Tourmaline is a popular gemstone known for its vibrant colors and stunning beauty. It’s often used in various types of jewelry, such as rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. However, when it comes to caring for tourmaline, one common question arises: Can you get tourmaline wet? This article will provide detailed information on the subject and help you understand how to properly care for tourmaline jewelry, particularly when it comes to water exposure.
What is Tourmaline?
Before diving into whether tourmaline can get wet, it’s essential to understand what tourmaline is. Tourmaline is a crystalline boron silicate mineral. It comes in a variety of colors, including pink, green, blue, yellow, and even black. The stone is prized for its natural beauty and diverse color range.
The Physical Properties of Tourmaline
Tourmaline is a relatively hard gemstone, but it is not as hard as some other popular stones like diamonds or sapphires. It has a hardness rating of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. While this makes it durable enough for everyday wear, it’s still important to treat it with care, especially when it comes to water exposure.
The Durability of Tourmaline and Water Exposure
One of the key factors in determining whether a gemstone can get wet is its durability. Gemstones are susceptible to water damage if they have certain vulnerabilities.
For tourmaline, water exposure is generally safe, but it should be approached with caution. While tourmaline itself is not easily damaged by water, prolonged exposure to moisture, especially when combined with heat or harsh chemicals, can cause damage.
Why Water May Affect Tourmaline Jewelry
There are a few reasons why getting tourmaline wet may not be the best idea, including:
Moisture and Porosity: While tourmaline is not particularly porous, it can still absorb some moisture over time. This could potentially affect its appearance or make it more prone to scratches.
Chemical Reactions: When exposed to water that contains chemicals (like chlorine in pools or saltwater), tourmaline may react negatively, causing damage to its surface or fading its color.
Temperature Changes: Rapid changes in temperature caused by exposure to hot or cold water can put stress on the gemstone, leading to cracks or fractures.
Can You Wear Tourmaline in the Shower?
Many people wonder if it’s safe to wear tourmaline jewelry in the shower. While it’s not inherently harmful to expose your tourmaline jewelry to water in the shower, it’s better to avoid it if you can. Shower water may contain a variety of substances, including soap, shampoo, and conditioners, which could lead to the gemstone losing its shine over time.
Moreover, hot water in the shower could cause thermal shock, especially if the gemstone is exposed to sudden temperature changes. This could result in the tourmaline cracking or breaking.
Can Tourmaline Jewelry Get Wet in the Pool or Ocean?
Exposing tourmaline to pool water or ocean water is even riskier. Chlorine and saltwater are two substances that can be harmful to tourmaline gemstones. Saltwater, in particular, can cause a chemical reaction with the gemstone and lead to discoloration or damage to the surface.
Additionally, both pool water and ocean water often have minerals and pollutants that can affect the gemstone over time. To avoid damaging your tourmaline jewelry, it’s best to remove it before swimming in a pool or ocean.
The Importance of Regular Cleaning for Tourmaline Jewelry
To ensure that your tourmaline jewelry maintains its luster and beauty, regular cleaning is necessary. However, it’s crucial to clean tourmaline jewelry properly and avoid using harsh chemicals or exposing it to extreme conditions.
Here are some tips for cleaning your tourmaline jewelry:
Use a Soft Cloth: A soft cloth is ideal for wiping down tourmaline jewelry. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface of the gemstone.
Mild Soap and Water: You can clean tourmaline jewelry using mild soap and lukewarm water. Use a soft brush to remove any dirt or grime, but avoid soaking the jewelry for extended periods.
Dry Gently: After cleaning, gently dry the jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not use heat to dry the gemstone.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or jewelry cleaners that contain abrasives. These chemicals can cause damage to the gemstone and affect its color.
How to Store Your Tourmaline Jewelry
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to maintaining the beauty of your tourmaline jewelry.
Follow these tips to keep your tourmaline pieces in excellent condition:
Store in a Soft Pouch or Box: When not in use, store your tourmaline jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box to protect it from scratches and dust.
Keep Away from Other Jewelry: Avoid storing tourmaline jewelry with harder gemstones that could scratch it.
Avoid Exposure to Extreme Temperatures: Store your tourmaline jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme heat. Avoid leaving it in hot places like a car or near a heater.
Keep Away from Harsh Chemicals: When storing tourmaline jewelry, make sure it is kept away from harsh cleaning products, perfumes, or lotions, as they can damage the stone over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is generally safe to get tourmaline wet in small amounts, prolonged exposure to water, especially with chemicals like chlorine or saltwater, can damage the gemstone over time. To ensure that your tourmaline jewelry remains beautiful for years to come, it’s important to avoid excessive moisture, clean it properly, and store it with care.
By following the tips and guidelines provided in this article, you can help preserve the natural beauty of your tourmaline jewelry. While this gemstone is durable and resistant to damage, careful handling and proper maintenance are essential to keeping it in top condition.
Related topics:
- How to Charge Black Tourmaline?
- Where Is Black Tourmaline Found in the World?
- Can I Wear Tourmaline Every Day?
