Four questions before you clean a stone
How hard is it?
Mohs hardness describes scratch resistance, not whether a piece can survive impact.
Does it have cleavage?
Some materials can split along planes even when their surface looks strong.
Has it been changed?
Dye, coating, heat, filling and assembly can change the care instructions.
Start here
- Quartz family and everyday jewelry care
- Agate, banding and treatment questions
- Amethyst color and light exposure
- How this library separates evidence from symbolism
Terms to learn next
| Term | Plain-English meaning |
|---|---|
| Inclusion | Material enclosed inside a stone, sometimes part of its identity and sometimes a durability concern. |
| Cleavage | A tendency to break along a structured plane. |
| Toughness | Resistance to breaking, chipping or fracturing from impact. |
| Treatment | A human process that changes color, clarity, stability or appearance. |
Care questions people miss
Why is hardness not the same as durability?
Hardness describes resistance to scratching. Toughness describes resistance to chipping or breaking, while cleavage describes planes where a material may split. Use all three when deciding how a stone can be worn.
What should I check before cleaning a stone?
Confirm the material, treatment status, fractures, setting, and whether glue or assembled layers are present. When any of those are unclear, choose a soft cloth and ask a qualified jeweler before using heat, steam, or ultrasound.
Where can I see the evidence boundary?
Read how GemVerity evaluates material claims, then compare the advice with a specific silicate gemstone guide.