The miraculous Lapis Lazuli is a soft rock that has survived thousands of years. But without proper cleaning, storage, and care of lapis lazuli, it can lose its heavenly blue that shows us the splendor of ancient civilizations. In Planderful we will tell you the best care and cleaning tips to keep your jewelry always like new.
Why is it important to preserve your Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli is an opaque stone with vivid blue coloration, but it also has some golden spots, which makes it look like a starry sky. These are pyrite inclusions caused by the presence of iron. So it is important to preserve its beauty.
On the other hand, it is believed that all gems emit a certain type of energy. However, sometimes dirt or other chemical deposits serve as an obstacle in the way of the smooth release of this energy and thus can spoil the associated powers of some gemstones.
Lapis Lazuli is considered to be quite effective in increasing a person's psychic abilities and similarly, it is said that this stone can bring peace, harmony, and tranquility to the wearer's life. There are also many other traits that are associated with the use of this stone, however, these powers can be fully utilized only if this stone is properly cared for.
Finally, Lapis Lazuli, according to the Mohs scale, reaches between 5 and 6 points, making it a fairly soft gemstone. Also, it is a porous rock, so submerging it in water will ruin the gem.
So, what are the main rules of care and cleaning of Lapis Lazuli?
How to care for Lapis Lazuli?
Here are some general recommendations on what you should and should not do with your Lapis Lazuli gem.
- Storing Lapis Lazuli
First of all, remember that because Lapis Lazuli is a soft stone, it should always be protected from rubbing and scratching against harder stones. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you store it properly.
It is not necessary to use a different jewelry box for each of your Lapis Lazuli jewelry. Ideally, you should store your gemstone in a soft cloth, such as velvet, and place it inside the jewelry box to prevent it from being scratched or damaged by faceted gemstones such as amethysts, tanzanite, or zultanite.
Placing them in small zip-lock bags not only helps them from damage but also protects them from oxidants.
- Protect your stone from sunlight
Sunlight can damage any gemstone used in jewelry, especially Lapis Lazuli. Constant exposure to heat or sunlight can cause discoloration of its magnificent ultramarine blue.
You should keep it away from direct sunlight. Therefore, it is best to store them in a jewelry box that is opaque, darker in color, and good enough to prevent light from entering.
Since Lapis Lazuli is a porous rock, make sure your Lapis Lazuli is kept in a cool, dry place. Do not store your jewelry box, which holds your Lapis Lazuli, in a place where it will get hot. Make sure you have plenty of silica gel in these jewelry boxes as well. The silica bags will be able to keep your Lapis moisturizing-free for a while.
You may be interested in: 6 Gemstones That Need Protection From The Summer Sunlight
- Don't sleep with your jewelry
You should keep in mind that Lapis Lazuli is more fragile than many other gemstones, so you should never sleep in your jewelry to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the stone. It can chip or break if you drop it on the floor.
- Don't play sports with your jewelry
Always remove your Lapis Lazuli jewelry when exercising or participating in any sports or sporting activities. Due to the soft structure of Lapis Lazuli, it is susceptible to strong pressure and high temperatures.
- Avoid chemicals
While wearing the stone, you should avoid contact with everyday chemicals such as surf and soap. Coming in contact with these chemicals risks removing the top protective layer of Lapis Lazuli and exposing the core of the stone.
If your Lapis Lazuli comes into contact with these chemicals, be sure to dry it as quickly as possible to avoid any permanent damage. So, no hand washing on Lapis Lazuli rings!
Source: https://newmoonbeginnings.com/raw-lapis-lazuli-stone-a-quality/
How to clean Lapis Lazuli?
Lapis Lazuli is a rare stone found in large quantities in only a few places around the world. It has been considered a gemstone for thousands of years and must be delicately cared for, especially when cleaning it.
- Clean gently with absorbent cotton
After each use, wipe your jewelry with a soft cotton cloth. This action removes some of the oil residues from your skin, makeup, perfume, and other dirt. DO NOT use an abrasive cloth when washing or drying your Lapis Lazuli because it may scratch the stone.
- Clean with mild soap
Lapis Lazuli is not a jewel that should be cleaned daily due to its delicate composition. However, it is still necessary to clean them after a while because substances such as sweat and oils contaminate our beaded jewelry and could damage them. The only option we consider suitable is gentle cleaning with soap.
Forget about using scotch brite and toothbrush because it will ruin your jewelry.
- Use warm water
Using warm water is the best way to wash Lapis Lazuli. It is best to test a small, inconspicuous area first because some dye treatments are not stable. Lapis Lazuli should never be placed in a chemical bath or ionic jewelry cleaner and should always be protected from acidic substances.
Avoid hot water at all costs. You can use cold water, but room-temperature water is best. Cleaning with Lapis Lazuli in water should be done quickly because the gemstone should not remain wet for long. Prolonged contact with water can dissolve and damage the calcite content.
Source: https://satincrystals.com/pages/lapis-article
We hope these tips have been helpful to take care of your Lapis Lazuli jewels. Visit the Planderful website and find your gemstone jewelry.