Lapis Lazuli Care Guide: How to Clean, Cleanse and Protect Your Lapis Lazuli Jewellery
Lapis lazuli is loved for its deep royal blue colour and its natural flecks of golden pyrite. This historic gemstone has been worn for thousands of years, but it needs the right care to stay vibrant. If you have ever wondered how to clean lapis lazuli, how to cleanse lapis lazuli crystals, or whether lapis lazuli can get wet, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Can Lapis Lazuli Get Wet?
Lapis lazuli should not get wet often. The stone is naturally porous and can absorb water or cleaning agents, which may cause discoloration, dull patches or structural weakness over time. A quick, light wipe with a damp cloth is safe, but soaking the stone or wearing it in the shower or ocean is not recommended.
How to Clean Lapis Lazuli Jewellery
Gentle Surface Cleaning:
Because lapis lazuli is a soft and porous gemstone, the safest way to clean it is with a soft, dry cloth. This removes surface oils, fingerprints and dust without exposing the stone to unnecessary moisture.
Mild Soap Method:
If you need a deeper clean, prepare a mild soap and warm water solution. Lightly dampen a soft cloth with the soapy water and gently wipe the stone. Avoid soaking the gem or fully immersing it. Afterwards, use a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove soap residue. Always dry the stone completely with a soft towel.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners:
Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, chemical jewellery dips, alcohol and ammonia can all damage lapis lazuli. These cleaning methods may strip the natural oils in the stone and cause fading or cracking. Stick to simple, manual cleaning.
How to Polish Lapis Lazuli at Home
You can gently improve the shine of lapis lazuli at home by buffing it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid polishing compounds or abrasive products, as these can scratch the stone or remove its natural finish. Always use very light pressure when polishing at home.
How to Cleanse Lapis Lazuli Energetically
Many people like to energetically cleanse crystals. Lapis lazuli can be cleansed safely using non-water methods.
Safe cleansing methods include:
-
Soft smoke cleansing
-
Moonlight
-
Sound cleansing
-
Leaving the stone on a selenite charging plate
Avoid water cleansing methods since lapis lazuli can be damaged by water absorption.
How to Care for Lapis Lazuli
Limit Chemical Exposure:
Perfume, hairspray, sunscreen and household cleaners can all affect the colour and surface of lapis lazuli. Apply beauty products first and let them dry before putting on your jewellery.
Avoid Heat and Sunlight:
Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can cause fading. Keep lapis lazuli out of extreme heat and store it in a cool area.
Handle with Care:
Lapis lazuli can chip or crack if dropped. Always put on your jewellery in a safe area, preferably over a soft surface.
Storing Lapis Lazuli Jewellery
Protective Storage:
Store your lapis lazuli jewellery in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery box to reduce the chance of scratches.
Separate Storage:
Since lapis lazuli is softer than many gemstones, store it separately from harder stones such as diamonds, topaz or sapphires. This prevents accidental scratches and abrasions.
