How to Keep Moissanite Sparkling Forever: The Ultimate Solution for the Oil Slick Phenomenon
At Lucine & Co., we’re passionate about the natural beauty and brilliance of gemstones, particularly the stunning radiance of moissanite. However, if you’re the proud owner of a moissanite piece, you might have noticed an occasional dull, rainbow-like film on the surface of your stone—commonly known as the oil slick phenomenon.
While this effect can momentarily dim the sparkle of your gemstone, the good news is that it’s easily fixable with a little care and the right cleaning method. In this post, we’ll explain what causes this oil slick, how the hydrophilic nature of moissanite plays a role, and how you can restore your moissanite’s shine using an effortless cleaning solution you can try at home.
What Is the Moissanite Oil Slick Phenomenon?
Moissanite is cherished for its fire and brilliance, but like any gemstone, it can attract oils and residue over time. This is because moissanite is hydrophilic by nature, meaning it tends to attract and hold onto moisture, including oils from skin, lotions, and soaps. The oil slick is a visual effect that gives the surface of your moissanite a temporary, cloudy film—almost like an iridescent sheen—caused by light refracting through these accumulated oils and residues.
This effect doesn’t harm the gemstone itself, but it can prevent light from reflecting properly, making your moissanite appear less vibrant than usual. Thankfully, this surface issue is simple to address.
The Old Way of Removing Oil Slick
Traditionally, many people would use a polishing cloth to remove the oil slick from the surface of moissanite. While this method can restore some of the stone's sparkle, it is often quite laborious and requires continuous polishing to get results. The major drawback is that a polishing cloth is only effective on the exposed surface of the stone.
For intricate ring settings, a polishing cloth won’t reach into the small crevices or hidden areas of the ring. As a result, oils and residue can remain trapped in these hard-to-reach spots, leaving parts of your moissanite looking dull even after polishing.
The Solution: A Quick, Gentle, and Unexpected Cleaning Method
At Lucine & Co., we believe in crafting jewelry that not only connects with nature but is also easy to care for. After experimenting with various cleaning methods, we’ve discovered a solution that’s both effective and gentle on your moissanite jewelry—using an sonic electric toothbrush and toothpaste!
Here’s how you can bring back your moissanite’s sparkle in just a few minutes:
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Prepare your materials: You’ll need a sonic toothbrush (one that vibrates rather than oscillates) and a non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste. Standard toothpaste works best, as it’s gentle on the gemstone while effectively breaking down oils.
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Apply the toothpaste: Add a small amount of toothpaste to the bristles of the toothbrush.
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Brush gently: Using the sonic toothbrush, gently clean your moissanite stone for 2 minutes, allowing the vibrations to lift any oils or residues from the surface. The sonic vibrations reach areas that a polishing cloth simply cannot, making sure every part of the stone and its setting is cleaned.
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Rinse thoroughly: After brushing, rinse the moissanite with lukewarm water to remove all toothpaste and debris.
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Dry and polish: Gently pat the stone dry with a soft microfiber cloth, then polish to restore its full brilliance.
This quick cleaning method is highly effective because the sonic vibrations loosen and remove the oils that create the oil slick effect, while the toothpaste offers a mild, safe cleaning solution. The sonic toothbrush ensures that every small crevice within the ring setting is thoroughly cleaned—something a polishing cloth simply can’t achieve.
Keeping Your Moissanite Pristine
Routine care is key to maintaining the brilliance of your moissanite. Since moissanite’s hydrophilic properties mean it will naturally attract moisture and oils, cleaning it regularly is important to ensure it retains its signature sparkle. To prevent oil slick buildup in the future:
- Avoid wearing your jewelry while applying oils, lotions, or cosmetics.
- Clean your moissanite regularly using a soft brush and mild soap to keep it free of daily residue.
- For a more thorough clean, use a professional jewelry cleaner or an ultrasonic device.
At Lucine & Co., we want your jewelry to reflect the beauty of nature at all times. With this simple cleaning method, your moissanite will continue to sparkle and shine for years to come.
