Crystal Care Guide: Storage, Sunlight Safety, Water Safety
Why Crystal Care Matters: Energy & Longevity
Crystals are powerful tools, but they're also delicate natural formations that require proper care. Some crystals fade in sunlight. Others dissolve in water. Many are fragile and can break easily. Without proper care, you can damage or even destroy your precious stones.
But crystal care isn't just about physical protection—it's also about maintaining their energetic potency. Crystals absorb energy from their environment, and regular cleansing and charging keeps them working at their highest vibration.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about caring for your crystals—from safe cleaning methods to proper storage, sunlight safety to water precautions.
The Golden Rules of Crystal Care
1. Not all crystals can go in water - Some will dissolve or be damaged
2. Not all crystals can go in sunlight - Many will fade or discolor
3. All crystals need regular cleansing - They absorb energy and need clearing
4. Handle with care - Many crystals are fragile
5. Store properly - Prevent scratches, chips, and energy contamination
6. When in doubt, use smoke or sound - Safest cleansing methods for all crystals
Sunlight Safety: Which Crystals Fade in Sun?
❌ NEVER Put These Crystals in Direct Sunlight
These crystals will fade, discolor, or become damaged in sunlight:
Purple/Violet Crystals:
• Amethyst (fades to pale or clear)
• Ametrine (purple portion fades)
• Charoite
• Fluorite (especially purple)
• Kunzite
• Lepidolite
• Super Seven
Pink Crystals:
• Rose Quartz (fades to white/pale)
• Pink Tourmaline
• Morganite
• Rhodochrosite
Blue/Green Crystals:
• Aquamarine (fades)
• Celestite (fades)
• Chrysocolla
• Turquoise (can discolor)
• Amazonite
• Fluorite (all colors)
Other Sensitive Crystals:
• Opal (can crack or craze)
• Amber (can darken or become brittle)
• Calcite (can fade)
• Apophyllite (can become cloudy)
• Hiddenite
✅ Sun-Safe Crystals
These crystals are generally safe in sunlight:
• Clear Quartz
• Citrine (natural, not heat-treated)
• Carnelian
• Sunstone
• Tiger's Eye
• Jasper (all types)
• Agate (most types)
• Black Tourmaline
• Obsidian
• Hematite
• Pyrite
• Shungite
• Smoky Quartz
⚠️ Limited Sun Exposure Okay
These can handle brief sun exposure (1-2 hours) but not prolonged:
• Labradorite
• Moonstone
• Selenite
• Aventurine
• Jade
How Sunlight Damages Crystals
UV rays break down the chemical bonds that create color in crystals. This process is irreversible—once a crystal fades, it cannot be restored to its original color.
Prevention:
• Store light-sensitive crystals away from windows
• Use indirect light for display
• Rotate crystals if displaying near windows
• Use UV-protective glass for display cases
Water Safety: Which Crystals Can Get Wet?
❌ NEVER Put These Crystals in Water
These crystals will dissolve, be damaged, or become toxic in water:
Will Dissolve:
• Selenite (dissolves quickly)
• Halite (salt crystal - dissolves)
• Calcite (dissolves slowly)
• Angelite (becomes damaged)
• Celestite (can be damaged)
• Gypsum
• Desert Rose
• Ulexite
Soft/Porous (Will Be Damaged):
• Malachite (toxic in water!)
• Azurite
• Turquoise (can discolor)
• Lapis Lazuli (contains pyrite that rusts)
• Pyrite (rusts)
• Hematite (rusts)
• Fluorite (can be damaged)
• Lepidolite
• Kyanite
• Kunzite
Toxic in Water:
• Malachite (copper-based)
• Chrysocolla (copper-based)
• Azurite (copper-based)
• Cinnabar (mercury-based)
• Realgar (arsenic-based)
• Orpiment (arsenic-based)
⚠️ NEVER make crystal elixirs with toxic stones!
✅ Water-Safe Crystals
These crystals are generally safe in water (brief exposure):
• Clear Quartz
• Rose Quartz
• Amethyst
• Citrine
• Smoky Quartz
• Carnelian
• Agate (most types)
• Jasper (most types)
• Tiger's Eye
• Black Tourmaline
• Obsidian
• Aventurine
• Jade
• Moonstone
• Labradorite
Note: Even water-safe crystals shouldn't be soaked for extended periods. Brief rinses are fine.
The Mohs Hardness Rule
General guideline: Crystals with hardness below 5 on the Mohs scale should not go in water.
Hardness Scale Reference:
• 1-2: Very soft (dissolves easily) - NO WATER
• 3-4: Soft (can be damaged) - AVOID WATER
• 5-6: Medium (brief water okay) - CAUTION
• 7-10: Hard (water safe) - GENERALLY SAFE
Safe Cleansing Methods for ALL Crystals
1. Smoke Cleansing (Safest Method)
Safe for: ALL crystals
How to:
• Light sage, palo santo, or incense
• Pass crystal through smoke for 30-60 seconds
• Set intention for cleansing
• Let smoke carry away absorbed energy
Best herbs: White sage, palo santo, cedar, frankincense, sandalwood
2. Sound Cleansing
Safe for: ALL crystals
How to:
• Use singing bowl, bell, tuning fork, or chanting
• Place crystal near sound source
• Play for 5-10 minutes
• Sound vibrations shake off stuck energy
3. Moonlight Charging
Safe for: ALL crystals
How to:
• Place crystals on windowsill or outside under full moon
• Leave overnight
• Retrieve in the morning
• Especially powerful during full moon
4. Selenite Charging Plate
Safe for: ALL crystals
How to:
• Place crystals on selenite slab or bowl
• Leave for 4-24 hours
• Selenite cleanses and charges simultaneously
• No need to cleanse selenite itself
5. Earth Burial
Safe for: Most crystals (avoid soft/porous stones)
How to:
• Bury crystal in soil for 24 hours to 1 week
• Mark the spot so you can find it!
• Earth absorbs and transmutes energy
• Rinse gently after (if water-safe)
6. Breath Cleansing
Safe for: ALL crystals
How to:
• Hold crystal in your hands
• Take a deep breath
• Blow forcefully on the crystal with intention to cleanse
• Repeat 3-7 times
7. Visualization Cleansing
Safe for: ALL crystals
How to:
• Hold crystal in your hands
• Visualize white or golden light filling the crystal
• See all absorbed energy dissolving
• Hold visualization for 1-3 minutes
Cleansing Methods to Use with Caution
Running Water
Safe for: Hard crystals only (Mohs 7+)
How to:
• Hold under cool running water for 1-2 minutes
• Visualize absorbed energy washing away
• Dry thoroughly
Avoid for: Soft, porous, or water-sensitive crystals
Salt Cleansing
Safe for: Hard, non-porous crystals only
How to:
• Bury crystal in dry salt for 24 hours
• OR place crystal in bowl, surround with salt (don't let salt touch crystal)
• Discard salt after use
Avoid for: Soft crystals, porous stones, anything with metal content
Sunlight Charging
Safe for: Sun-safe crystals only (see list above)
How to:
• Place in direct sunlight for 1-4 hours
• Powerful for charging solar plexus and fire element stones
• Best for: citrine, carnelian, sunstone, tiger's eye
Avoid for: Light-sensitive crystals (see list above)
How Often Should You Cleanse Crystals?
After Purchase: Always cleanse new crystals before first use
Daily Use Crystals: Cleanse weekly or when they feel heavy/dull
Healing Work: Cleanse after each session
Altar Crystals: Cleanse monthly or during full moon
Occasional Use: Cleanse every 2-3 months
After Negative Events: Cleanse immediately after exposure to negative energy, illness, or conflict
Signs Your Crystal Needs Cleansing:
• Feels heavy or dull
• Looks cloudy or less vibrant
• Doesn't seem to be working
• You feel drawn to cleanse it
• After intense emotional work
Crystal Storage: Protecting Your Collection
Storage Options
Individual Pouches:
• Soft velvet or silk bags
• Prevents scratching
• Keeps energy separate
• Easy to carry
• Best for: daily use crystals, jewelry
Wooden Boxes:
• Natural material that doesn't interfere with energy
• Can be divided into sections
• Protects from light and dust
• Best for: collections, delicate crystals
Display Cases:
• Glass or acrylic cases
• Protects while allowing visibility
• Use UV-protective glass for light-sensitive stones
• Best for: show pieces, collections
Fabric-Lined Drawers:
• Soft lining prevents scratches
• Dark environment protects from light
• Organized storage
• Best for: large collections
Selenite Bowls/Plates:
• Stores AND cleanses simultaneously
• Beautiful display option
• Best for: frequently used crystals
Storage Tips
✓ Store hard and soft crystals separately (prevent scratching)
✓ Wrap fragile crystals individually
✓ Keep light-sensitive crystals in dark storage
✓ Store water-sensitive crystals in dry environment
✓ Label storage if you have many crystals
✓ Keep crystals away from electronics (can interfere with energy)
✓ Store in cool, dry place
✓ Avoid extreme temperature changes
Crystals That Scratch Others
Store these separately—they can scratch softer stones:
• Diamond (10)
• Sapphire/Ruby (9)
• Topaz (8)
• Quartz family (7) - can scratch anything softer
• Garnet (6.5-7.5)
Fragile Crystals Needing Extra Care
• Selenite (very soft, breaks easily)
• Celestite (extremely fragile)
• Apophyllite (delicate points)
• Calcite (soft, cleaves easily)
• Fluorite (cleaves easily)
• Kyanite (perfect cleavage)
• Desert Rose (very fragile)
Handling Crystals Safely
General Handling:
• Wash hands before handling (oils can damage some stones)
• Handle over soft surface (in case of drops)
• Support from underneath (don't grab by points)
• Avoid touching delicate points or edges
• Don't stack heavy crystals on fragile ones
Clusters & Geodes:
• Handle minimally
• Support the base, not the crystals
• Never touch the crystal points
• Dust with soft brush, not cloth
Points & Towers:
• Hold by the base
• Protect the tip (most vulnerable part)
• Store upright or wrapped
Spheres:
• Use sphere stands
• Can roll and chip if dropped
• Store in padded box or on stand
Traveling with Crystals
Packing:
• Wrap each crystal individually in soft cloth
• Use bubble wrap for fragile stones
• Pack tightly so they don't shift
• Carry fragile crystals in carry-on (not checked luggage)
Airport Security:
• Crystals are allowed in carry-on and checked bags
• May need to remove from bag for X-ray
• Be prepared to explain what they are
• Large crystals may require additional screening
Repairing Damaged Crystals
Chips & Cracks:
• Small chips: Usually okay, doesn't affect energy much
• Cracks: Can continue to use, but handle carefully
• Major breaks: Can glue with clear epoxy if desired
Faded Crystals:
• Cannot be restored to original color
• Still has energetic properties
• Can continue to use
When to Let Go:
• Crystal completely shattered
• Dissolved in water
• Severely damaged beyond use
• Return to earth (bury) with gratitude
Crystal Care by Type
Quartz Family (Clear, Rose, Smoky, Amethyst, Citrine):
• Hard and durable (7 on Mohs)
• Water safe (brief exposure)
• Amethyst/Rose Quartz: NO direct sunlight
• Citrine/Smoky/Clear: Sunlight okay
• Easy to care for
Selenite:
• NEVER water (dissolves)
• Avoid sunlight (can become cloudy)
• Very fragile
• Self-cleansing
• Handle minimally
Black Tourmaline:
• Water safe
• Sunlight safe
• Relatively durable
• Can be brittle
• Easy to care for
Malachite:
• NEVER water (toxic!)
• Soft (3.5-4)
• Avoid sunlight
• Handle with care
• Dust only, don't wash
Labradorite:
• Brief water okay
• Limited sun okay
• Can cleave (break along planes)
• Handle carefully
• Moderate care needed
Common Crystal Care Mistakes
❌ Putting amethyst in sunlight (fades)
❌ Washing selenite (dissolves)
❌ Making malachite elixir (toxic)
❌ Leaving crystals in car (extreme temps)
❌ Never cleansing crystals (energy buildup)
❌ Storing all crystals together (scratching)
❌ Using harsh chemicals to clean
❌ Dropping fragile crystals
❌ Soaking porous stones in water
Quick Reference Guide
When in Doubt:
✓ Use smoke or sound cleansing (always safe)
✓ Store in dark, dry place
✓ Handle gently
✓ Research your specific crystal
Emergency Crystal Care:
• Dropped crystal: Check for cracks, cleanse energy
• Faded crystal: Accept new color, still usable
• Dirty crystal: Dust with soft brush or use smoke
• Heavy energy: Immediate smoke cleansing
Final Thoughts: Love Your Crystals, They'll Love You Back
Crystals are gifts from the Earth, formed over millions of years. They deserve our care, respect, and reverence. Proper crystal care isn't just about preservation—it's about honoring these ancient beings and maintaining the sacred relationship between you and your stones.
When you care for your crystals properly, they work better, last longer, and maintain their energetic potency. A well-cared-for crystal is a powerful ally. A neglected crystal becomes dull, damaged, or energetically depleted.
Remember: every crystal is different. When in doubt, research your specific stone or use the safest methods (smoke and sound). Your intuition will also guide you—if something feels wrong, don't do it.
Ready to build a crystal collection that lasts? Shop with confidence knowing you can properly care for and protect your precious stones.
