Jewel HowSapphire is a precious gemstone that is part of the corundum family. It ranges in color from pink to yellow to blue, but the most prized color is a deep, rich blue. The hardness of sapphire makes it well-suited for use in jewelry, and it is also frequently used in watches because it is very scratch resistant. A scratch on sapphire can be caused by a number of factors, including accidental contact with another object or debris that becomes lodged in the gemstone. If left untreated, a scratch on sapphire can eventually lead to damage that affects the appearance and value of the gemstone.
Causes of Scratches
Sapphire is a gemstone that is known for its durability and scratch resistance. However, scratches can still form on sapphire, and understanding their causes can help you prevent or fix them.
Scratches form when something hard rubs against the surface of the gemstone. This can happen when the gemstone is being worn, or when it is in contact with another object. The sharp edges of the object cause tiny scratches on the surface of the gemstone. Over time, these scratches can become worse as they are rubbed against each other.
Mishandling
Sapphire is a gemstone that is typically very hard, but can be susceptible to scratching if mishandled. If a sapphire is mishandled, it can cause scratches on the surface of the gemstone. These scratches can be deep and affect the appearance of the sapphire.
Scratches from Cleaning
Cleaning can cause scratches on sapphires due to the abrasives used in most cleaning products. The scratches can be quite deep and may affect the gemstone’s appearance. It is important to use a gentle cleaner and avoid scrubbing the gemstone.
Damage from Everyday Wear
Over time, the constant friction of fingers and other objects against the surface of a sapphire can cause light abrasions, also known as scratches. These scratches may not be visible to the naked eye, but they can affect the appearance and value of the gemstone. In some cases, it can even cause deeper gouges and chips in the surface of a sapphire.
Scratches from Jewelry Making
Sapphire is a very hard gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 9.0. It is resistant to scratches, but can still be scratched by harder gemstones. Jewelry makers often use other hard gemstones, such as rubies and diamonds, to create scratch-resistant jewelry settings. However, if a piece of jewelry with a harder gemstone makes contact with a sapphire, it can cause scratches on the sapphire.
Scratches from Repair
When a repair is made to a sapphire, the new surface can be scratched by the old surface. This is because sapphires are tough and durable materials, but their scratch resistance can be reduced. These scratches can cause new scratches on the surface of the sapphire, which can reduce the quality and appearance of the gemstone.
Methods to Removing Scratches on Sapphire
Sapphire is a type of gemstone that is known for its durability and scratch resistance. Despite this, sapphire can still get scratched, especially if it is not properly cared for. If you have a scratch on your sapphire, there are a few different methods that you can use to remove it.
Remove Scratches from Sapphire with A Polishing Cloth
Polishing cloths are designed to remove light scratches and blemishes from a variety of surfaces. In this case, the polishing cloth would be used to buff out the scratches on the sapphire surface. The cloth will help to smooth out the surface and remove any imperfections that may have been caused by the scratches.
Remove Scratches from Sapphire with Toothpaste
To remove scratches from a sapphire, one would use toothpaste as the abrasive. The scratches would be gently buffed with circular motions until they are gone. If the scratches are deep, toothpaste might not be enough and a jeweler should be consulted.
Remove Scratches from Sapphire with a Glass Cleaner
The scratches on the sapphire can be removed with a glass cleaner. Glass cleaners typically contain ammonia, which is a strong chemical that can dissolve the scratches on the sapphire. The glass cleaner should be sprayed onto a cloth and then used to gently rub the scratches until they are gone.
Remove Scratches from Sapphire with Vegetable Oil
Vegetable Oil can be used to restore a scratched sapphire to its original condition. The scratches are removed by using vegetable oil, which fills in the scratches and makes the surface smooth again. This is a common method of scratch removal that many people use on their own jewelry. It is a relatively easy process, but it does require some patience and time.
Remove Scratches from Sapphire with Baking Soda
The scratches on the sapphire can be removed with baking soda. This is because baking soda is a mild abrasive and will help to remove the scratches from the surface of the sapphire. In addition, baking soda is a natural cleaner and will help to remove any dirt or smudges from the surface of the sapphire.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to test it on a small area of the sapphire first to make sure that it does not damage the stone.
How to Prevent Scratches from Occurring on Sapphire
Sapphire is a very delicate gemstone that can be easily scratched. In order to prevent scratches from occurring on your sapphire, you should take some precautions.
First, make sure to store your sapphire in a soft cloth or pouch. Second, avoid wearing your sapphire when you are doing activities that may cause scratches, such as cleaning or gardening.
Finally, have your sapphire jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year to ensure that there are no scratches or other damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing a scratch from a sapphire can be done using a few simple methods. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can have your sapphire looking as good as new.
