How to Clean Moonstone Jewelry Without Damaging the Gem
Moonstone looks beautiful, but cleaning it roughly can cause damage. This simple guide explains how to care for a known moonstone gem in jewelry. Moonstone is a feldspar gem that needs gentle care. Photo: Simon Eugster, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons . Image unchanged. The gentle cleaning method Check the setting first. If the gem is loose or cracked, let a jeweler inspect it before cleaning. Use warm water with a small amount of mild soap. Gently clean with a soft brush. Avoid pressing hard around the stone. Remove the soap gently and dry with a soft cloth. GIA recommends warm soapy water for moonstone. It advises against both ultrasonic and steam cleaners. See the GIA moonstone care and cleaning guide . Why moonstone needs care Moonstone has a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5, but its toughness is poor. Two cleavage directions make it vulnerable to breaking from a hard blow. High heat and sudden temperature changes can also cause breaks. Before wearing a moonstone ring A ring is more exp...