A Complete Guide to Turquoise Care: How to Clean, Cleanse & Protect Your Turquoise Jewellery
Turquoise is one of the world’s most cherished gemstones, admired for its vivid blue-green hues and natural veining. But because turquoise is a softer, porous stone, it needs a little extra love to keep it looking vibrant over time. If you’ve ever wondered “Can turquoise get wet?”, “How do I cleanse turquoise?”, or simply how to care for turquoise jewellery, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Can Turquoise Get Wet?
The short answer is: it’s best to avoid getting turquoise wet whenever possible.
Turquoise is naturally porous, which means it can absorb water, lotions, oils, or chemicals. When this happens, you may notice:
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A change in colour (darkening or dulling)
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Moisture spots
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Loss of polish or surface damage
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Weakening of the stone over time
A tiny bit of water won’t ruin your stone, but repeated exposure — swimming, showering, or soaking — can cause long-term damage.
So, can you get turquoise wet?
Try not to. Always remove your turquoise jewellery before:
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Showering
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Swimming
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Washing dishes
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Using lotions or perfumes
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Cleaning with household chemicals
Keeping turquoise dry is one of the best ways to preserve its beauty.
How to Clean Turquoise Jewellery Safely
Because turquoise is sensitive, cleaning turquoise must always be gentle and minimal.
1. Wipe With a Soft Cloth
The safest and most effective method is simply:
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Use a dry or slightly damp soft cloth
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Gently wipe the surface to remove oils or dust
This works for everyday cleaning and avoids exposing the stone to excess moisture.
2. Mild Soap for Light Cleaning (Rare Use)
If your turquoise jewellery needs a deeper clean:
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Mix a tiny amount of mild soap with warm water
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Dip a soft cloth (not the stone) into the solution
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Gently wipe the stone’s surface
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Immediately dry with a clean, soft cloth
Do not soak turquoise.
Do not scrub.
Do not use ultrasonic cleaners or polishing liquids.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Never use:
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Bleach
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Ammonia
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Alcohol
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Jewellery cleaners
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Silver dips
These can permanently damage turquoise.
How to Clean Turquoise Stones (Without Damaging Them)
If you’re caring for loose turquoise stones, the same rules apply:
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Keep them dry
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Wipe gently with a soft cloth
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Avoid all chemicals
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Store them safely away from harder gemstones
Loose turquoise is even more vulnerable, so treat it with extra care.
How to Cleanse Turquoise (Energetic Cleansing)
Many people use turquoise as a healing or spiritual stone, so you may also wonder how to cleanse turquoise crystal without damaging it.
Safe cleansing methods:
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Smoke cleansing
Pass the stone through palo santo or sage smoke (without heat touching the gemstone). -
Sound cleansing
Use a singing bowl, tuning fork, or gentle sound frequencies. -
Intention setting
Hold the stone and focus on clearing unwanted energy.
Avoid these cleansing methods:
These are popular for crystals but unsafe for turquoise:
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Water cleansing
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Saltwater cleansing
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Burying in soil
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Sunlight for long periods
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Harsh crystal-cleansing sprays
These can scratch, dry, fade, or stain the stone.
How to Care for Turquoise (Everyday Tips)
Proper turquoise care is simple — consistency is key.
1. Store It Properly
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Keep turquoise in a soft pouch or fabric-lined box
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Store pieces separately to avoid scratches
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Keep it out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
2. Limit Exposure
Take off your turquoise jewellery when:
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Applying lotions or perfumes
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Doing housework
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Working out
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Going to the beach
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Swimming in pools or saltwater
3. Be Gentle
Turquoise is softer than many gemstones (5–6 on Mohs scale), so avoid:
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Dropping
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Knocking
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Stacking with harder stones (like diamonds or topaz)
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Turquoise Beautiful for Years
Turquoise is a stunning gemstone with a long cultural history and timeless appeal. With the right care — keeping it dry, cleaning it gently, and storing it safely — your turquoise jewellery will stay vibrant, glossy, and beautiful for years to come.
Whether you love turquoise necklaces, rings, earrings, or pendants, following these turquoise care tips will make sure your gemstone remains as captivating as the day you bought it.
