• Alexandrite (Mohs 8.5) Clean with soapy water, alcohol or commercial cleaning solutions. An ultrasonic cleaner or steamer is safe.
• Amber (Mohs 2-2.5) Use only warm soapy water, no brush. Pat dry. Do not use mechanical cleaners; avoid abrasives, chemicals and heat.
• Aquamarine (Mohs 7.5-8) Warm soapy water and a soft brush is your best bet. Mechanical cleaners are safe, but not on heavily included gems. Avoid most chemicals, heat and excessive cleaning.
• Coral (Mohs 3.5-4) Gently wipe clean with a soft, cool, damp cloth. Do not use a brush or mechanical cleaners. Avoid abrasives, chemicals and heat.
• Diamond (Mohs 10) Mechanical cleaners are safe, unless a stone has fractures or is fracture-filled. If that is the case, avoid heat and chemicals. Ammonia-based cleaners or mild solvents are fine. If using warm soapy water, rinse well and pat dry to avoid residue. Vodka is said to produce sparkling results.
• Emerald (Mohs 7.5-8) Clean with a soft, damp cloth, warm water and a soft brush. Do not use mechanical cleaners. Avoid chemicals and heat that dissolve oils used during cutting and processing to conceal inclusions. Although emerald is harder than quartz, its crystal structure makes it brittle. Have a jeweler re-oil your emerald every few years. Avoid impacts.
• Garnet (Mohs 7-7.5) Warm soapy water and a soft brush is perfect. An ultrasonic cleaner is safe for most garnets, except andradite (the best known variety is demantoid). Do not use a steamer.
• Jade (Mohs 6.5-7) Warm soapy water will do the trick. Mechanical cleaners are safe. Avoid contact with warm acids.
• Lapis Lazuli (Mohs 5-6) Use warm soapy water. Do not scrub or soak. Wipe with a soft cloth. Do not use mechanical cleaners and avoid chemicals.
• Opal (Mohs 5-6.5) Use a soft dry or damp cloth. Do not soak. Do not use mechanical cleaners. Avoid impacts, dry conditions, heat and chemicals.
• Pearls (Mohs 2.5-4.5) Wipe clean after each use with a soft, dry or damp cloth. Mild soapy water is fine. No mechanical cleaners, heat or chemicals.
• Peridot (Mohs 6.5-7) Warm soapy water and a soft brush is your best bet. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or steamer. Avoid contact with acids.
• Quartz (amethyst, citrine & ametrine) (Mohs 7) Warm soapy water is perfect. An ultrasonic cleaner is usually safe, but a steamer is risky. Avoid acids, intense heat, and prolonged bright light.
• Ruby & Sapphire (Mohs 9) Clean with soapy water or commercial solvent and brush. Mechanical cleaners are safe, except for heavily included gems.
• Spinel (Mohs 8) Give it the kind of care you would ruby and sapphire.
• Tanzanite (Mohs 6-7) Give it the same kind of care you would a peridot.
• Topaz (Mohs 8) Give it the same care you would an emerald. Although it is hard, it cleaves. A sudden temperature change or impact can cause a break.
• Tourmaline (Mohs 7-7.5) Warm soapy water and a soft brush is your best bet. Do not use mechanical cleaners.
• Turquoise (Mohs 5-6) Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry. Do not soak or use mechanical cleaners. Avoid chemicals. Silver cleaners will cause discoloration.

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