Earring
Necklace
Ring
BraceletHow to Clean Lapis Lazuli Jewelry?
Safe Cleaning for Everyday Dust and Light Dirt
To clean lapis lazuli Jewelry safely, you will need lukewarm water below 30°C, a mild neutral detergent such as baby shampoo or gentle hand soap, a soft cloth or microfiber cloth, and cotton swabs for reaching small crevices.
Start by adding a small amount of neutral detergent to the lukewarm water and gently mix to create a mild cleaning solution. Lightly dip a soft cloth into the solution and gently wipe the surface of the stone, taking care not to rub too hard to avoid scratching the surface or removing the protective oil and wax layer. For settings or tiny gaps, use a cotton swab dipped in the solution to carefully clean trapped dirt, keeping motions gentle.
Removing Oil or Cosmetic Residue
For oil stains or makeup residue, you can use a mild “emulsification method” with lukewarm water, neutral detergent, and a small amount of jojoba oil. This technique lightly dissolves the oil while emulsifying it for removal.
Apply a single drop of jojoba oil to a clean cloth and gently rub the stained area to loosen the grease. Simultaneously, use another soft cloth lightly moistened with lukewarm water and neutral detergent to gently wipe the stain, allowing the oil to emulsify. Be careful to use only a tiny amount of oil and very gentle motions to avoid excess oil penetrating the porous stone. Rinse with clean water, pat dry, and let the stone air-dry for 10–15 minutes before lightly re-oiling and polishing. For stubborn stains, this process can be repeated gently.
If the dirt is concentrated in certain areas, such as the edges of a ring, use a soft brush to remove surface dust and oil first, or lightly wipe with lukewarm water and neutral detergent before drying.
Important Notes
Always dry the stone immediately after cleaning; avoid air drying.
Do not use abrasive pastes, toothpaste, or other scrubbing agents, as they can damage the surface and reduce the stone’s natural luster.
Attention! Cleaners that cannot be used
Avoid Using Ultrasonic Cleaners
Lapis lazuli is a composite gemstone made up of multiple minerals, primarily lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. Due to its natural formation, tiny micro-fractures often exist within the stone.
Ultrasonic cleaners work by creating high-frequency vibrations that produce microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution. These bubbles rapidly collapse, generating powerful shock waves. While this method may be safe for harder, structurally stable gemstones, lapis lazuli is much more delicate. The repeated vibrations can gradually widen the existing micro-fractures, potentially leading to visible cracks, chips, or surface damage.
For this reason, ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended for lapis lazuli, whether it is set in jewelry or kept as a loose stone. Avoiding ultrasonic methods helps protect the gem’s internal structure, overall stability, and natural beauty.
Avoid Acidic Cleaners
One of the main components of lapis lazuli is calcite (CaCO₃), a mineral that reacts with acids, releasing carbon dioxide and gradually eroding the stone’s surface.
Household substances like vinegar, lemon juice, and even certain jewelry-specific acidic cleaning solutions can damage lapis lazuli. The acid reacts with the calcite, causing tiny pits to form on the surface, dulling its natural shine, and in severe cases, leading to whitening or discoloration.
Additionally, the blue lazurite within lapis lazuli can also undergo chemical changes when exposed to strong acids, resulting in faded or uneven color. For this reason, using any acidic cleaning agents on lapis lazuli is highly discouraged, as it can seriously compromise both its appearance and structural integrity.
Avoid Alcohol, Acetone, and Other Strong Solvents
Avoid Alcohol, Acetone, and Other Strong Solvents
The surface of lapis lazuli is often treated with oil or wax to enhance its color and smoothness. This protective layer not only gives the stone a fuller, more lustrous appearance but also provides a degree of surface protection.
Strong solvents such as alcohol and acetone can quickly dissolve this oil or wax coating, leaving the lapis lazuli looking dry, dull, and less vibrant. The deep blue color may also lose its richness and appear faded.
In addition, some lapis lazuli pieces are enhanced through dyeing or waxing during processing. Harsh solvents can damage these treatments, causing uneven patches or discoloration. To maintain the stone’s original sheen and visual beauty, it is best to avoid using any organic solvents when cleaning lapis lazuli.
