loosen the settings, and damage the aquamarine stone.

Q: How can I safely store my aquamarine?

When not worn, aquamarine should be stored in a soft pouch or jewelry box, and away from harder stones and direct sunlight.