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Threaded Gemstone Balls and Settings

The threads of internally threaded stone balls are usually affixed using an epoxy. Threaded stone balls affixed with epoxy should not be worn in tongue or genital piercings because the epoxy can deteriorate when exposed to saliva and urine. Additionally, stone balls can shatter when accidentally bitten, especially if the stone is brittle or porous.

Gold settings are more secure than steel settings because the setting is shaped tightly around and overlaps the edge of the stone. Steel cannot be manipulated to overlap the edge of the stone; the stones are usually held in place with epoxy. Settings affixed with epoxy should not be worn in tongue or genital piercings because the epoxy can deteriorate when exposed to saliva and urine.

Soft stones such as tigers eye and jaspers should not be worn in tongue or genital piercings because saliva and urine can erode the stone. Malachite, turquoise, and lapis can leach copper in these envoronments. Lesser grades of brittle stones which are easily chipped should be avoided.