Can labradorite go in salt? Labradorite is a lustrous stone belonging to the group plagioclase.
It can exhibit red, blue, or green hues, making it popular for use in ornamentation and jewelry.
Labradorite is a transformative stone. It is believed to provide protection and promote tranquility.
However, just like any gemstone, it requires some care and maintenance. And that is when people ask, “Can labradorite go in salt water?”
Yes, labradorite can go in salt water for a short time but it is not recommended because saltwater corrodes minerals more quickly.
Learning More about Labradorite
Labradorite derives its name from the Latin verb laborare, which means to labor.
As a gemstone, it can be gray to black and does not need to be glossy.
Numerous rocks contain it, such as:
- Dolerites
- Gabbros
- Basalts
- Norites
This gemstone serves as a reminder that we must take time to unwind, recharge, and rejuvenate.
It is also thought to be a good choice if you want to make changes in your life because it guides you through the process effortlessly.
Fact: Labradorite was discovered initially in Nain, Labrador, Canada, and large, lustrous labradorite crystals can be found in certain mountains.
Importance of Proper Care and Maintenance
In addition to its blue, green, and yellow base colors, labradorite also displays a remarkable shine that makes it a popular gemstone.
If you want your labradorite to retain its luster and last as long as possible, you need to give it the TLC it deserves.
Here is why you should pay attention to proper maintenance:
Make it Look Good
The vivid color and fascinating visual effect of the labradorite can be preserved with proper care and maintenance.
The stone’s surface could become dull or damaged without proper care, reducing its aesthetic value.
Because of its softness (6-6.5 on the Mohs scale), Labradorite is easily damaged by scratches, chips, and fissures.
If you take good care of your stone, it will last longer and look better than ever.
Improve Resistance Against Wear and Tear
Undoubtedly, a labradorite is a tough gemstone, but it can be harmed by contact with strong chemicals or extreme temperatures.
If you take care of your labradorite, it will last longer and continue to be a treasured possession.
Preserve Its Value
It is important to take proper care of your labradorite if you want to preserve its value.
Whether you plan to add it to a collection or sell it down the road, giving it care and attention will ensure it keeps looking good.
Can Labradorite Go in Salt?
While Labradorite can survive in saline water, it is not recommended.
Labradorite has a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5, making it harder than the average gemstone.
But, it is still vulnerable to water damage if submerged for an extended period of time.
Also, minerals are typically corroded more quickly in salt water than in ordinary water.
Since salt is corrosive, it may find its way into the stone’s crevices. Little fractures in the stone might form or widen under these conditions, causing significant and permanent damage.
An Important Consideration
Some say that soaking a stone in saltwater would revitalize it, but this is not the case.
Saltwater is considerably more corrosive than fresh water and can actually damage your stone.
But, can labradorite go in Himalayan salt? It can, but it is better to avoid it.
Fact: If you insist on using salt, rather than submerging the stone in salt water, set it on a bed of salt.
Chemical Composition of Labradorite and Its Susceptibility
The mineral family to which labradorite belongs, plagioclase feldspar, consists of a succession of calcium and sodium aluminosilicates.
Even though labradorite has a chemical formula, the interesting is that the exact ratio of sodium and calcium keeps changing among types of labradorites.
Labradorite’s silicate mineral composition makes it somewhat resistant to salt since silicates are chemically stable and resistant to most common chemicals.
Explanation of How Salt Can Affect Gemstones
Because of its corrosive nature, salt can damage many different types of gemstones, including labradorite.
Some of the ways in which salt can damage gemstones like labradorite are as follows:
Damage to the Surface
The abrasive nature of salt can scratch or otherwise dull the surface of the labradorite.
Due to its softness (6-6.5 on the Mohs scale), labradorite is easily scratched or chipped.
Corrosion
Certain gemstone jewelry, particularly those set in metal, can corrode over time if exposed to salt, and labradorite is not an exception.
Reduced Brilliance
The luster and brilliance of labradorite are diminished when a filmy layer of salt residue forms on its surface.
Labradorite is prized for its remarkable sheen, but exposure to salt can make the stone look duller and less eye-catching than usual.
Fact: Metal components of jewelry, such as clasps and settings, can be damaged by salt, in addition to the gemstone itself.
Can You Shower with Labradorite?
It is safe to wear Labradorite jewelry into the shower.
Because of its hardness of 6-6.5, labradorite can be kept in an underwater setting.
Just make sure the stone is not submerged for too long.
To prevent further damage to the stone, avoid using any scrubs or other items that include salt.
Another safety precaution to take in the shower is to secure any jewelry you plan to keep on.
It could be ruined if it slips in the water and falls to the floor.
Can You Wash Labradorite with Soap?
Soap can be used to clean your Labradorite.
Labradorite’s hardness is higher than the baseline of 5, making it suitable for use in aquatic settings.
There is a limit to how long it may be submerged, though. But, cleaning it with warm soapy water is less likely to hurt.
Fact: Cleaning Labradorite using steam or an ultrasonic cleaner is not recommended because it could cause permanent damage to the stone.
How to Clean Labradorite?
You can consider labradorite quite water-resistant because of its hardness. Yet, even at this low value, extreme caution is warranted.
Labradorite is best cleaned with a damp cloth and some water. Here are a few things to remember:
- First, take care when washing your labradorite.
- A gentle brush or towel dipped in warm soapy water is all you need.
- Keep your labradorite apart from other gemstones to prevent scratches.
- Store it in a velvet purse, a fabric-lined box, or a divider-equipped organizer.
- Keep the labradorite out of direct sunshine, as it will fade its color if left exposed for too long.
- While not in use, labradorite is best stored in a cold, dark environment.
Fact: Safeguard your labradorite against heat, humidity, and chemicals like perfume, hair spray, etc., to prolong its life.
Alternative Cleansing Method
One of the various ways to clean your Labradorite of harmful vibrations and negative energy is to submerge it in water.
Let us take a glance at a few of the most well-liked approaches:
Using Smoke
Using the smoke from a sacred plant like sage, lavender, cedar, or sweetgrass is a common approach for Labradorite.
Smudging is a practice that can help you and your stone in many ways. You need to keep your Labradorite amid the rising smoke.
There is no need to get your Labradorite wet; the process is complete after the smoke has evenly and softly encircled the stone.
Using Brown Rice
To cleanse your Labradorite of any negative energy, simply place it in a bowl of dry, brown rice.
For optimal results, bury your stone and forget about it for a whole day.
Because the rice has absorbed the bad energy from the stone, it is vital that you dispose of it as quickly as possible.
An Important Consideration
You can also cleanse your Labradorite without having to expose it to water.
For this, simply set it on a crystal cluster or in a bowl of crystal chips. Then, play the sounds of a crystal tuner or Tibetan singing bowl over it.
Takeaway
Can labradorite go in salt?
Yes, it resists salt water, but not for long. It means you can submerge your gemstone in salt water, but you should not do it for an extended time.
Eventually, saltwater will damage the stone, as it can corrode minerals quite quickly.
Be sure to use the right methods to properly maintain your labradorite, as it will directly improve its life.
