Caring for a Gemstone Floor

Gemstone Care

I have a gemstone FLOOR. I would like suggestions on how to clean and preserve it.

We bought the home from our neighbor. She and her husband were rock hounds. He cut and laid this floor. They have both passed on now and we are restoring the house.

I want to be sure to do the right thing on the floor.

I sure would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,

Sandi

How unique! I can understand your wanting to preserve such a treasure.

It's important to know the stones' Mohs hardness (more or less) or the type of stones (which would tell you their hardness indirectly).

Here is a brief article on the Mohs Hardness Scale and a longer one on how to treat some precious and semi-precious gems.

If you can find a mineral store near you - you know, the type that sell geodes and other raw stones - go and talk to the owner or mineral expert there.

I bet another rock hound would jump at the chance to see such a labor of love. S/he could certainly advise on the floor's care in return.

Thank you so much for your help. The article was very informative.

Is there a place that the rock hounds are 'registered'? I know back when my neighbors were into it there was a club here but I do not know how to find out if it still exists. Could there be a listing of clubs?

I will try to find a mineral store here in Tennessee.

Thanks again.

Sandi

I think your two best bets would be the Memphis Archeological and Geological Society based in Memphis and the Middle Tennessee Rockhounds based in Nashville.

I wouldn't be surprised if they would want to arrange a field trip to your house!

Thank you. I have sent an email to The Memphis Archaeological and Geological Society. No response yet. But I sure hope to hear from them. I really want to do what is right for this floor. It is a beauty.

Thanks again.

Sandi