Also known as the January birthstone, the garnet is one gem that’s on the wishlist of many. It can be found in several hues ranging from pretty pinks to gorgeous greens. However, its red variant is the most popular. As such, regardless of your color preferences, you’re sure to find something for you here.
Coming to its gifting status, this jewel is considered to be the celebration stone of one’s 2nd, 15th, 25th and 29th wedding anniversaries. This fact, in addition to its birthstone status and romantic symbolism, has made the gemstone a popular choice among couples.
Having said the above, one of the most common questions we get asked is whether or not the garnet can be placed in water. And today, we plan on answering just that!
So, grab yourself a cup of coffee and read on…
Let’s Start With the Main Question…Can Garnet Go in Water?
Yes, but we do not recommend it! While a little water won’t damage your gemstone, keeping it submerged for extended periods can result in long-term harm. This damage can appear in two different ways:
• Structural Damage
Before explaining this point, let’s first discuss the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. In 1822, Fredrich Mohs, a German mineralogist and gemologist created a qualitative ordinal scale to measure the durability of each gemstone.
It was later proven that tougher gems (which scored higher than 5) were less likely to get water damaged.
The garnet (which features a 6.5-7.5 rating) is a great example of this!
However, similar to other jewels, this gorgeous stone has several microscopic fissures and cracks on its surface. When submerged for extended periods, water molecules enter these cracks and widen them at a relatively slow pace. If done over a long time, this process could eventually cause the stone to break.
• Physical Damage
An interesting fact about the garnet is that it is typically polished before being set into a design. Unfortunately, this polish can be washed away by water. This is especially true if the liquid is combined with chlorine or salt. Once stripped, the resultant jewel is a dull one that can dampen the aesthetic of the entire piece.
Now that we’ve answered the question – ‘can garnet go in water?‘, let’s move on to the best way to maintain this jewel.
How Can You Clean Your Garnet Without Soaking It in Water?
In our opinion, the best way to maintain your garnet jewelry item is to wipe it with a damp cloth after every use. Having said that, if you notice a lot of dust and grime on your accessory, you can soak it in water for a minute or two. Once done, wipe away the dirt and excess water with a lint-free cloth and leave the stone aside to airdry.
Remember to flip your piece a few times during the drying process to remove any water that may have accumulated in the stone’s crevices.
General Tips to Take Care of Your Garnet
When drying your gem, avoid placing it under direct sunlight or in an extremely hot place as this could cause your stunner to lose its color or crack. Furthermore, we do not recommend exposing your jewel to steam or ultrasonic cleaners as these devices could result in more harm than good.
To ensure your stone remains in tip-top condition, we suggest getting it professionally cleaned at least once a year.
What’s the best way to store your jewelry? To do this, place your accessory in a cloth bag or velvet-lined case and store it in a cool, dry place like your closet, for example.
Did You Know?
That according to the Bible, Noah used a garnet lantern to guide his ark through the darkness.
And the garnet is still incredibly famous within the fine jewelry industry.
In fact, red garnet engagement rings are one of the most sought-after pieces today. This is primarily because of the gem’s romantic hue and its well-known association with passion and the heart. As such, if you’re ever planning to go down on one knee, the garnet ring is one that you should consider getting.
Trust us, with this beauty, she’ll definitely say yes!
Moving on to another spectacular gemstone, let’s answer the question – ‘can aquamarine go in water?’ The answer here is yes! With a 7.5 – 8 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, aquamarines are slightly tougher than garnets. This essentially means that they are less susceptible to damage by water and can therefore be submerged in water for short periods (roughly 3-5 minutes).
Contrary to the above, nuummites aren’t very durable gems and should not be placed in water. If you’d like to know why, do read our article titled ‘can nuummite go in water?’
