All gemstones should be protected from sharp blows, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Some particularly sensitive gemstones should even be kept away from strong light sources, as such exposure may cause colour fading. Gemstones should be stored in a dry, safe place.

Agate: Agate tends to chip or crack rather easily. Take care to protect it from scratches and blows.

Aquamarine: Clean your Aquamarine at an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Do not clean in a home ultrasonic machine. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows. Aquamarine often pales if left out in the sun.

Amethyst: Clean your Amethyst at an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Amethyst often pales if left out in the sun.

Aventurine: Aventurine may fade in the sun.

Carnelian: Carnelian placed in the sun will change colour from brown to red.

Chrysoprase: Chrysoprase will fade in the sun.

Citrine: Citrine may be easily scratched. Citrine often permanently changes colour if left in direct sunlight for several hours.

Coral: Coral is especially fragile. Protect coral from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as those which would occur if one were to leave the gem by a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean coral in a home ultrasonic cleaner.

Garnet: Clean garnet with a dry, soft cloth. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures.

Jasper: The polish on jasper will often wash away in water. Clean with a soft dry cloth.

Lapis Lazuli: Lapis Lazuli may be easily scratched or chipped. Water will dissolve its protective coatings.

Malachite: Malachite is especially fragile. Protect malachite from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as those which would occur if one were to leave the gem by a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean malachite in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Washing malachite in water will remove its finish.

Moonstone: See Agate

Obsidian: Obsidian is fairly fragile. Avoid sharp blows as it will crack.

Onyx: See Agate

Opal: Opal is an extremely fragile stone. Avoid large temperature changes (i.e. do not leave the opal next to your heater or in a hot car). Store it in the dark. Clean it with a soft, dry cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners and strong solvents may damage the stone and should thus be avoided.

Pearl: Pearls are less durable than most gems. They are sensitive to acids, dryness, and humidity. If you wear cosmetics and/or perfume, put these on before wearing your pearl jewellery. When taking off your pearls, wipe them with a dry, lint-free cloth. If needed, clean your pearls with warm soapy water being very careful to avoid wetting the drill hole, as the pearl may become thus discoloured. Dry your pearls flat on an absorbent, soft (preferably lint-free) towel. Always store your pearl necklaces as flat as the silk will stretch. Store pearls separately from other jewellery, as they are easily scratched. Store pearls in a dry environment. Avoid using plastic bags (as moisture may get trapped and cause damage).

Peridot: As with all gems, protect peridot from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as those which would occur if one were to leave the gem by a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean peridot in a home ultrasonic cleaner.

Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz will chip and crack rather easily, and it will also fade in the sun. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, and be extra careful to protect it from scratches and blows.

Tiger Eye: See Peridot

Tourmaline: See Peridot

Turquoise: Turquoise is somewhat soft, so avoid scratches and sharp blows. To be certain that coatings are not removed, also avoid hot water and household chemicals.