Sodalite can handle a splash of water, but it does not like being wet for long. Bright sunlight is not a good idea either, because over time the blue can fade a little. So take your jewelry off in the shower, in the pool and for a day at the beach. That way the stone stays beautiful for years.
Why is sodalite so sensitive? And how do you clean it safely? You can read it below. That way you know exactly what to do and what not to do with your jewelry.
Earring Gemstones Leaf Sodalite
Why is sodalite sensitive to water?
The answer lies in how the stone is built.
Veins of calcite
The white veins in sodalite often consist of calcite. Calcite is a soft mineral that does not cope well with moisture and acids. If you leave the stone in water for a long time, those veins have a hard time.
A stone with tiny pores
Sodalite is also slightly porous. Water, soap and cream then slowly soak into the stone. The result is a dull or blotchy patch. That is why dry care is always better than wet care.
What does sunlight do to sodalite?
Sunlight is the second point of attention. Several gemstone sources, such as the sodalite guide by Gem Rock Auctions, warn that heat and a lot of sun make the color of sodalite fade.
A day outside with your bracelet is no problem. It is about long exposure. So do not leave your jewelry on the windowsill or in a hot car. A drawer or jewelry box is the best place.
Reverse Roundel Bracelet Sodalite
When do you take off your sodalite jewelry?
A few fixed moments are handy to remember.
Take your jewelry off before showering, swimming and sports. Chlorine and salt water are not good for the stone, nor for the finish of the silver. During sports, beads also quickly knock against a dumbbell or a bar.
Apply your body lotion first and spray your perfume first. Wait a moment until everything has soaked in, and only then put on your jewelry. That way less cream ends up on the stone and on the layer of gold or rhodium.
The silver in this jewelry is 925 sterling silver, with a Gold Plated or Rhodium Plated finish. Gold Plated is a layer of 14 carat gold on the silver. That layer also stays beautiful longer if you keep it dry.
How do you clean sodalite safely?
Cleaning is best done with a dry, soft cloth.
The daily polish
After wearing, gently rub the stone with a soft cloth. This removes skin oil and dust. Usually that is all you need.
For more dirt
Dampen a corner of the cloth slightly with lukewarm water. Wipe the stone carefully and dry it well straight away. Do not use silver dip, an ultrasonic cleaner or harsh cleaning products. General tips for all your jewelry can be found in cleaning and caring for your jewelry.
Earring Gemstones Medium Oval Sodalite
How do you keep the elastic of a sodalite bracelet in good shape?
With a beaded bracelet, the elastic also deserves some attention.
The bracelets are elastic and strung by hand. So roll the bracelet over your hand instead of stretching it wide. That way the elastic stays tight longer and the beads stay neatly against each other.
Lay the bracelet flat after wearing it. Preferably do not hang it on a hook, because the weight of the beads slowly stretches the elastic. Do you notice the bracelet feels looser than before? Then it is time to stretch it less often.
How do you best store sodalite?
Storing it well prevents scratches and dullness.
Sodalite has a hardness of 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Harder stones, such as rock crystal, can therefore easily scratch sodalite. So store your jewelry separately, in a pouch or a compartment of your jewelry box. What the hardness means in practice, you can read in what is sodalite.
For drop damage to a stone, you cannot rely on the warranty. The brand offers a 2 year warranty on manufacturing defects, but drop damage to gemstones is not covered. So handling your jewelry with care pays off. The jewelry always arrives beautifully packaged, and that box is right away a handy place to store it.
Does sodalite stay beautiful if you wear it often?
Yes, with these few habits you can wear sodalite every day without worry. Wearing is exactly what makes a piece of jewelry personal. Want to know what meaning people give to the stone? Then read what sodalite stands for according to tradition. Or choose a new favorite piece with sodalite gemstone right away.
Frequently asked questions about sodalite and water
I’m happy to answer a few frequently asked questions:
Can you put sodalite in water to cleanse it?
No, preferably not. A quick rinse does no harm, but never let the stone soak. Always dry it straight away.
Can you shower with a sodalite bracelet?
Better to take it off. Soap, hot water and shampoo are bad for the stone and for the finish of the silver.
Why is my sodalite dull?
Usually there is a thin layer of skin oil, cream or perfume on it. Rub the stone with a soft cloth. If it stays dull after a lot of water or sun, the surface itself is damaged.
Want to know more, or have questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels are happy to help.
