How to care for your crystals
Hand carved Rhodochrosite Buddah
All crystals have the capacity to absorb
energies, emotions, knowledge and electromagnetic interference such as computers and mobiles. In
the main, there is no right or wrong way to cleanse your stone and there is no
harm in experimenting with what suits you, however, please be aware that some
stones can not be left soaking in water, such as Selenite. It will dissolve. Placing Hematite on a bed of salt will
eventually lead to its surface corroding.
Some stones such as Amethyst and Citrine will, over a period of time, fade
in Sunlight.
So unless you are aware of the individual requirements of each stone, it would be practical to use methods such as moonlight (full moon) for all stones.
In addition, some Crystal Books will advise the “hardness” of each group of stones which makes it easier to know what method is suitable.
Q. How do I know the hardness of stones?
The Hardness Scale is known as Mohs Hardness Scale and was introduced by Frederich Mohs (1771-1839) and is still in use today.
Talc for example has a cutting resistance of .03 and has a scratch hardness of 1. At the other extreme, Diamond has a cutting resistance of 140,000 and has a scratch hardness of 10. (click here for the chart)
As mentioned above, some books will tell you the hardness level, we on this website are also advising the hardness level of anything advertised. For more information on Mohs Hardness Scale, Google “Mohs Hardness Scale”.
Q. How do I know what cleansing method suits my stones?
It can be extremely confusing and difficult to know the precise method for each stone or mineral group so we take the guess work out of it by suggesting you keep it simple and use Moonlight, Incense or Smudge Stick or Sound Vibrations using the Tingsha (Tibetan Cymbals) or Tibetan Singing Bowls. Clear Quartz and Carnelian cleanse other crystals but will need cleansing themselves afterward.
But if you have just missed a full moon and don’t want to wait a full 29 days, then Incense, Smudge Sticks, Tingsha (Tibetan Cymbals) and running water from the tap, Clear Quartz and Carnelian are reliable methods.
Some people find incense offensive, if you can, persevere and perhaps light it in a bathroom that has a fan or even outdoors on a breezeless day.
Almost all stones that have been tumbled or polished can be cleansed under running tap water when you initially buy them. Some stones like the Quartzes can be cleansed this way all the time or left soaking in water for a week. Others like “tumbled” Selenite can be cleansed under running tap water but we would suggest you only do that once and from there on find a safer method as Selenite (a Gypsum) has a Hardness of 2 and will dissolve over time. If your Selenite piece is of a “fibrous” nature, then it would be too fragile (depending on the size) to run under water although some larger pieces respond well to a soft, careful, one-off brushing with a soft brush and water. My favourite choice is the Tingsha. So quick, easy and gentle. We carry stock of Tingsha if you are having trouble sourcing any locally.
Q. How do you know when they need cleansing?
You will know the amount of negativity around you and if you are having a particularly bad day in yourself, your environment or going through or recovering from an illness they may need it more regularly. These are the indicators that you can easily identify. But what about the ones you can’t? For example, shopping at Christmas time, in a busy Mall with lot’s of kids (your own or others), there is a lot of frustration and tension around that you are not aware of. If you have a stone on you, whether it be Jewellery or tucked away in your pocket or bag, your stone is aware of the vibrations and energies in your immediate environment and is absorbing it for you. Imagine you are a Dental Receptionist – this is a heavily charged, fear based environment! Some people are more sensitive – empathic – and could benefit from the protection of the stones.
Stones, especially the polished ones can become dull, lack lustre or even break if their energies are not cleansed. If you don’t cleanse them regularly, take note of the subtle messages you will receive from then, ie: you look at your stones one day and a thought crosses your mind that they need tending to. This is the subtlety of Crystals. Act on it and your intuition and connection with them will grow.
Below are some methods you can use to cleanse your stones (not in any particular order)
1. Moonlight on full moon – either outside or on window ledge.
2. Smudge stick or Incense– it is not necessary to only use White Sage.
3. Tingsha – Tibetan Cymbals are beautiful, quick and easy. No fuss.
4. Tap Water – hold stone under running tap water. Not suitable for all stones
5. Distilled water – rinse or soak in distilled water. Not suitable for all stones
6. Sunlight – check if it is a stone that will not fade. Not suitable for all stones
7. With other Crystals – Carnelian, Clear Quartz, Amethyst are natural cleansers but need cleansing themselves. Especially good method for fragile stones.
8. Bury them – this, along with full moon is one of the most nurturing ways to cleanse your stones. Not suitable for all stones
9. Sea Salt – sit on a bed of salt or mix with water (distilled or tap) Not suitable for all stones
10. Flower Petals - Fill a bowl with flower petals and surround your crystals in the bowl with the petals.
11. White Light – Beam white light in through your Crown Chakra and out from your third eye, visualizing your stone being surrounded by white light. I only recommend this if you know your Third Eye Chakra is balanced.
12. Chanting, Mantras – the AUM mantra is a very good one for cleansing your stones
13. Elemental beings – if you are confident in your connection, ask the Faeries or Devas if they could assist you to cleanse your stones.
14. Your own Vibration – if your vibration is high, then your resonance should be sufficient to cleanse the stones. I have heard it said that unless you are close to ascension then it is very rare to find anyone with their Chakras 100% balanced, aligned, activated and running at optimum levels. Still, it is all about intention! And remember, if you tune into your stones, they'll find a way of letting you know their preference.
15. Universal Energy – Reiki for example.
In addition to the above:
1. Set the intention that you are cleansing the crystal of unwanted energies
2. Either think or speak “I am cleansing you of unwanted energies” or “I release you of negative energies” find your own words that you feel comfortable with.
The above information is an extract from our Basic Crystal Workshop presented by Debbie Hollow and Mandy Smith and is copyright material. For more information on upcoming Workshops, please check our news and events page.
So unless you are aware of the individual requirements of each stone, it would be practical to use methods such as moonlight (full moon) for all stones.
In addition, some Crystal Books will advise the “hardness” of each group of stones which makes it easier to know what method is suitable.
Q. How do I know the hardness of stones?
The Hardness Scale is known as Mohs Hardness Scale and was introduced by Frederich Mohs (1771-1839) and is still in use today.
Talc for example has a cutting resistance of .03 and has a scratch hardness of 1. At the other extreme, Diamond has a cutting resistance of 140,000 and has a scratch hardness of 10. (click here for the chart)
As mentioned above, some books will tell you the hardness level, we on this website are also advising the hardness level of anything advertised. For more information on Mohs Hardness Scale, Google “Mohs Hardness Scale”.
Q. How do I know what cleansing method suits my stones?
It can be extremely confusing and difficult to know the precise method for each stone or mineral group so we take the guess work out of it by suggesting you keep it simple and use Moonlight, Incense or Smudge Stick or Sound Vibrations using the Tingsha (Tibetan Cymbals) or Tibetan Singing Bowls. Clear Quartz and Carnelian cleanse other crystals but will need cleansing themselves afterward.
But if you have just missed a full moon and don’t want to wait a full 29 days, then Incense, Smudge Sticks, Tingsha (Tibetan Cymbals) and running water from the tap, Clear Quartz and Carnelian are reliable methods.
Some people find incense offensive, if you can, persevere and perhaps light it in a bathroom that has a fan or even outdoors on a breezeless day.
Almost all stones that have been tumbled or polished can be cleansed under running tap water when you initially buy them. Some stones like the Quartzes can be cleansed this way all the time or left soaking in water for a week. Others like “tumbled” Selenite can be cleansed under running tap water but we would suggest you only do that once and from there on find a safer method as Selenite (a Gypsum) has a Hardness of 2 and will dissolve over time. If your Selenite piece is of a “fibrous” nature, then it would be too fragile (depending on the size) to run under water although some larger pieces respond well to a soft, careful, one-off brushing with a soft brush and water. My favourite choice is the Tingsha. So quick, easy and gentle. We carry stock of Tingsha if you are having trouble sourcing any locally.
Q. How do you know when they need cleansing?
You will know the amount of negativity around you and if you are having a particularly bad day in yourself, your environment or going through or recovering from an illness they may need it more regularly. These are the indicators that you can easily identify. But what about the ones you can’t? For example, shopping at Christmas time, in a busy Mall with lot’s of kids (your own or others), there is a lot of frustration and tension around that you are not aware of. If you have a stone on you, whether it be Jewellery or tucked away in your pocket or bag, your stone is aware of the vibrations and energies in your immediate environment and is absorbing it for you. Imagine you are a Dental Receptionist – this is a heavily charged, fear based environment! Some people are more sensitive – empathic – and could benefit from the protection of the stones.
Stones, especially the polished ones can become dull, lack lustre or even break if their energies are not cleansed. If you don’t cleanse them regularly, take note of the subtle messages you will receive from then, ie: you look at your stones one day and a thought crosses your mind that they need tending to. This is the subtlety of Crystals. Act on it and your intuition and connection with them will grow.
Below are some methods you can use to cleanse your stones (not in any particular order)
1. Moonlight on full moon – either outside or on window ledge.
2. Smudge stick or Incense– it is not necessary to only use White Sage.
3. Tingsha – Tibetan Cymbals are beautiful, quick and easy. No fuss.
4. Tap Water – hold stone under running tap water. Not suitable for all stones
5. Distilled water – rinse or soak in distilled water. Not suitable for all stones
6. Sunlight – check if it is a stone that will not fade. Not suitable for all stones
7. With other Crystals – Carnelian, Clear Quartz, Amethyst are natural cleansers but need cleansing themselves. Especially good method for fragile stones.
8. Bury them – this, along with full moon is one of the most nurturing ways to cleanse your stones. Not suitable for all stones
9. Sea Salt – sit on a bed of salt or mix with water (distilled or tap) Not suitable for all stones
10. Flower Petals - Fill a bowl with flower petals and surround your crystals in the bowl with the petals.
11. White Light – Beam white light in through your Crown Chakra and out from your third eye, visualizing your stone being surrounded by white light. I only recommend this if you know your Third Eye Chakra is balanced.
12. Chanting, Mantras – the AUM mantra is a very good one for cleansing your stones
13. Elemental beings – if you are confident in your connection, ask the Faeries or Devas if they could assist you to cleanse your stones.
14. Your own Vibration – if your vibration is high, then your resonance should be sufficient to cleanse the stones. I have heard it said that unless you are close to ascension then it is very rare to find anyone with their Chakras 100% balanced, aligned, activated and running at optimum levels. Still, it is all about intention! And remember, if you tune into your stones, they'll find a way of letting you know their preference.
15. Universal Energy – Reiki for example.
In addition to the above:
1. Set the intention that you are cleansing the crystal of unwanted energies
2. Either think or speak “I am cleansing you of unwanted energies” or “I release you of negative energies” find your own words that you feel comfortable with.
The above information is an extract from our Basic Crystal Workshop presented by Debbie Hollow and Mandy Smith and is copyright material. For more information on upcoming Workshops, please check our news and events page.