Can Amethyst Go In Water?

Known commonly as the purple birthstone for those born in February, amethyst has grown increasingly in popularity over the years. Not only is the gem gorgeous, but it is also one of the more affordable gemstones on the market. One question that arises quite often is can amethyst go in water? Here is what you need to know. 

What is Amethyst

Although there are other purple gems, amethyst is the most commonly thought of gem when referencing purple stones. Amethyst is the purple counterpart to the quartz species.  Amethyst can range from very light purple to a vivid dark tone. This gem is not as rare as some other colored gemstones, as large amounts of the stone are mined out of Africa and South America. 

Can Amethyst Go In Water

The answer is yes; amethyst is safe to put in water. Due to amethyst’s relatively hard exterior, scoring a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, you do not have to worry about it dissolving in water.  While amethyst may not be affected by water, sudden temperature changes may cause harm to this gemstone. If you were to go from boiling hot water to cold water, the water would not affect the stone, but the temperature change will. 

Cleaning Amethyst 

If you want to clean an amethyst stone, we recommend starting with a cloth and attempting to buff it out. If this does not do the trick, you can transition to warm, soapy water.  Warm soap and water should be enough to clean amethyst from normal wear and tear. You want to avoid using anything harsher than soap as this may adversely affect the finish. 

Can You Wear Amethyst In The Shower

Yes, you can wear amethyst in the shower. As is the case when cleaning the gem, you do not want to expose it to hard or exfoliating soap.  Gentle soaps will not harm this gemstone and may even help clean it while you shower. A good rule of thumb when working with amethyst is unless you are using soft soaps and cleaners, it is better to avoid contact with the stone. 

Conclusion

If you want to buy some amethyst jewelry but don’t know where to start, we are here to help! Our expert staff is more than willing to answer any questions and help you pick the perfect rock for you!  Schedule an appointment today! We look forward to seeing you soon.