Crystals have become increasingly popular for their beautiful aesthetic and potential healing properties. However, when it comes to cleansing or using these precious stones, it’s important to know that not all crystals can be safely submerged in water. Some crystals may react negatively to water exposure, possibly dissolving, releasing toxic substances, or becoming structurally compromised.
Understanding which crystals can and cannot go in water is essential to preserving their integrity and ensuring safe application in various practices. Water-safe crystals like Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Citrine are part of the Quartz family and can be cleansed in water without issue. On the other hand, some crystals like Malachite, Calcite, Hematite, Fluorite, and Selenite should be kept away from water due to their low tolerance and potential for damage.
It’s crucial to recognize the specific water tolerances and characteristics of the various crystals in your collection to maintain their beauty and functionality. Proper care and handling of your crystals ensures that you can enjoy their benefits and preserve their stunning appearance for years to come.
Table of Contents
Water and Crystals: An Overview
Crystals are often used for their healing properties and beauty, but many crystal owners might not be aware that not all crystals can be placed in water. Some crystals might be safe, while others can be damaged due to their composition and structure. In this section, we will explore water-safe crystals and those that are water-damaging.
Water-Safe Crystals
Some crystals can be placed in water without any worry, as they possess a higher hardness level on the Mohs scale and are generally resistant to damage. Crystals with a Mohs hardness of 6 or higher are generally considered safe for water exposure. Examples of water-safe crystals include:
- Aventurine
- Lapis Lazuli
- Black Obsidian
- Bloodstone
These crystals can be used in water-based rituals or be cleaned with water without any concern for damaging them.
Water-Damaging Crystals
On the other hand, some crystals are not suited for water exposure and might dissolve, crack, or rust when in contact with water. These crystals might have a lower Mohs hardness or contain certain minerals that react negatively with water. A few examples of water-damaging crystals are:
- Hematite: This crystal has a hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale, but it is an iron oxide and rusts when exposed to water.
- Tangerine Quartz: While most quartz crystals can safely come into contact with water, Tangerine Quartz is an exception due to its unique composition.
It’s crucial to know which crystals can safely be placed in water and which ones might be damaged by it. Proper care and handling of your crystals will ensure that they remain in pristine condition and continue to provide their valuable energy and healing properties. For more information, you can refer to crystal reference guides or consult a knowledgeable crystal enthusiast.
Hazardous and Toxic Crystals
Crystals can hold tremendous healing power, but certain types can also be hazardous when placed in water. Knowing which crystals are toxic can help in preserving their integrity and preventing harm to people or the environment.
Toxic Crystals
Some crystals contain toxic materials such as copper, iron, lead, sulfur, or even asbestos. When these elements come in contact with water, they can make the water unsafe to drink or handle. Not all poisonous crystals are obvious, so it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers. Some common toxic crystals include:
- Malachite: Contains copper.
- Hematite: Has iron and will rust when placed in water.
- Labradorite: Consists of Aluminum.
- Pyrite: Contains traces of sulfur and iron.
- Selenite: Made of gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral that is easily soluble in water, potentially compromising its structure.
- Angelite: Contains lead and sulfur.
- Amazonite: Contains copper, which is toxic.
- Azurite: Comprises copper.
- Chrysocolla: Contains copper.
- Tiger’s Eye: Raw Tiger’s Eye is a fibrous form of asbestos.
- Actinolite: A fibrous form of asbestos.
Identifying Toxic Crystals
Being able to identify toxic crystals is essential for anyone working with them, whether for healing purposes or simple admiration. Here are some methods for identifying potentially hazardous crystals:
- Research: Thoroughly research each crystal’s composition and properties to identify toxic components.
- Color: Some crystals, such as Malachite or Azurite, have a distinct color indicating the presence of copper.
- Mohs Scale: If a crystal is softer on the Mohs scale (e.g., Selenite), it may dissolve or become damaged in water.
- Expert Consultation: Consult with a knowledgeable crystal expert or a mineralogist who can identify potential hazards.
- Crystal Elixir Test: If preparing a crystal elixir, avoid using unknown stones, and stick to those belonging to the Quartz family, as these are considered safe for direct infusion.
Taking the time to learn about the different types of crystals and their properties will help ensure their proper care and use, as well as preserve their healing qualities. Keep in mind that even some crystals generally considered safe, such as amethyst or clear quartz, should be cleaned and maintained correctly to avoid deterioration and preserve their effectiveness. Always exercise caution and stay informed to ensure the best experience and results when working with crystals.
The Mohs Hardness Scale
Understanding the Mohs Hardness Scale
The Mohs hardness scale is a standard measure used to determine the scratch-resistance of minerals. It ranks minerals from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 the hardest. The scale was developed by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812 and is still widely used today. When referring to crystals used in jewelry or for healing purposes, understanding their hardness can help determine which ones can go in water without causing damage.
On the Mohs hardness scale, common gemstones like rose quartz and lapis lazuli have a hardness of around 7, which is considered relatively hard among minerals. This makes them safe to come into contact with water. However, softer crystals like lepidolite or opal, which may have a hardness between 2.5 and 6, should be treated more carefully as they can be more easily scratched or damaged by water exposure.
When using crystals in water or for cleaning purposes, it is essential to keep in mind that those with a Mohs hardness of 6 or above are generally considered safe for water exposure. Conversely, crystals with a Mohs hardness of 5 or below should not be placed in water as they are more prone to damage.
Here is a list of some common crystals and their hardness on the Mohs scale:
- Rose quartz: 7
- Lapis lazuli: 5-6
- Lepidolite: 2.5-3
- Opal: 5.5-6.5
To ensure the safe and proper use of crystals, always consider their Mohs hardness and follow appropriate guidelines when exposing them to water.
Cleansing Crystals Safely
When it comes to cleansing crystals, it’s essential to be aware that not all crystals can handle water. Direct contact with water can cause irreversible damage to some gemstones, such as snow quartz, tiger eye, and opals. To avoid damage, it’s crucial to use alternative cleansing methods for these delicate stones.
Alternative Cleansing Methods
There are several methods to cleanse crystals safely without using water. One popular choice is using smoke from natural sources like sage or palo santo. Simply light the cleansing material and allow the smoke to surround the crystal. Another option is to bury the crystal in the earth for a few hours, allowing it to absorb grounding energies.
Using sound is also an effective way to cleanse crystals. This can be done by ringing a tuning fork or even playing soothing music near the crystal. Lastly, you can cleanse your crystals by placing them on a bed of salt for a few hours, which will absorb any negative energies.
- Smoke (sage or palo santo)
- Burying in the earth
- Sound
- Salt bed
It’s important to note that certain crystals, like those containing sulfuric acid, antimony, aluminum, or zirconium, may require special care and cleansing precautions.
Protection from Sunlight
Some crystals may be sensitive to sunlight, causing them to fade or even break apart over time. To protect your crystals from the sun’s potentially harmful rays, avoid placing them on a windowsill or in direct sunlight for extended periods. Instead, look for areas with indirect light or use a method like a salt bed, which won’t expose the crystal to sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating crystals into our daily lives can have a significant impact on our well-being and energy. However, it’s essential to understand that not all crystals are suitable for use in water. To maintain the integrity of your crystals and ensure they’re effective, it’s crucial to be aware of water-safe options and those that should be kept away from water.
Some crystals, like Bloodstone, are water-safe and can be used in water without any issues. On the other hand, stones like Malachite, Calcite, Hematite, Fluorite, and Selenite are not water-safe and should always be kept away from water exposure. These crystals have a low water tolerance and are usually softer on the Mohs hardness scale, making them vulnerable to irreversible damage when in contact with water.
It’s important to consider the differences between water-safe and non-water-safe crystals when cleansing, charging, or using them in healing rituals. One method for cleansing crystals is to use natural, running water, but only for those that can tolerate water contact. For crystals that aren’t water-safe, alternative cleansing methods like smudging or using sound should be employed instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selenite in water?
Selenite is a crystal that should not be placed in water as it is made of gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral often used for making plaster and drywall1. With a Mohs hardness of 2, selenite’s minerals are too soft and porous to handle water2. It is best to avoid putting selenite in water to prevent damage or dissolution.
Citrine underwater?
Citrine is a type of quartz, which makes it hard and durable enough to be submerged in water without any negative effects3. However, it is always a good idea to check the specific properties of your citrine crystal before submerging it, as some may have inclusions or impurities that could affect its water resistance.
Amethyst water-safe?
Amethyst is generally considered to be water-safe, as it is also a variety of quartz4. Again, it is advisable to inspect your amethyst crystal beforehand and ensure its structure is sound before placing it in water.
Celestine and water
Celestine is a crystal that falls in the middle of the Mohs hardness scale with a rating of 3-3.55. While it’s not as soft as selenite, caution should be exercised when placing celestine in water. Prolonged exposure to water could potentially degrade or damage the crystal.
Quartz in water
Quartz crystals, such as clear quartz, rose quartz, and smoky quartz, are generally safe to be submerged in water6. As quartz has a high Mohs hardness rating, it is quite durable and unlikely to dissolve or break when exposed to water.
Smoky quartz with water
Smoky quartz is a variety of quartz that can safely go in water7. Its high hardness rating makes it suitable for water exposure without causing damage. Despite this, it’s always good practice to ensure your smoky quartz is free of any impurities or inclusions that could make it more susceptible to water damage.
Footnotes
- https://cosmiccuts.com/blogs/healing-stones-blog/what-crystals-should-not-go-in-water ↩
- https://cosmiccuts.com/blogs/healing-stones-blog/what-crystals-should-not-go-in-water ↩
- https://crystalclearintuition.com/crystals-not-in-water/ ↩
- https://crystalclearintuition.com/crystals-not-in-water/ ↩
- https://thatcrystalsite.com/what-crystals-cannot-go-in-water/ ↩
- https://jewelsadvisor.com/what-crystals-can-go-in-water/ ↩
- https://jewelsadvisor.com/what-crystals-can-go-in-water/ ↩
