Water-Safe and Non-Water-Safe Crystals: A Guide to Protecting Your Stones

Crystals are beautiful and powerful tools for healing, protection, and spiritual growth. Many people incorporate water into their crystal cleansing rituals, as water is seen as a natural purifier that washes away stagnant or negative energy. However, not all crystals are water-safe. Some stones can dissolve, crack, or become damaged when exposed to water, while others can thrive in this element.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of water-safe and non-water-safe crystals, explain why certain stones should avoid water, and share tips on how to cleanse your crystals safely.

WHY SOME CRYSTALS AREN’T WATER SAFE

Crystals are formed from a variety of minerals, each with unique properties. Some of these minerals are soft, porous, or soluble in water, meaning prolonged exposure to water can cause them to dissolve, crack, or lose their lustre. Other crystals may contain metals or toxic compounds that can leach into the water, making them unsafe to submerge.

The key factors that determine whether a crystal is water-safe include:

- Hardness: Measured on the Mohs hardness scale, which ranges from 1 to 10, crystals that are rated 5 or below are generally not water-safe, as they are too soft and prone to damage.

- Porosity: Some crystals have small cracks or porous structures that can absorb water, leading to fractures or crumbling over time.

- Solubility: Certain stones, like selenite, will dissolve or erode when exposed to water for too long.

- Toxicity: Crystals that contain copper, lead, sulfur, or other toxic materials may leach harmful substances into the water, making it unsafe for handling or use.

WATER SAFE CRYSTALS

Let’s start with the good news: there are plenty of crystals that are safe to cleanse with water. These stones are generally harder, less porous, and stable when submerged or rinsed.

Here are some popular water-safe crystals:

1. Clear Quartz (Mohs hardness: 7)

Clear quartz is a durable and widely used crystal that is perfectly safe to cleanse with water. It is known for its amplifying and clarifying properties, making it an essential tool for many spiritual practices.

2. Amethyst (Mohs hardness: 7)

Amethyst, a popular stone for calming and spiritual growth, is also water-safe. You can cleanse amethyst under running water or in a bowl of water to refresh its energy.

3. Citrine (Mohs hardness: 7)

Citrine is associated with abundance and positive energy, and it can be safely rinsed with water. However, like amethyst, (heat treated) citrine can fade in direct sunlight, so be mindful of how you dry it after cleansing.

4. Smoky Quartz (Mohs hardness: 7)

Smoky quartz is a grounding stone that is safe for water cleansing. It helps neutralize negative energy and is often used for protection and healing.

5. Carnelian (Mohs hardness: 6.5 to 7)

Carnelian, a vibrant stone known for boosting creativity and motivation, is water-safe. You can cleanse it with water as part of your regular spiritual routine.

6. Aventurine (Mohs hardness: 6.5 to 7) Aventurine, a stone of prosperity and luck, is safe to place in water. Its smooth, durable surface can handle gentle rinsing or soaking.

7. Tiger’s Eye (Mohs hardness: 6.5 to 7)

Tiger’s Eye is a stone of courage and protection, and it can be safely cleansed with water. It is often used for grounding and balancing energy.

8. Jasper (Mohs hardness: 6.5 to 7)

Jasper, known for its nurturing and stabilising properties, is another crystal that can be cleansed with water. However, you should avoid long-term submersion in water to preserve its vibrant colours.

NON-WATER-SAFE CRYSTALS

Now let’s explore the crystals that should never be submerged in water. These stones are either too soft, too porous, or contain minerals that will be damaged by water. For these crystals, it’s best to stick to other cleansing methods, such as smudging, moonlight, or sound.

Here are some non-water-safe crystals to watch out for:

1. Selenite (Mohs hardness: 2)

Selenite is a highly spiritual and cleansing stone, but it is also extremely soft and water-soluble. If exposed to water, selenite can dissolve or develop surface damage. It is best to cleanse selenite with moonlight or sound instead of water.

2. Malachite (Mohs hardness: 3.5 to 4)

Malachite is a stunning green stone often used for protection and transformation. However, it contains copper, which makes it toxic when exposed to water. Avoid submerging malachite and cleanse it using smudging or sound.

3. Lepidolite (Mohs hardness: 2.5 to 3)

Lepidolite, known for its calming and anxiety-relieving properties, is a delicate stone that can flake or break apart when exposed to water. Instead, use moonlight or dry methods to cleanse lepidolite.

4. Pyrite (Mohs hardness: 6 to 6.5)

Although pyrite is relatively hard, it contains iron, which can oxidize and rust when exposed to water. For this reason, it is best to avoid using water to cleanse pyrite and opt for gentler methods instead.

5. Hematite (Mohs hardness: 5 to 6.5)

Hematite is a grounding stone made primarily of iron, and like pyrite, it can rust if exposed to water. To preserve its strength and energy, cleanse and charge hematite using dry methods, such as smudging or placing it on a selenite plate.

6. Calcite (Mohs hardness: 3)

Calcite is a soft, porous stone that comes in many different colours. Because it dissolves easily in water, you should avoid submerging it and instead cleanse it with smoke, sound, or moonlight.

6. Labradorite (Mohs hardness: 6 to 6.5)

Labradorite is prized for its beautiful, iridescent flashes of colour. Although it’s harder than some other stones, its layered structure makes it susceptible to cracking or damage from prolonged exposure to water. Cleansing it with moonlight or sound is a better option.

8. Fluorite (Mohs hardness: 4)

Fluorite, often used for clarity and focus, is another crystal that should avoid water. It’s relatively soft and can break or dissolve when exposed to moisture.

HOW TO SAFELY CLEANSE & CHARGE NON-WATER-SAFE CRYSTALS

If you have non-water-safe crystals, there are several alternative methods to cleanse and recharge them. Here are a few options:

1. Moonlight

Placing your crystals under the light of the full moon is a gentle and effective way to cleanse and recharge them. This method works for all crystals, including those that can’t be exposed to water (weather permitting).

2. Smudging

Smudging with sage, Palo Santo, or other herbs is a traditional method for clearing negative energy from crystals. Simply pass your crystals through the smoke for a few seconds to purify them.

3. Sound Cleansing

You can use sound vibrations to cleanse your crystals by playing a singing bowl, bell, or tuning fork near them. This method is ideal for cleansing large collections or delicate stones.

4. Selenite Charging Bar or Bowl

Selenite is a self-cleansing stone that can also charge other crystals. Placing your non-water-safe crystals on a selenite bar, in a selenite bowl or next to a selenite wand will refresh their energy without the need for water.

5. Sunlight (with caution)

Although sunlight can be used to cleanse some crystals, it’s important to note that prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause certain stones to fade (such as amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz). Use this method carefully and avoid placing delicate crystals in direct sunlight for too long.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Knowing which crystals are water-safe and which ones aren’t is essential for protecting and preserving your stones. While water is a powerful tool for cleansing and recharging many crystals, it’s important to avoid submerging soft, porous, or water-soluble stones to prevent damage. By using alternative methods like moonlight, smudging, or sound, you can safely cleanse and recharge all of your crystals, ensuring they stay vibrant and effective.

Always check the properties of your crystals before using water and remember that there are plenty of non-water methods that are just as effective for keeping your crystals energetically fresh and ready for use.

In our next blog we’ll be taking a look at some potentially toxic crystals.