In the category of everyday things we do that can ruin our stones, I ask for….perfume!
Of course, this includes chemicals in general, and in some cases, perfumed lotions and creams.
You think about selecting a piece of jewelry to protect your stone, you avoid swimming pools and hot weather and yet, patatrac, a dull, flaking or crumbling stone. Unfortunately, this is the case with porous gems such as most organic gems, as well as those with lower hardness. This is not due to hardness per se, but rather to the chemical composition of the stone, its formation process and exposure to environmental factors such as pressure and temperature. Porous stones tend to be less hard and resistant due to their ability to absorb water and other liquids, which can weaken their internal structure and surface.
As a general rule, the softer a gemstone or fine stone (a low hardness on the Mohs scale), the more porous it will be. On the other hand, the harder it is (high Mohs hardness), the less it will be, and the less likely it will be to absorb foreign products.
And that’s the tragedy of porous stones. In many cases, a little absorbed water is not a problem, and will be released as the stone dries. BUT, in the case of water filled with aggressive products such as perfumes, this poses much more of a problem, as the stone will absorb these chemicals, which will attack the internal structure of the stone. At best, you’ll have a dull, lifeless stone, and at worst, the stone will dissolve between your fingers.
Of course, this is only a general rule, and the subject is far more complex than that. Peridot, for example, is not particularly porous, but its chemical composition can become highly reactive to certain acids and damage the stone.
So which gems are the most sensitive to fragrance? What to do with gems that hate your perfume?
N°1: Amber
Amber does not tolerate perfumes and chemicals due to its porous structure. Like many organic gems exposed to these substances, it can lose its brilliance, color and even its structural integrity (partially dissolve). The consequences can range from discoloration and surface degradation to cracks and irreversible loss of natural beauty.
No.2: Calcite
Calcite is sensitive to fragrances and chemicals due to its delicate, porous crystalline structure. Exposure to these substances can lead to a loss of luster, reduced transparency and even structural damage. Consequences ranging from surface discoloration to the appearance of cracks can compromise its natural beauty.
N°3: Shell
Like amber, the shell’s organic nature means that it is highly vulnerable to exposure to chemicals or perfumes, as it will absorb them and compromise its internal structure. Consequences include discoloration and shell collapse.
N°4: Coral
Another organic gem, this time animal in nature, coral is highly sensitive to acids and perfumes. There is a risk of discoloration and partial dissolution.
N°5: Diopside
Diopsides are sensitive to acids and chemicals, making them particularly vulnerable to fragrances. Prolonged contact may cause the stone to discolor and split.
N°6: Gypsum
Due to its very low hardness of 2 and its porous surface, gypsum is highly compromised when exposed to perfumes, which will corrode it and destroy its internal structure.
N°7: Jet
Another organic gem, this time fossilized carbonized wood. Between low hardness and a fairly porous surface, jet has no defense against perfumes and other chemicals. By absorbing these substances, the jet can deteriorate and partially dissolve.
No.8: Lapis Lazuli
Composed of several different minerals, lapis lazuli is a porous rock that can react strongly to strong products such as perfumes. These will be absorbed, causing internal and external damage that may even lead to the stone’s destruction.
No.9: Malachite
The same goes for malachite. These products can be absorbed and cause structural damage, surface dulling and cracking.
N°10: Opale
Opal is porous, composed largely of water and, in the case of boulder and matrix opals, can be composed partly of rock. Exposure to fragrance can be dramatic and include tarnishing, fracturing and dissolution of rocks.
N°11: Pearl
natural pearls, and even worse, treated or low-quality natural pearls, will be very sensitive to perfumes and risk fading, tarnishing and fracturing.
No.12: Peridot
Peridot is a relatively strong and stable stone, but is sensitive to acids and perfumes. Although it won’t react as dramatically as opal, it is likely to discolor and tarnish, or even crack.
No.13: Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite has a low hardness of 4 and a porous surface that cannot withstand acids or chemicals. These can discolor, tarnish and partially dissolve the product.
N°14: Sinhalite
Sinhalite is quite sensitive to fragrances, but less dramatically so than rhodochrosite. Prolonged application will result in dulling and the appearance of spots. If perfume penetrates cracks, the structure of the stone may be compromised.
N°15: Natural glass
Natural glass, such as obsidian or moldavite, can react to perfumes, especially those containing corrosive ingredients. This may cause marks or stains on its surface, altering its clarity or texture.
N°16: Manufactured glass
Like natural glass, manufactured glass can tarnish and stain on contact with perfume (Swarovski crystals come to mind!).
Honorable Mentions: Feldspars
Although generally less sensitive, feldspars such as labradorite or moonstone are generally very inclusive, which poses quite a risk of perfumes being absorbed into the stone, causing it to tarnish or even crack.
So can you wear gemstones with perfume?
Well, yes, it’s possible! Just be sure to observe the following rules:
- First apply the fragrance to your bare skin, avoiding areas in direct contact with jewelry or precious stones. The same goes for scented lotions and creams!
- Make sure perfume is completely dry before wearing jewelry or handling gems to avoid product transfer.
- Avoid spraying perfume directly onto jewels or precious stones to avoid any risk of damage or chemical reaction.
- Opt for light perfumes or alcohol-free formulas if you plan to wear jewelry in direct contact with the skin, as alcohol can cause adverse reactions on certain stones (and incidentally certain skins).
- Remove jewelry or gems before re-scenting to avoid excessive product build-up.
- Regularly clean your jewelry and gems to remove any perfume residue that may have accumulated.
No more gems that hate your perfume! By following these simple rules, you can fully enjoy your gems while wearing your favorite fragrance, without compromising their beauty or integrity!
Lauréline Colliard FGA
FGA Gemmologist, graduate of London's prestigious Gem-A Academy (and former lead 3D animator in the video game industry). Her focus is on research, the ethics of gemstones and their environmental and social impact, and the protection and education of gemstone buyers and enthusiasts.
