They say that beauty is not just supposed to be seen, it’s also meant to be felt. We believe that the same rings true for aquamarines. Symbolizing courage, friendship and loyalty, this meaningful stunner never fails to win its wearer’s heart!
‘What is it?’, you ask.
To put it simply, this blue-green gem is a member of the beryl family. It gets its moniker from the Latin words ‘aqua marinus’ meaning ‘water of the sea.’
Interestingly, because of its name and tranquil hue, sailors considered this gemstone to be a talisman and often wore it to ensure safe passage across the sea.
And while they didn’t really mind getting their jewelry wet, the fashionistas of today certainly do.
Are you nodding in agreement? If so, you’re in luck! Because today, we’re going to answer the age-old question – can aquamarine go in water?
Read on to find out…
Let’s Start With the Main Question…Can Aquamarine Go in Water?
Yes, but only for a short amount of time!
While aquamarines tend to be more water-resistant, they can get damaged if submerged for a long time. This damage can appear in two forms:
• Structural Damage
As with most gemstones, aquamarines have several microscopic fissures and cracks on their surface. When submerged for a long time, water molecules enter these cracks and slowly widen them from the inside. Interestingly, this process can be accelerated by salt baths during which the water deposits salt molecules into the jewel’s fissures. Together, these molecules encourage the expansion of the cracks and eventually cause it to break.
It’s important to note here that both the gem’s durability and structure play a vital role in this process. And while the aquamarine may be on the more durable side, its structure is more akin to glass. This essentially means that the stone is more likely to split in two if a lot of water seeps into its cracks.
• Physical Damage
For the most part, aquamarines are polished before being set into a design. Unfortunately, this polish can be stripped by water. This is especially true if there’s chlorine or salt mixed in the liquid. Once the polish is gone, the resultant gemstone is a relatively dull one that can negatively impact the aesthetic of the entire piece.
Furthermore, aquamarines get their color from the iron impurities present within their chemical structure. These impurities can react negatively with the water and cause the gem to yellow or rust. And who wants that?
Now that we’ve answered the question ‘can aquamarine go in water?’ let’s discuss the best way to maintain it.
Also Read: Can You Wear Aquamarine Every Day?
How Do You Clean Your Aquamarine?
As touched upon before, aquamarines are quite durable and feature a 7.5 – 8 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Considering this, the best way to clean your piece is as follows:
- Start by placing your aquamarine rings and other accessories in a mild, lukewarm soap water solution for 3-5 minutes. Make sure that your water is not too hot as the heat could cause the gem to crack.
- Next, gently scrub your stunner with a soft-bristled brush. When doing this, pay special attention to the edges of the jewel and its setting as that’s where most of the dirt lies.
- Once done, place your piece under running water to wash away any excess soap and leave it aside to airdry.
Important note:
When drying your stone, flip it a few times to remove all the water from its crevices. Do not place your gemstone under direct sunlight as that could cause it to lose its color over time.
Furthermore, avoid washing your gem with steam or ultrasonic cleaners as those devices could do more harm than good.
General Care Tips for Your Aquamarine
To avoid scratches, place your aquamarine earrings, rings and other piecesin a cloth bag and store them in a cool, dry place like your closet, for example.
Wear your stone just before you leave the house and remove it the moment you return. This will minimize any damage caused by the chemicals present in your everyday items like lotion, perfume, hairspray, etc. We also suggest wiping your gem with a dry cloth after every use to minimize the oil build-up.
To prevent breakage, remove your aquamarine pendant necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry before doing any strenuous activities like cleaning, gardening, exercising and so on.
Did You Know?
- During the Middles Ages, many people believed that the aquamarine was the antidote to poison. They also wore this gem to bring victory in battle and legal disputes.
- Egyptians and Sumerians used this gemstone to symbolize happiness. They even considered it to be the key to everlasting youth.
Apart from the aquamarine, one of the most common questions we get asked is ‘can topaz go in water?’ Our answer – yes, it can. This is mainly due to its extreme durability which makes it a little more difficult to crack.
On the other hand, we do not recommend soaking your garnets in water. If you’d like to know why, please read our article titled ‘can garnet go in water?’
Also Read: Does the Aquamarine Sparkle?
