Updated as of June 2026
How to clean and care for Emerald
More fragile than other gems and usually oil-treated. Clean only with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Step by step
- Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak the piece briefly, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush. Reach behind the stone where buildup hides.
- Rinse in clean water (keep a strainer over the drain) and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Store in a soft pouch away from harder gems that could scratch it.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you clean Emerald?
More fragile than other gems and usually oil-treated. Clean only with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
Can you use an ultrasonic cleaner on Emerald?
No. Emerald can be damaged by ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Stick to warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Does Emerald scratch easily?
Emerald rates 7.5 on the Mohs scale. That is moderately hard; avoid storing it loose with harder gems.