Cleaning jade gemstones is generally straightforward as long as you follow a few guidelines to ensure that your stones are treated and worn properly, and stored safely.
Jade Composition
Jade is a name that is used to refer to two different gemstones: nephrite and jadeite.
Jade gemstone
Nephrite jade is a variety of the mineral actinolite and is usually green, although brown and yellow varieties can also be seen.
Jadeite jade, on the other hand, is made up of a different mineral: pyroxene. Like nephrite, jadeite is mostly green, but bluish and pink stones also exist.
Nephrite is the softer of these two varieties, with a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Jadeite is a bit harder, with a hardness rating of 6.5-7.
Cleaning Jade
To clean jade properly, you can use only water.
Alternatively, you can prepare a simple cleaning solution by adding a little mild soap to the water. However, do not use any other jewelry cleaners or household detergents that may contain harsh chemicals.
Use a soft cloth or a cotton pad to apply water or the cleaning solution you have prepared to your jade gemstone, and wipe it carefully. Be gentle so as not to scratch the stone’s surface. Do not soak the gemstone in water.
You can use a soft brush or a cotton swab to clean the parts of your jewelry that are hard to reach.
Wipe off any remaining soap with a clean, damp cotton pad or cloth, and dry the gemstone with a soft towel.
Things to Avoid When Caring for Jade
Do not clean your jade in a steam cleaner. This gemstone should also not be put in ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, which can be harmful to its structure.
Do not use any harsh chemicals or alcohol to clean your jade jewelry.
Wearing Jade Jewelry
When wearing jade, be careful not to hit the stone as it may easily crack or chip.
Chlorine, which is often added to water in pools and to tap water, can be harmful to jade, so make sure you take off your jade jewelry before you swim or take a shower.
It’s best to avoid contact of jade with makeup, perfume, hair spray, and other chemicals that may have an adverse effect on the stone’s surface.
Storing Your Jade
Jade can easily be scratched by harder gemstones and metals, and that’s why it’s best to keep it separate from your other pieces.
If you are storing your jade items together with other jewelry, wrap them in a soft cloth or pouch to protect them.
