Blue lace agate is a type of agate, a popular rock made from quartz and chalcedony. This rock has a rich history, with people wearing it as jewelry since the third century.
Imagine layers upon layers of blue, each one varying in shade from the palest hint to a deep, mesmerizing blue. Some even have streaks of brown, lending them an earthy charm.
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Have you ever considered whether you can put this beautiful stone in water, or how it reacts to sunlight and salt water? Let’s discuss this. Additionally, we’ll touch on how to determine if the stone is genuine and how to take good care of it.
Can a blue lace agate crystal go in water?
In short, yes, but not for too long.
The reason behind this lies in a system developed back in 1822 by a German expert named Fredrich Mohs. He devised the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, a handy tool that helps us understand how resistant a stone is to scratching. Gems that rank 5 or above, like our blue lace agate, generally handle water pretty well. So, technically, you could immerse it.
But here’s a word of caution: it’s not the best idea to let it soak for extended periods. Water has a sneaky way of dulling the stone’s shine, and over time, it can affect its overall appearance.
Thanks to its hardness, rated at 6.5-7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it can handle being underwater. However, you shouldn’t leave it submerged for too long.
Is blue lace agate safe in salt water?
Not a good idea.
Even though agate can be placed in regular water briefly, salt water is a different story.
The salt, even after the water dries, remains and can make any existing cracks worse. Also, the color and shine of the stone might dull with time. Some agate stones might have metals mixed in, and these metals can react badly with water.
Unlike some soft stones that dissolve in water, agate won’t, but it’s still best to avoid long immersions.
Can you put blue lace agate in the sun?
Blue lace agate, like other agates, can be in the sun, thanks to its sturdy nature. Yet, it’s best not to expose it to direct sunlight for too long. The sun’s strong rays can cause the stone, particularly dyed ones, to lose color.
A helpful tip is to place the stone behind a window, letting the glass protect it from harsh UV rays. If you want to recharge it using sunlight, however, the morning hours are ideal but try not to exceed three to four~ hours. There are other ways to recharge, like using moonlight or surrounding it with brown rice.
Can you put blue lace agate in salt?
Absolutely!
Unlike salt water, which can find its way into tiny cracks and expand them, dry salt doesn’t pose such risks.
Still, some might voice concerns that salt left on the stone’s surface could, in the future, mix with water and seep in. While this could happen, it’s fairly unlikely and shouldn’t affect the stone’s structure or looks.
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Cleaning blue lace agate
Since it’s a robust stone, scoring 6.5-7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, as noted, it can handle brief water immersion, which is great for cleaning.
Here’s a guide for you if you’re interested in safely cleaning your blue lace agate:
- Prepare a mixture of lukewarm water and a dash of mild soap. Be cautious not to use hot water, as this can potentially harm the stone.
- Immerse the blue lace agate in this soapy solution for around 3-5 minutes. This timeframe is optimal and won’t pose a risk to your gemstone.
- Grab a soft-bristle brush and gently clean the stone, focusing especially on the edges and any small nooks.
- After scrubbing, rinse your stone thoroughly under running water to wash away any lingering soap.
- Air-dry your gemstone, turning it now and then to ensure no water gets trapped in any crevices.
Here’s a quick note: Stay away from ultrasonic cleaners and steam when it comes to agate. Your best bet is the traditional soap-and-water approach I just shared. Remember, every stone has its unique properties, so always ensure you’re using appropriate cleaning methods. Speaking of stones, ever wondered about Serpentine’s interaction with water? Look that up!
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