Sunstone truly lives up to its name. With its natural sparkle, it carries the radiance of the sun itself. This gemstone is bright, uplifting, and full of energy. The way it catches the light feels as if a soft sunset is trapped inside the stone.

But while sunstone looks powerful and radiant, it still needs thoughtful care. In this blog, we’ll explore how to clean sunstone. We’ll also discover some easy care and maintenance tips.

A Glance at the Sunstone and Its Durability 

Sunstone is a feldspar stone that has a warm glow and sparkly effect called aventurescence. Speaking of the sunstone hardness Mohs scale, it ranks about 6 to 6.5. This makes the stone moderately durable, but not as strong as stones like sapphire or quartz.

It has a perfect cleavage, which means it can break if you hit it at the wrong angle. Because of this, cracks or chips can happen when something hits or drops suddenly. That’s why sunstone requires extra care when worn in jewelry like pendants, earrings, or rings. You can go for settings that protect the stone, like bezel or halo settings to lower the risk of damage. Since sunstone is sensitive to abrasion, you should never store it loosely. Always keep it separately in a soft pouch. 

At GemstonesforSale, we offer top-quality sunstones. When you choose a gemstone of good quality, it will naturally last longer and require less maintenance. 

Can Sunstone Go in Water?

Sunstone can go in water, but only for a short time only. Prolonged exposure to water or soaking isn’t recommended. If the stone has natural inclusions or surface fractures, being in water for a long time may weaken it gradually. You should also keep this gemstone away from hot water, saltwater, and strong chemicals. These can make the stone's surface less shiny and affect its durability. 

It’s best to take off your sunstone jewelry before swimming, bathing, or doing chores around the house that involve water.

How to Clean Sunstone Safely 

You don’t need fancy tools or expensive products to clean sunstone.

Cleaning sunstone does not require fancy tools or harsh products. In fact, the gentler the process, the better the results. Here’s how to clean sunstone jewelry or crystals:

Step 1: Prepare a Mild Cleaning Solution

You can start by filling a small bowl with lukewarm water. Then add a few drops of mild liquid soap. Avoid detergents or soaps with strong chemicals, fragrances, or moisturizers, as these can affect the stone’s surface.

Step 2: Soak Briefly (Optional)

If the sunstone is very dirty, you can let it soak for 2–3 minutes only. This helps loosen dirt and oils. However, do not soak the stone for longer. If the dirt isn’t going away, then consult a professional jeweler to get the stone checked and cleaned.

Step 3: Gently Clean the Stone

You can either use your fingers or a soft, lint-free cloth to gently rub the sunstone. For jewelry with small crevices, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Ensure to move in slow, light strokes. Never scrub hard or apply pressure, whether you’re cleaning a stone or a jewelry piece.

Step 4: Rinse with Clean Water

Rinse the stone under clean, lukewarm running water. Make sure all soap residue is removed. Hold the jewelry securely to avoid accidental drops.

Step 5: Dry Thoroughly

Now you’ve to dry the sunstone using a soft microfiber or cotton cloth. Let it air-dry completely before storing or wearing it. That’s because moisture trapped in complex jewelry settings can cause long-term damage.

Want to discover what makes this radiant gem so unique? Dive into Sunstone 101: A Primer on Its History, Significance, Varieties, Source, and Characteristics.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Sunstone

When cleaning sunstone gemstone, do not use strong jewelry cleaners, bleach, or ammonia. These can dull its surface and ruin its natural shine. You should also stay away from steam and ultrasonic cleaners. The heat and vibrations can make cracks, especially in stones that have natural inclusions or cleavage lines. 

As mentioned above, don’t soak the stone in water for a long time. Also, avoid sudden changes in temperature when cleaning the stone. Don't scrub sunstone with rough cloth or hard brushes, as this can leave scratches. Always use only soft tools and mild methods to keep your sunstone safe and shining.

How to Take Care of Your Sunstone Jewelry 

If you’re thinking about how to protect sunstone jewelry from damage, then you have to take some simple precautions only. Sunstone can chip or scratch if it hits hard surfaces, so you should take it off before working out, cleaning, swimming, or cooking. 

When you wear sunstone rings, be careful when you type, lift things, or open doors. You should also keep your jewelry away from cleaning products, hairsprays, perfumes, and lotions because chemicals can slowly dull the stone's natural shine. You can use these products before wearing your sunstone jewelry.

Also, you don’t need to clean sunstone very often. Only clean it when you can see dirt, oil, or a loss of shine. Water, soap, and friction can slowly wear down the stone when they are used every day. 

Looking for natural stress relief? Explore Most Popular Crystals For Anxiety & Stress to find the right stone for emotional balance.

How to Store Sunstone Properly?

Even though sunstone can handle daily wear and tear, it still requires safe storage. Here’s what you can do:

Keep sunstone separately: Always keep your sunstone jewelry away from harder stones like diamonds, sapphires, and quartz. Since these stones are hard, they can easily scratch the sunstone. 

Use soft and safe materials: You can pick a soft pouch, a jewelry box with fabric lining, or a padded compartment for the sunstone. Soft materials protect the stone and lower the chance of it chipping.

Avoid exposure to wet or humid places: You should keep sunstone in a dry place. That’s because too much moisture can slowly damage the stone and its setting, especially over time.

Avoid direct sunlight and heat: Sunstone's surface and polish can be damaged by being in the sun or heat for a long time. You should always try to avoid direct exposure in the sunlight. If the temperature outside is too high, then refrain from wearing sunstone jewelry that day.

Lay flat and safe: Put the sunstone jewelry flat in the box or pouch so it doesn't move around. This stops damage from friction and unnecessary impact.

If you are interested to know about protection of crystal then explore now 13 Power Crystals for Protection and Positive Energy.

Sunstone Care Tips for Jewelry Makers and Gemstone Buyers

Sunstone requires thoughtful handling during buying, designing, and setting. Whether you are a jewelry maker or a gemstone buyer, these tips will help you retain this gemstone’s beauty and value from the beginning:

Pick the right cut and quality: When you buy sunstone, make sure that the stones are clear and have few cracks only. Setting well-cut sunstones is easier and they are less likely to chip. If you're making jewelry, don't make the edges too thin because sunstone can crack under pressure.

Be careful when setting: Sunstone is not very strong, so you need to be careful when setting it. If possible, use protective settings like bezels or partial bezels. When mounting the stone, don't use too much force, heat, or sudden pressure, as this can cause stress inside the stone or break it.

Choose the right jewelry designs: Sunstone looks best in earrings, pendants, and rings. However, jewelry makers should stay away from designs that show sharp corners or leave the stone unprotected. 

Avoid sudden temperature changes: Sunstone can react poorly to rapid temperature shifts. Jewelry makers should avoid exposing the stone to heat during repairs or resizing. Similarly, buyers should remove sunstone jewelry before hot showers, saunas, or extreme weather conditions.

Looking for proven ways to calm your mind? Discover 15 Science-Backed Crystals for Anxiety in 2025 and How to Use Them for practical, research-based insights.

Preserving the Charm of the Sunstone

Sunstone’s natural sparkle complements jewelry designs really well. But you need to take proper care of this gemstone. By following the aforementioned tips, you can keep this stone looking timeless for many years. A little care goes a long way in retaining its natural beauty, whether you're wearing it or adding it to your collection. You can find high-quality sunstones for sale here. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is sunstone safe in water?

Yes, sunstone is safe in water for short periods. Occasional splashes or quick rinsing are fine, but you should avoid long soaking, hot water, saltwater, or chlorinated water, as these can weaken the stone over time.

Can sunstone be worn every day?

Sunstone can be worn daily with care, but it’s better suited for occasional wear. Due to its moderate hardness, it can scratch or chip if worn during rough activities, especially in rings.

How to clean sunstone crystals?

You can clean sunstone crystals with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush. Then rinse gently and dry completely.

Does sunstone need frequent cleaning?

No, sunstone does not need frequent cleaning. Overcleaning can dull its surface. Clean it only when there is visible dirt or oil buildup to maintain its natural shine.