Can You Cleanse Crystals in Salt Water?
BY NICOLE LAU
Short Answer
Sometimes. Salt water is effective for cleansing, but it will damage or dissolve many crystals. You need to know your crystal's Mohs hardness and chemical composition before using this method. When in doubt, use alternatives like smoke, sound, or moonlight.
The Long Answer
Why Salt Water Works (When It Does)
Salt is a powerful energetic cleanser in many traditions. Water is a universal purifier. Combined, they create a potent cleansing medium that can:
- Neutralize absorbed negative energy
- Reset a crystal's energetic signature
- Provide both physical and energetic cleaning
But physical damage can occur if you use the wrong crystals.
Crystals That Are SAFE in Salt Water
Generally safe (Mohs hardness 7+, no water-soluble components):
- Clear Quartz
- Amethyst
- Rose Quartz
- Smoky Quartz
- Citrine (natural, heat-treated may fade)
- Carnelian
- Jasper (most varieties)
- Tiger's Eye
- Aventurine
- Agate
Crystals That Are NOT SAFE in Salt Water
Will dissolve, crack, rust, or become damaged:
- Selenite (will dissolve completely)
- Halite (literally salt, will dissolve)
- Calcite (will dissolve)
- Angelite (will break down)
- Celestite (will fade and crack)
- Fluorite (will dissolve)
- Malachite (toxic when wet, will degrade)
- Azurite (will degrade)
- Pyrite (will rust)
- Hematite (will rust)
- Lapis Lazuli (contains pyrite, will tarnish)
- Turquoise (porous, will absorb water and discolor)
- Opal (will crack)
- Labradorite (can crack or dull)
- Moonstone (can crack)
- Kyanite (soft, will degrade)
- Lepidolite (contains mica, will flake)
The Mohs Hardness Rule
As a general guideline:
- Mohs 7+: Usually safe for brief salt water exposure
- Mohs 5-6: Risky, may dull or scratch
- Mohs below 5: Do not use salt water
But hardness isn't everything—chemical composition matters too. Selenite is soft AND water-soluble. Pyrite is hard but will rust.
How to Safely Use Salt Water
If your crystal is confirmed safe:
- Use sea salt or Himalayan salt (avoid table salt with additives)
- Dissolve salt in purified or spring water
- Submerge crystal for 1-24 hours (shorter is safer)
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward
- Dry completely before storing
- Check for any cloudiness, cracks, or surface changes
Safer Alternatives to Salt Water
Smoke cleansing: Use sage, palo santo, incense, or dried herbs. Safe for all crystals.
Sound: Singing bowls, bells, tuning forks, or chanting. Vibration cleanses without physical contact.
Moonlight: Place crystals under full moon overnight. Gentle and universally safe (though some crystals may fade in sunlight).
Earth burial: Bury in soil for 24 hours to 3 days. Grounding and cleansing.
Selenite charging plate: Place crystals on selenite overnight. Selenite self-cleanses and cleanses others.
Visualization: Hold crystal and visualize white or violet light flowing through it, clearing all stagnant energy.
Running water: Hold under natural stream or tap water (only for water-safe crystals, skip the salt).
When You're Not Sure
If you don't know your crystal's composition or hardness:
- Default to smoke, sound, or moonlight
- Research the specific crystal before using water
- Test on a small, less valuable piece first
- When in doubt, don't risk it
Final Thoughts
Salt water is powerful but not universal. Damaging your crystals doesn't make them more cleansed—it just makes them damaged.
Choose cleansing methods that honor both the energetic and physical nature of your stones. There are plenty of safe, effective alternatives that work for every crystal in your collection.
Cleanse wisely. Your crystals will thank you.
