20 gems NEVER to wear at the pool

We’ve all felt that sting of panic when we discover a crack in our favorite piece of jewelry, a chip in our sparkling necklace, or worse still, a priceless stone smashed to pieces. It’s a feeling as heartbreaking as our bank account after a reckless shopping spree. But all this can be avoided, and our happiness restored, with a few simple precautions.

Summer is here, and with it the irresistible call of sparkling pools. But for jewelry lovers, this dream of relaxing by the water can quickly turn into a nightmare. Many gemstones, while dazzling in appearance, react badly to chlorinated water and the chemicals found in swimming pools. Imagine proudly wearing your gem-set ring, only to discover later that its brilliance has faded, or worse, that it has suffered irreversible damage.

To help you make the right choice, here’s a list of gemstones and precious stones that should NEVER be worn in the pool because of their fragility to water or chemicals. From opal to turquoise and amber, learn how to protect your precious jewels from chlorinated adversity!

N°1: Amber

Like many organic gems, amber does not tolerate being submerged in the presence of acidic products such as chlorine or perfume (always apply these before wearing your jewelry, as well as lotions and body gels, and allow them to dry thoroughly). Risks include deterioration, discoloration, partial dissolution, cracks and breakage.

Natural water: Possible, but stone may not react well to inclusions and cracks. Best avoided.

Chlorinated water: Absolutely not.

N°2: Apatite

Chlorinated water can react chemically with the minerals making up apatite, resulting in discoloration, opacification or deterioration of the stone. Chemicals in water, combined with prolonged exposure, can corrode the surface of apatite, reducing its brilliance.

Natural water: Possible, but here again, beware of the state of the cracks and the nature of the inclusions.

Chlorinated water: Absolutely not.

N°3: Calcite

Putting calcite in chlorinated water can lead to a number of reactions and effects. Calcite can be damaged by prolonged exposure to this substance. These damages include surface corrosion, discoloration or partial dissolution.

Natural water: To be avoided, if only because of its very low hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale.

Chlorinated water: Absolutely not.

N°4: Shell

Although shellfish are native to the marine environment, they don’t like chlorine or acids in general! You risk ending up with a shell that discolors and crumbles. This is generally the case with organic gems, which tend to be highly porous.

Natural water: Yes, if the shell is in excellent condition, particularly in its natural habitat (sea water for sea shells and fresh water for freshwater shells).

Chlorinated water: You guessed it…no.

N°5: Coral

Exactly the same as for shellfish, coral is an organic gem that will never tolerate acids such as chlorine. It will discolor and crumble. Most corals on the market are coated to protect the surface, but they are also often bleached, which makes them even more fragile.
Because these animals are on the brink of extinction, I don’t recommend wearing coral anyway.

Natural water: Possible, especially in their natural environment.

Chlorinated water: No.

N°6: Diopside

Diopsides are notoriously sensitive to acids and corrosion. Chlorinated water from swimming pools can react with the stone and cause it to deteriorate. Diopside will then lose its brilliance, its color will fade and cracks may appear, weakening the stone.

Natural water: Possible if the stone is in good condition, but if in doubt, it’s best to avoid it.

Chlorinated water: Avoid.

N°7: Horn, Ivory and Scales of all kinds

Ivory, as well as certain scales and horns, are totally banned from sale in order to protect poached species, which are unfortunately on the verge of extinction. If you would like to read more about the current laws concerning them, as well as the list of species concerned: https://cites.org/

Personally, I’m not a fan of these materials, unless the use of unprotected horn is done with a view to supporting a craft industry (since they feed on the animal, it might as well be 100% recycled). NEVER for “sport hunting” or poaching purposes.

Horn, like ivory and scales, is similar to other organic gems, and tends to have a very poor acid resistance. Risks include discoloration, cracking or dissolution.

Natural water: Possible except for ivory!

Chlorinated water: No.

N°8: Gypsum

Gypsum is one of the minerals used in the Mohs scale and has a hardness of 2. In more visual terms, it’s possible to cut gypsum with a fingernail! Acids will quickly damage the surface and dissolve the stone.

Natural water: Possible but to be avoided.

Chlorinated water: No.

N°9: Iolite

Fun fact: for a long time I thought it was pronounced “Lolite” because of the lack of differentiation between the lower-case “L” and the upper-case “i”…but it’s really an iolite.

Iolite is relatively sensitive to chemicals and other acids, and can be tarnished or even structurally compromised. As this gem is fragile to temperature changes and shocks, it is advisable to avoid wearing it in chlorinated environments.

Natural water: Possible but to be avoided.

Chlorinated water: Nope.

N°10: Jet

Jet is a fossilized form of carbonized wood composed mainly of carbon. Like amber, it is porous and relatively insensitive to water (in fact, it floats), but can seriously deteriorate in the prolonged presence of chlorine. Because of its porosity, jet will absorb a small amount of water, and if this water is made up of chemicals (such as household products), alcohol (such as perfumes) or acids, the stone risks damage and loss of stability.

Natural water: Possible, but the stone will absorb this water.

Chlorinated water: Avoid.

N°11: Lapis lazuli

Chlorinated pool water can potentially alter the appearance of lapis lazuli. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water can react with the stone’s components, causing its color to fade or stain. As with jet, lapis lazuli can absorb small amounts of water if it is porous. Chlorinated pool water can increase this absorption, which could lead to a change in stone weight, texture or even fracture.

Natural water: Possible, but the stone will absorb this water.

Chlorinated water: Avoid.

N°12: Malachite

Malachite is not particularly sensitive to natural water, but can be particularly damaged by chemicals and acids, which can dull the stone or compromise its internal structure by seeping through. the stone could crack or fracture.

Natural water: Possible.

Chlorinated water: No.

N°13: Opal

As opal is porous and partly composed of water, it is not recommended to wear it for long periods in water. If water rushes into the stone and encounters water inclusions, it will take its place and run the risk of tarnishing the stone. In the case of chlorinated water, the presence of chemicals will also tarnish the stone, but risk weakening it from the inside and damaging it irreparably.

Special mention should be made of opal matrix and boulder, which possess part of the parent rock. Depending on the rock, it may fracture or dissolve!

Natural water: Not recommended, especially for matrix and boulder opals.

Chlorinated water: Avoid.

N°14: Pearl

By their very nature, pearls are not sensitive to water. However, some pearls of low quality or which have undergone treatment may discolor and tarnish on prolonged contact with water. Like many organic gems, pearls are porous and have very low chemical resistance. The presence of chlorine over a long period can lead to tarnishing, discoloration and, in the worst case, structural defects inside the gem, causing cracks or fractures.

Natural water: Possible, but beware of cheap or treated pearls.

Chlorinated water: No.

N°15: Peridot

Peridot is a fine, relatively resistant stone, but it can still be affected by prolonged exposure to water, especially chlorinated water. If it has cracks, chlorinated water will seep through and potentially damage the internal structure of the stone, especially if it has inclusions. The stone may crack or fracture.

Natural water: Possible.

Chlorinated water: No.

N°16: Pyrite

Pyrite is a perfect example of a gem that loves water but hates pool water! This fine stone is perfectly stable in water and poses no problems whatsoever, especially in freshwater bodies such as lakes or rivers. However, as pyrite is composed of iron and sulfur, it can oxidize in the presence of chlorine, altering its color and luster and making it dull and grainy. This is also a possible risk with seawater.

Natural water: To be avoided, but should pose no problem in fresh water and with proper drying afterwards! Avoid seawater and calcareous water, as salt and acids can oxidize and damage it.

Chlorinated water: Avoid.

N°17: Rhodochrosite

Wearing rhodochrosite in chlorinated water can potentially lead to irreversible chemical and physical changes. Chlorine can alter the surface, penetrating the stone and damaging its structure to the point of partial dissolution. That’s why we also avoid perfumes around this stone.

Natural water: Avoid overly acidic water, as it will damage the stone.

Chlorinated water: Absolutely not.

N°18: Sinhalite

Although sinhalite is relatively stable and not very reactive, exposure to chlorinated water, particularly over long periods, can lead to changes in its appearance or surface. Pool water can potentially penetrate stone with cracks or inclusions, causing the stone to dull or stain.

Natural water: Possible, but beware of inclusions and cracks.

Chlorinated water: Avoid.

N°19: Sphene (Titanite)

Also known as titanite, sphene is relatively stable in water. However, it is not particularly fond of chlorine, which can dull it or cause stains. If the stone has inclusions, chlorinated water can seep through and cause structural damage to the stone, resulting in cracks or fractures.

Natural water: Possible, with attention to inclusions.

Chlorinated water: Avoid.

N°20: Turquoise

Last but not least ! Like many rocks, turquoise can’t stand water or chemicals! In both cases, water can seep through cracks or inclusions in the various crystals, causing irreparable damage to the stone’s interior. it may fracture and even partially dissolve. Chlorine only adds to the problems, and will alter the color if you don’t have enough.

Natural water: No.

Chlorinated water: Always no.

Honorable Mentions

Chlorinated water: Always no. They are more stable and less problematic, but the risks are still there:

• Les Grenats (all varieties)
• Jadeite Jade
• Nephrite jade
• Quartz
• Serpentine
• Sodalite

Now you’re ready to avoid ruining your favourite jewelry on vacation!