Gemstone That Can Take Heat and Ultrasonics

Gemstones that can generally take heat from soldering and casting in place are: Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet, Cubic Zirconia and Various lab grown colored gemstones. As a rule of thumb, I always remember the adage “Reds, Whites, and Blues”. You still need to protect these stones from heat as much as you can with heat shields and heat sinks, but if you are careful, you will have success.

Gemstones that can NOT take heat from soldering and casting in place are: Emerald, Opal, Jade, Amethyst, Topaz, Peridot, Coral, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, Topaz, Pearl, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise and Onyx as these gemstones may burn, crack or discolor when exposed to high heat.

For soldering or casting in place, gemstones should be high quality, dimensions are accurate, free of flaws and inclusions that can turn milky, frosty or crack when heated.

Ultrasonics and Stones

For Ultrasonic cleaning, here is a general guideline worksheet that is not “gospel” but will give you a pretty good idea of how stones react to the action of ultrasonics in a cleaner. Some Ultrasonic Cleaners are stronger and more violent than others and you will get away with cleaning some “Risky” stones and feel lucky. Then when you least expect it, your luck will run out and you will destroy a stone. Good Luck.

To DOWNLOAD an excel version of this chart, click here —> Steam or Ultrasonic Clean

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Doug