Using crystals in water—for cleansing or making crystal elixirs (often called "gem water" or "elixir")—is a popular practice among crystal enthusiasts. However, not all crystals are suitable for submersion in water. Some may dissolve, release toxic substances, or suffer physical damage due to moisture exposure. Below is a detailed guide indicating which crystals should be kept away from water, why they are sensitive, and alternative methods to safely cleanse or transfer their energy using water.
Crystals to Avoid Submerging in Water
Selenites
Why:
Selenite is a very soft stone (its hardness on the Mohs scale is only 2), so it easily dissolves in water. Prolonged contact with water can lead to stone erosion, dissolution, and loss of its unique structure.
Alternative Cleansing Methods:
Use smoke cleansing (smudging) with sage, employ sound vibrations (e.g., crystal singing bowl sounds), or place selenite under moonlight to cleanse its energy without direct water contact.
Malachites
Why:
Malachite contains copper, which can leach into water and become toxic if ingested. Additionally, moisture can promote malachite oxidation and fade its bright green color.
Alternative Cleansing Methods:
Cleanse malachite by placing it on a dry salt layer or soaking it in rice. Short-term, but not prolonged, direct sunlight exposure can also be effective, but protect the stone from excessive heat.
Hematite
Why:
Due to its high iron content, hematite can begin to rust when exposed to water. Rusting not only damages the crystal's surface but can also make it unsafe to use.
Alternative Cleansing Methods:
Use smoke cleansing, sound cleansing, or place hematite on a quartz cluster to absorb and neutralize unwanted energy without water exposure.
Lepidolite
Why:
Lepidolite contains lithium, which can leach into water and be harmful if ingested. Additionally, this crystal is relatively soft and may start to crumble or layer if submerged.
Alternative Cleansing Methods:
Allow lepidolite to cleanse itself in gentle moonlight or sunlight, or use sound vibrations from a crystal singing bowl to renew its energy.
Azurite
Why:
Like malachite, azurite contains copper and is very sensitive. Water can promote the release of harmful substances and damage the stone itself.
Alternative Cleansing Methods:
Clean azurite using smoke cleansing with sage, keep it on a dry layer of rice, or use the energy of other sturdy crystals (e.g., clear quartz or amethyst) for indirect cleansing.
Calcite
Why:
Calcite is quite soft and can gradually dissolve in water. This can cause the crystal to lose shape, become brittle, or even dissolve.
Alternative Cleansing Methods:
Use sound cleansing, smoke cleansing, or short-term indirect sunlight exposure to restore calcite's energy without causing structural damage.
Fluorites
Why:
Fluorite is partially soluble in water, especially if it contains impurities. Prolonged exposure can cause color fading or physical damage to the crystal.
Alternative Cleansing Methods:
Use gentle moonlight or sunlight for cleansing, or place fluorite on a selenite plate to absorb and transform negative energy.
Pyrites
Why:
Also known as "fool's gold," pyrite can oxidize and form sulfuric acid when reacting with water. This harms not only the stone itself but can also be dangerous due to the substances formed.
Alternative Cleansing Methods:
Choose smoke cleansing, sound vibrations, or place pyrite on a larger crystal cluster to cleanse its energy without direct contact with water.
Safe Preparation of Crystal Elixirs
When creating crystal elixirs—water enriched with the energetic properties of crystals—it is necessary to use only stones safe to immerse in water. Many types of quartz (clear quartz, rose quartz, amethyst) are quite stable and do not release harmful substances into the water.
Direct and Indirect Methods
Direct Method:
Place safe crystals directly into the water to charge it with their energy. Ensure the water is clean, and if possible, use a glass container to avoid chemical reactions.
Indirect Method:
If a crystal should not come into direct contact with water, use an indirect method. Place the crystal in a smaller glass container, and put that container into a larger one filled with water. This way, the water "absorbs" the stone's energy without direct contact, reducing the risk of dissolution or contamination.
Summary
While many crystals can safely interact with water, it is essential to know which ones need to be kept dry to avoid dissolution, toxicity, or physical damage. By understanding each crystal's properties and properly selecting cleaning and energy transfer methods, you can safely and effectively enjoy all the benefits crystals offer. Always research the specific stone's characteristics in advance and follow safety guidelines to make your spiritual and healing practices as responsible as possible.
To learn more about the safe use of crystals, visit our website. Stay informed, choose thoughtfully, and enjoy your crystal journey with confidence and responsibility!