Which Gemstones Can Get Wet?

When you buy fine gemstone jewelry or natural crystals, knowing how to care for them is essential to preserving their beauty. One of the most frequent questions jewelry lovers and crystal collectors ask is: “Can my gemstone get wet?”

The short answer is: It depends entirely on the mineral. While some gemstones are entirely water-safe and can handle daily wear, swimming, and washing, others are porous, soft, or chemically reactive and can be permanently damaged by water.

This comprehensive guide breaks down which gemstones can safely get wet, which ones you must keep dry, and how to protect your investment.

In this guide

1. 1. Water-Safe Gemstones (Durability & Stability)
2. 2. Gemstones That Should NEVER Get Wet (Porous, Soft, or Water-Soluble)
3. Summary Table: Quick Reference for Buyers
4. Best Practices for Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry
5. Shop with Confidence Online
6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Water-Safe Gemstones (Durability & Stability)

Hard, non-porous gemstones with high mineral stability can generally get wet without any issues. You can wear them while washing your hands, showering (though prolonged soap exposure isn’t recommended), or swimming.

• Corundum Family (Rubies and Sapphires): Ranking a 9 on the Mohs scale, rubies and sapphires are exceptionally durable, hard, and chemically stable. They handle water effortlessly.
• Quartz Family (Amethyst, Citrine, Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Agate, Jasper): Ranking a 7 on the Mohs scale, quartz stones are non-porous and water-safe. Note: Avoid soaking quartz with glued settings, as water can weaken the adhesive.
• Beryl Family (Emerald, Aquamarine, Morganite): While Aquamarine is completely water-safe, Emeralds require caution. Because natural emeralds are often clarity-enhanced with oils or resins, prolonged exposure to hot water or harsh soaps can strip these treatments and affect the stone’s appearance.

2. Gemstones That Should NEVER Get Wet (Porous, Soft, or Water-Soluble)

Some gemstones are delicate, water-soluble, or highly porous. Exposing them to water—especially for prolonged periods or in hot water—can cause them to dissolve, crack, fade, or lose their polish permanently.

• Opals: Opals contain up to 20% water within their micro-structure. Submerging them in water can disrupt their internal moisture balance, causing them to crack (crazing) or lose their signature play-of-color.
• Turquoise and Malachite: These are porous, copper-bearing minerals. Water can seep into their microscopic pores, altering their color, dulling the polish, or causing them to break down.
• Pearls (Organic Gems): Pearls are made of nacre and calcium carbonate, which are highly sensitive to moisture and chemicals. Water can weaken the silk thread they are strung on and dull their iridescent luster.
• Amber, Coral, and Jet: As organic gems, they are soft and porous. Soaking them in water can cause permanent warping and surface damage.
• Halite (Rock Salt) and Selenite: These minerals are water-soluble. If you submerge Selenite in water, it will literally begin to dissolve in your hands.

Summary Table: Quick Reference for Buyers

Gemstone	Can It Get Wet?	Mohs Hardness	Key Care Warning
Sapphire & Ruby	Yes ✅	9	Completely safe for water and daily wear.
Amethyst & Citrine	Yes ✅	7	Safe for quick rinses; avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
Aquamarine	Yes ✅	7.5 – 8	Water-safe, but protect settings from heavy soaps.
Emerald	With Caution ⚠️	7.5 – 8	Avoid hot water and soaking due to natural oil treatments.
Turquoise	No ❌	5 – 6	Porous; absorbs water and oils, changing color.
Opal	No ❌	5.5 – 6.5	Contains trapped water; soaking causes cracking.
Pearls	No ❌	2.5 – 4.5	Organic and delicate; water weakens string and nacre.

Best Practices for Cleaning Gemstone Jewelry

When it is time to clean your jewelry, following the correct method ensures your stones stay brilliant for a lifetime:

1. For Hard, Water-Safe Stones (Sapphires, Diamonds, Quartz): Use warm water, a tiny drop of mild dish soap, and a very soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around the settings. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
2. For Porous or Delicate Stones (Opals, Turquoise, Pearls): Never submerge them. Instead, wipe them gently with a soft, damp microfiber cloth to remove dust or skin oils, then dry them immediately with a clean cloth.
3. When in Doubt, Take It Off: As a rule of thumb for all fine jewelry, remove your pieces before swimming in chlorinated pools, soaking in hot tubs, washing dishes, or applying lotions and perfumes.

Shop with Confidence Online

Understanding how a gemstone interacts with its environment ensures you can enjoy your favorite pieces for years to come.

Explore our exquisite collection of durable, everyday-wear [gemstone rings, necklaces, and earrings/link to store category], complete with detailed care instructions and guaranteed authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I wear my sapphire ring in the shower?

A: Yes, sapphires are a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale and completely water-safe. However, it is still recommended to avoid wearing jewelry in the shower long-term, as soap scum can build up under the stone and dull its brilliance.

Q: What happens if my opal gets wet?

A: A quick splash or wiping it with a damp cloth is generally fine, but soaking an opal can ruin its structural integrity and cause irreversible cracking or color fading. Always keep opals dry!