Can onyx go in the ultrasonic or jewelry cleaner?

[nutty]

I''m trying to figure out how to clean my new antique ring with the black onyx... anyone know if it''s safe to put onyx in jewelry cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner?

 

[cflutist]

According to the GIA Gem Reference Guide, Onyx (aka Chalcedony):

Mohs hardness: 6.5 - 7
Toughness: good

Ultrasonic: usually safe
Steamer: usually safe
Warm Soapy Water: safe

Reaction to Heat: color may change
Stablility to Light: stable
Reaction to Chemicals: attacked by hydrofluoric acid; nitric acid may attack dye

 

[cflutist]

Steve, do you think the GIA was refering to cabochons in their manual?
Also looked it up in the Stuller Diamond/Gemstone book and it said the same thing.

Anyway, bottom line, I''d follow Steve''s advice since it is far better to err on the side of caution.

 

[nutty]

Thank you both for the information and advice!

Steve, do you think it would be safe to put it into any sort of jewelry cleaner? I''m a fanatic about cleaning my rings, so I''m nervous on how I''m going to clean this one!