Aquamarine care: scratches, knocks and cleaning

Updated October 31, 2026 · SOUHAIT GEMS editorial

Aquamarine, a bowl of soapy water and separate storage compartments illustrate gentle cleaning and protection. — Gentle hand cleaning and separate storage are practical defaults. Ask a jeweler about fractures, inclusions and any treatment before using cleaning equipment.
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Aquamarine has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8. It can work well in jewelry, but it still needs protection from scratches and hard impacts.

Everyday wear

Remove jewelry before activities that may knock the stone against hard surfaces. Keep it in a separate compartment so that harder gems do not scratch it. Ask your jeweler to inspect a loose setting before wearing it again.

Cleaning

Use warm soapy water and a soft brush. GIA notes that ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually suitable only when the stone does not have liquid inclusions or fractures. Because these features may not be obvious, gentle hand cleaning is a practical default.

Rare fracture-filled aquamarines should only be cleaned with warm soapy water. Avoid heat exposure and provide the treatment details to anyone repairing the jewelry.

If you do not know the stone’s condition, ask a qualified jeweler before using cleaning equipment.

Source: GIA: Aquamarine Care and Cleaning.

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