Quick answer: Clean turquoise jewellery with a soft cloth lightly dampened in plain water or a trace of mild soap, wiping gently rather than soaking. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam, ammonia or harsh chemicals, since turquoise is porous and can absorb liquids, causing permanent discolouration or damage. Dry immediately with a separate soft cloth and store away from heat and direct sunlight.
Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years, worn since at least 3000 BC. Its porous structure, part of what gives the stone its distinctive matrix patterning, also makes it one of the more delicate gemstones to look after, requiring a noticeably gentler approach than harder stones like diamond or sapphire.
This guide covers the safe way to clean turquoise, what damages it, and how to keep it looking its best for years.
Why Turquoise Needs Gentle Care
Turquoise sits at 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, considerably softer than diamond or sapphire, and its porous structure means it absorbs liquids, oils and chemicals rather than repelling them off the surface. This porosity is also why turquoise can slowly change colour over years of wear, developing a richer patina as it absorbs oils from the skin, a natural process many owners come to appreciate rather than see as damage.
The Safe Cleaning Method
- Use a soft, clean cloth. A microfiber cloth works well and reduces the risk of fine surface scratches.
- Dampen the cloth lightly. Plain water is sufficient for most everyday cleaning.
- Add a trace of mild soap only if needed. Choose an unscented, dye-free soap and use it sparingly, focusing on one small area at a time.
- Wipe gently. Avoid pressing hard or scrubbing, since turquoise scratches more easily than harder gemstones.
- Wipe again with a clean, water-only cloth. This removes any soap residue left behind.
- Dry immediately with a separate soft cloth. Never let turquoise air dry, since trapped moisture can seep further into the stone.
What to Avoid
Soaking. Turquoise should never be submerged in water, since its porous structure allows moisture to seep in and cause internal damage over time.
Ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Both use heat and vibration turquoise cannot tolerate, and can cause the stone to crack or discolour, sometimes instantly.
Ammonia and harsh chemicals. Commercial jewellery cleaners, chlorine and strong household products can all discolour or damage turquoise on contact.
Perfume, cosmetics and lotion. Because turquoise is porous, it absorbs these products readily, which can dull or discolour the surface over repeated exposure.
Sudden temperature changes. High heat can cause discolouration and surface damage, while rapid cooling can create internal stress within the stone.
Understanding Treated Turquoise
Much of the turquoise sold today has been treated to improve its appearance or durability, most commonly through a process called stabilisation, which fills the stone’s natural porosity with a clear resin. Treated turquoise generally tolerates cleaning slightly better than fully untreated, natural turquoise, but the same gentle, wipe-only approach remains the safest method regardless of treatment, since heat and solvents can damage the treated surface layer specifically.
Wearing Turquoise Without Damaging It
Apply perfume, hairspray and lotion before putting turquoise jewellery on rather than after, since these products can dull the surface on direct contact. Remove turquoise before swimming, showering or any activity involving heavy sweat or water exposure, and avoid wearing it during housework or gardening, where chemical and physical contact is more likely.
Storing Turquoise Correctly
Store turquoise jewellery separately from harder gemstones and metals, which can scratch its relatively soft surface on contact. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, since both can contribute to gradual colour change and surface damage over time. A soft pouch or a lined jewellery box, kept in a cool, dry location, is the ideal storage environment.
When to See a Professional
Take turquoise jewellery to a specialist if you notice deep scratches, a loose setting, dark stains, or any cracking. A jeweller experienced specifically with turquoise can assess whether the stone needs professional cleaning, re-polishing, or repair, and can check the security of the setting in a way that is difficult to judge accurately at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can turquoise get wet?
Brief, light dampness during cleaning is generally fine, but turquoise should never be soaked or submerged, since its porous structure allows water to seep in and cause lasting damage.
Why has my turquoise changed colour?
This is often a natural process called patina, caused by the stone slowly absorbing oils from the skin over years of wear. It can also result from chemical exposure or heat damage, which are avoidable with careful handling.
Is it safe to use an ultrasonic cleaner on turquoise?
No. The heat and vibration can crack the stone or cause discolouration, sometimes immediately. A soft, damp cloth is the only recommended cleaning method for turquoise.
What is stabilised turquoise?
Stabilised turquoise has been treated with a clear resin to fill its natural porosity, improving durability and colour consistency. It still requires the same gentle cleaning approach as untreated turquoise.
How often should I clean turquoise jewellery?
A gentle wipe after regular wear is sufficient for most pieces. Frequent deep cleaning is unnecessary and adds a small amount of wear each time, so less frequent, careful cleaning is generally better for turquoise.
Final Thoughts
Turquoise rewards a gentle, minimal cleaning routine far more than an aggressive one, largely due to its porous structure. A soft, barely damp cloth, avoiding heat and chemicals, and proper storage will keep it looking its best for decades. Turquoise is also the traditional December birthstone, so if you are choosing a piece to mark a birthday, our birthstones by month guide covers its full meaning, and our guide on cleaning opal jewellery is worth reading if you own other porous gemstones needing similar care.