Tourmaline is among the most compelling gemstones on the planet, celebrated for its beautiful spectrum of color, from deep greens, electric pinks, ocean blues, and fiery reds. Tourmaline is featured in both fine jewelry and healing crystals; the vibrant quality of this stone comes from its amazing versatility.

So, if you would like to add high-quality tourmaline to your collection, GemstonesForSale has a vast selection of ethically sourced certified gemstones for you, whether you intend to use the stones for jewelry making or in your healing work. We offer beautiful tourmaline gemstones, well cut for rings, pendants, or bracelets, and you can also find tourmaline that works perfectly in your crystal grid or collection to harness the metaphysical properties.

The vibrant color of this gemstone needs proper care to maintain its shine. Whether you are looking for how to clean tourmaline stone at home, how to care for tourmaline stone, or how to clean tourmaline jewelry, this tourmaline cleaning guide will give you all the insight so you can ensure your stone or gemstone jewelry always looks bright and undamaged.

Key Characteristics of Tourmaline Gemstones 

Before getting into cleaning and care, it is important to understand what makes tourmaline unique:

• Gem family: Tourmaline is a complex boron silicate mineral, which can take on many colors and many different compositions. The more common varieties of tourmaline include rubellite (red), indicolite (blue), verdelite (green), and watermelon (multi-colored).

• Hardness: Tourmaline measures 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is comparatively durable; however, it can still be scratched and chipped if not taken care of properly.

• Transparency and Luster: Tourmaline can be opaque or clear, depending on how it shines. 

• Durability: Tourmaline is durable to light and most chemicals, but is affected by heat, and internal fractures could result from thermal shock.

• Treatment disclosure: Some tourmaline is heat-treated or irradiated to enhance color. This can affect how the stone may respond to cleaning and/or care at high heat.

It is important to grasp this understanding to effectively maintain and safely clean your tourmaline stone jewelry.

Looking to own the beauty of tourmaline? Explore the complete Tourmaline Collection today.

Why Do Tourmaline Gemstones Need Special Care?

Although tourmaline is relatively durable, improper treatment may diminish or eradicate its luster or damage the fine setting. Here’s what you should be careful about:  

• Strong chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, or strong detergents can damage the finish as well as the metal.

• Abrasive polishes: Toothpaste or other coarse cloths may leave scratch marks on both the stone and the mount.

• Everyday Wear: Stored in the same jewelry case, harder stones like diamonds and sapphires would scratch the tourmaline.  

• Ultrasonic & Steamers: As noted by GIA, ultrasonic and steam cleaning methods are not suggested due to heat sensitivity in some internal fractures, as well as sensitivity to vibration. 

• Environmental Conditions: Sometimes, pink and red tourmalines may fade or lose color when exposed to intense sunlight for an extended period. 

Understanding the above risks can keep your tourmaline stones beautiful for years to come.

Want to learn more about October’s birthstones? Check out our guide to October birthstones (opal & tourmaline) and uncover the full story.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Tourmaline 

Cleaning your tourmaline jewelry at home can be easily accomplished safely and gently.

Step 1: Make Up a Mild Cleaning Solution

Add a couple of drops of mild dish soap into a small bowl of lukewarm water. Be conscious that you should not use hot or cold water because you may induce thermal shock.

Step 2: Soak the Jewelry

Place your bracelet, pendant, or ring made of tourmaline in the solution for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows oils, dirt, and skincare products, which can build up, to be loosened. 

Step 3: Lightly Brush the Setting/Stone

Try not to put too much pressure on the stone while brushing it around the metal mounting, especially near the prongs or delicate mounts. 

Step 4: Rinse well

Use a strainer or sink stopper to keep your jewelry from getting lost while you rinse it under lukewarm running water. 

Step 5: Buff and Dry

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the jewelry, then use a microfiber cloth to lightly buff it to bring back its shine. You shouldn't use paper towels because they can scratch the metal and the stone on the jewelry. 

Step 6: When to Clean

 For daily wear, clean once a month. For incidentally worn pieces, clean every 2-3 months.

These steps create the safest and most effective method for cleaning tourmaline gemstones with little to no chance of damage.

Can a Tourmaline Gemstone Go in Water?

Yes, but be careful. Tourmaline can be cleaned with lukewarm water for short periods, but soaking or immersing it in saltwater or in water for long periods can cause damage to the stone or its setting. Be sure to dry it immediately when you are done to keep the stone looking to add this stunning gem to your collection, you can easily buy tourmaline gemstones online from trusted retailers. Just make sure to choose a reputable source to ensure you're getting a genuine, high-quality stone.

Cleaning Methods to Avoid 

While a strong cleaner or quick-cleaning technique may seem satisfying, there are some substances that can damage your tourmaline stones permanently. Below is a summary of some things to avoid and why:

• Ultrasonic Cleaning: Vibration may cause cracking and loosen settings.

• Steam Cleaning: Very hot and very pressurized steam may crack or dull the gem.

• Harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, or strong detergents can ruin the polish and the metal.

• Abrasive polishes: Toothpaste or rough cloths may scratch both the stone and the setting.

• Prolonged soaking: Too long in water can weaken settings and impact treated stones. 

Tip: Warm, soapy water and a soft brush are a safe way to clean your tourmaline jewelry. 

How to Store Tourmaline Jewelry 

In terms of safely storing tourmaline, you can help extend its beauty and life by following these steps: 

• Store separately: Tourmaline should always be in its own soft, padded pouch or individual compartment and never left to rub (and scratch) against harder stones in your collection.

• Soft linings: Use velvet- or microfiber-lined pockets to reduce the chance of wear.

• Avoid light and heat: Exposure to light can fade colored tourmalines; avoid direct sunlight. Excessive heat can also stress a colored tourmaline.

• Travel safely: Wrap your tourmaline in a soft cloth or keep it in a padded travel case.

• Humidity control: Store your tourmaline in a dry, cool place to avoid tarnishing or moisture from returning after cleaning.

If you follow these storage techniques for your tourmaline jewelry care, it ensures that it is consistent and reliable. 

Inspired by real customer pieces? Explore our birthstone jewelry ideas, featuring custom designs with tourmaline, in our gemstone blog.

How to Maintain Tourmaline’s Shine 

Even tourmaline gemstones that have been treated well can lose some brilliance over time.

Home Maintenance:

• After wearing, wipe your jewelry with a clean and dry microfiber cloth to remove oils and dirt.

• To give a light refresh and remove more debris, use a lukewarm water rinse followed by drying the jewelry with a microfiber cloth.

Polishing by a Professional

If your stone still looks dull, several methods at a jeweler's can safely polish or clean the gem without abrasion. A jeweler can also check to see that all prongs/settings are secure.

If you love tourmaline’s rich tones, you’ll also enjoy our curated list of purple gemstones; discover rare and stunning stones to expand your collection.”

Troubleshooting Common Issues 

There are potential drawbacks, even with the correct care: 

• Dull or Cloudy Stones: This is typically caused by oils or residue. Wash the stones with warm, soapy water and dry them completely.

• Scratches or Chips: Some minor scratches can be polished by a jeweler; deep chips may need to be professionally refinished. 

• Loose Settings: Make sure to have your tourmaline jewelry inspected by a jeweler at least once a year.

Final Thoughts 

Tourmaline is a beautiful, durable gemstone that needs extra care. According to GIA, the safest way to clean a tourmaline is with warm, soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning, which can cause your gemstones to crack or break.

Preserving your tourmaline stones with proper care, including gentle cleaning, safe storage, and careful handling, will ensure that you are able to enjoy your gemstones' luster and structural integrity for decades.

For whatever reason you wear tourmaline jewelry, whether for aesthetics or its spiritual properties, it is worthwhile to care for your jewelry so you can relive its spectacular beauty and energetic qualities for years to come. If you are looking for licensed tourmaline stones, you can browse the selection available at GemstonesForSale, suitable for jewelry or for a crystal collection.

FAQ 

Q1: What is the ideal way to clean my tourmaline stone?

A: The best way to clean your tourmaline stone is to use lukewarm water with soap and to use a soft brush; rinse well after cleaning with the brush, and then pat dry. Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning and very harsh chemicals.

Q2: Can tourmaline be placed in water?

A: Yes, for a short time. Do not use hot water, keep it in the water too long, or use saltwater.

Q3: How frequently should I clean my tourmaline?

A: If you wear your tourmaline often, or if it is a source of comfort or value to you, nicely clean it once a month. If you wear the tourmaline once every few months, aim to clean it every two to three months.

Q4: What are some care tips for tourmaline jewelry?

A: Store pieces separately. Do not wear your ring if you are using household products that contain harsh chemicals. Remove your jewelry during exercise, while cleaning, or while swimming.

Q5: Can a tourmaline turn color?

A: Lighter stones can fade all the time from direct sunlight or heat exposure. Always store tourmaline in a cool and shaded area.

Q6: How do I keep a tourmaline stone shiny?

A: After buffing the crystal lightly with a soft cloth to remove dirt, rinse the stone periodically in warm soapy water., Making sure it is completely dry after dipping.

Q7: Can I use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on tourmaline?

A: Ultrasonic and steam cleaning can loosen stones or crack tourmaline, so you do not want to do that.

Q8: How should I store the tourmaline gemstones?

A: Store each gem separately in soft pouches and/or separate compartments in a lined box away from UV light, heat, or chemicals.