Amethyst can generally go in water, but there are some considerations:
1. Short - term exposure to clean water
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Amethyst is a relatively hard mineral (7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness), so it can withstand brief contact with water. For example, if you want to quickly rinse it to remove surface dirt, this is usually okay. You can use lukewarm tap water or distilled water.
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When cleaning amethyst jewelry, such as necklaces or earrings, a short soak in a mild soapy water solution (a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl of water) for about 10 - 15 minutes, followed by a gentle rinse, can be an effective way to clean it. This helps to get rid of oils, dust, and other debris that may have accumulated on the surface.
2. Long - term or repeated exposure to water and potential risks
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Prolonged immersion in water may pose some risks. Amethyst is a form of quartz, and while quartz is generally stable, there is a small chance that water could penetrate microscopic cracks or fissures in the crystal over time. If the water contains dissolved substances such as salts or chemicals, it could potentially cause damage to the amethyst.
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Salt water is of particular concern. Some people use salt water to cleanse crystals in a spiritual context. However, for amethyst, repeated or long - term exposure to salt water can damage the crystal. The salt can cause micro - fractures to expand or the surface of the crystal to become etched, especially if the amethyst is not of the highest quality or has pre - existing flaws.
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Amethyst can also fade in color if exposed to sunlight and water for extended periods. The combination of UV radiation from the sun and water can cause a bleaching effect on the purple color of the amethyst.