When cleaning stone bracelets, it is necessary to avoid using some chemical substances that are highly corrosive, highly oxidizing or may leave harmful residues. The following is a detailed introduction:
Strong acids
Common types: such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, etc.
Hazard: These strong acids are highly corrosive and irritating. When cleaning stone bracelets, they can cause damage to the material of the bracelets, alter their structure and texture, and make the bracelets more fragile. For instance, acid-washed agate bracelets are usually treated with strong acidic solutions such as oxalic acid and sulfuric acid, which can damage the natural structure of the agate, affecting its hardness and wear resistance. Long-term wearing may cause further physical damage to the agate. Moreover, these strong acids may remain on the bracelets. Long-term contact with the skin can cause skin allergies, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. Some of the residual chemicals may also enter the human body through the skin, potentially causing damage to internal organs.
Hydrofluoric acid
Hazard: Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive. Caution should be exercised when soaking jade and other stone bracelets. Even for jewelry containing precious jade such as rubies and jadeite, it is advisable to avoid using strong corrosive cleaning agents like hydrofluoric acid as much as possible to prevent irreversible damage caused by improper cleaning.
A mixed solution of hydrogen peroxide and hydrofluoric acid
Hazard: Hydrogen peroxide has strong oxidizing properties. When mixed with hydrofluoric acid, its strong corrosiveness can cause serious damage to stone bracelets. This mixed solution may alter the color of the jade's surface, disrupt its molecular structure, and cause a change in color. Some jade may become brighter, while others may become dull or lose their original luster. At the same time, it may also affect the brightness and luster of the bracelet and damage its appearance.
Chemical cleaners containing heavy metal ions
Hazard: During the cleaning process, if the chemical cleaner used contains heavy metal ions, these heavy metal ions may adhere to the surface of the stone bracelet or penetrate into its interior. During the wearing process, heavy metal ions may gradually be released, posing potential hazards to the human body, such as causing poisoning, neurological damage and other health problems.
