The delicate shimmer and unique beauty of soft gemstones, like opals, turquoise and pearls, can add incredible personality to any jewelry collection. But unlike harder stones, these softer, more porous gemstones are prone to cloudiness, scratching, discoloration and even breakage if not handled with care. That does not mean you should shy away from wearing them. By learning what soft and porous gemstones are and how to care for them, you can help these stunning stones stay radiant and well-preserved for years to come. Read on to learn more.
What makes certain gemstones soft?
The softness of a gemstone is measured using the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranks minerals from 1 (very soft) to 10 (extremely hard, like diamonds). The lower a gemstone ranks on this scale, the more easily it can be scratched, chipped, or worn down through regular use. Soft gemstones are often composed of minerals that have relatively weak molecular bonds. This means the atoms in the stone aren’t strongly bonded, making the structure easier to scratch or break.
The most common soft gemstones
Many well-known gemstones fall into the “soft” category. While they may not be suited for heavy, everyday wear, their beauty and uniqueness make them popular choices for collectors and occasional jewelry pieces. Here are some of the most common soft gemstones:
Pearls
Formed inside mollusks, pearls are made of calcium carbonate and have a lustrous (but delicate!) surface. Because they are organic, they are especially sensitive to acids, heat and even natural body oils. They can easily become scratched or lose their shine when exposed to cosmetics or rough materials. Properly caring for pearls is essential to preserve that beloved timeless luster.
Opals
Opals, some of the most fragile gemstones, are made of tiny silica spheres and can contain up to 20% water. Their internal structure gives opals their signature iridescent look, but also makes them more prone to cracking, crazing (tiny internal fractures) or dullness if exposed to heat, dryness or sudden temperature changes.
Amber
Though not a mineral, amber (made of fossilized tree resin) is well-loved for its warm hues. Amber's organic origin also means that each piece often contains fascinating inclusions, like trapped insects or plant material, which add a one-of-a-kind character that no other gemstone can replicate. Unfortunately, amber is also extremely soft and lightweight, making it susceptible to scratches or dents. Amber can also degrade when exposed to alcohol-based products or excessive heat and should be kept away from prolonged sunlight and harsh cleaners.
Malachite
This gorgeous green stone is formed from copper deposits and features unique banded patterns. Malachite is not only soft and easily scratched, but also chemically reactive. Acids, water and common household cleaners can cause significant discoloration or even surface damage, so you should handle it carefully and clean it with care.
Coral
Like pearls, coral is organic and composed of calcium carbonate. Its soft, porous nature makes coral vulnerable to surface scratches, fading and erosion from everyday chemicals.
The soft, porous stones mentioned above tend to fall between 2 and 6 on the Mohs scale, which means they require a softer touch than more durable options like sapphires or diamonds. Understanding their softness—and the extra care they require—is the key to maintaining the beauty and integrity of soft or porous gemstones.
What makes a gemstone porous?
In short, porosity refers to the presence of tiny pores or channels within a gemstone’s structure—essentially microscopic spaces that can absorb moisture, oils, dirt and even chemicals from the environment. Unlike hardness, which is about physical durability, porosity affects how a stone reacts to external substances. The more porous a gemstone is, the more likely it is to absorb things, causing it to become discolored, stained or structurally weakened over time.
The most common porous gemstones
Some gemstones are naturally more porous due to their formation process. Gemstones created through low-pressure processes or composed of organic materials often contain internal spaces that make them absorbent. Wondering what gemstones are porous? Check out the list below.
Turquoise
One of the most famously porous gemstones, turquoise has a naturally chalky composition that allows it to absorb oils, perfumes, and air pollutants. That’s why untreated turquoise can change color over time, especially when worn frequently against the skin.
Howlite
Often dyed to mimic more expensive stones like turquoise, howlite is a very porous stone that quickly absorbs liquids and dyes. This high absorbency means howlite can easily take on vibrant colors during treatment (but it also makes it vulnerable to staining from everyday products).
Lapis lazuli
While it may seem solid and opaque, lapis is quite porous and prone to absorbing oils and chemicals, which can dull its deep blue color or even damage the stone over time.
Because porous stones absorb what they’re exposed to, they require mindful care, especially when it comes to cosmetics, cleaning products and even prolonged contact with skin. Sealing treatments (often seen with turquoise and lapis) are sometimes used to reduce porosity, but these can wear off or alter the stone’s natural appearance.
Top 5 tips for caring for soft and porous gemstones
Soft and porous gems require a different level of care than harder stones. Fortunately, with just a few mindful habits, you can help preserve their beauty and keep them looking their best.
Tip #1: control exposure
Avoid exposing soft and porous gemstones to direct sunlight, heat, extreme cold or sudden temperature changes. Some stones, like opals and pearls, can dry out or crack from exposure to heat or low humidity. Perfumes, lotions, hairspray and even sweat can be absorbed by porous stones, leading to discoloration or surface degradation, so it's best to put jewelry on after applying cosmetics and remove it before physical activity.
Tip #2: protect from impact and pressure
A soft gem can be damaged even by something as simple as a knock on a hard surface. Avoid wearing delicate pieces during high-impact activities like weightlifting, yard work, or heavy-duty cleaning. Rings with soft stones should be removed during daily chores. If you stack rings or layer bracelets, make sure metal edges or harder stones don’t rub against softer ones.
Tip #3: conduct regular maintenance
Soft gemstones benefit from regular check-ins to ensure settings remain secure and surfaces stay clean. Examine your pieces for signs of loosening, scratching or dullness. For exceptionally vulnerable stones, it’s recommended that you take these soft gemstones to a reputable jeweler for professional cleanings or inspections once or twice a year to help prevent damage before it becomes permanent.
Tip #4: clean very gently
Wondering how to clean soft gemstones safely? First, never use ultrasonic cleaners, steamers or harsh chemicals on soft or porous gemstones. Instead, gently wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. If needed, use lukewarm water with a tiny amount of mild soap, but make sure to rinse the gem thoroughly and dry it with a non-abrasive cloth. Never soak porous gemstones since their absorbent structure can trap moisture and residue, potentially causing long-term damage.
Tip #5: store apart from everything harder
Store soft and porous gemstones separately from harder stones and metal jewelry to prevent scratches and damage. Use individual pouches, soft cloth bags or lined compartments in your jewelry box. Avoid sealing pearls in airtight containers for extended periods of time, as they benefit from airflow. On the other hand, opals can benefit from being stored with a cotton ball, which naturally holds enough moisture to help prevent opal dehydration.
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