Crystals have been used throughout human history to access the energies of the Earth for healing, protection and abundance. In recent years, the popularity of crystals has exploded, with people using them for everything from manifesting their dreams to improving their sleep quality.
While there are many benefits to working with crystals, it’s important to know how to use them. The benefits of using crystals are vast, but it’s important to remember that not all crystals work the same way.
Crystal experts typically recommend avoiding water altogether when working with certain stones, as doing so can diminish their power. In other cases, the crystals are a health hazard when they come in contact with water. They can dissolve and release toxins into the water, which can be harmful to your health.
This is especially important for crystal cleansing. Some crystals, like Selenite, can be easily dissolved in water and should not be cleansed with water.
In this article, we’ll explore the crystals that should not be put in water and why.
How to Tell whether a Crystal is Water-Safe or Not
There are a couple of factors to account for if you want to know whether it is safe to put a crystal in water or not.
The first is the crystal’s composition. Some crystals, like selenite and calcite, are made of minerals that dissolve in water. If you put these crystals in water, their structure will change and they will release harmful toxins into the water.
Then, find out if and how the crystal was treated before it was sold to you. Some crystals are treated with oils or waxes to make them shine. If you put these crystals in water, the chemicals from the treatment can also leach into the water and be harmful to your health.
Other factors to consider are hardness (how hard a crystal is compared to the others), and its toxicity when soaked.
Composition
The first factor to consider when determining whether a crystal is safe to put in water is its composition. Some crystals, like gypsum and halite, are made of minerals that dissolve in water. If you put these crystals in water, their structure will change and they will dissolve.
Hardness
Crystals that are soft, like malachite, will dissolve when put in water. Thus, it’s important to consult a hardness chart when working with crystals. Specifically, we recommend taking a look at the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
This scale rates minerals based on their hardness, with talc being the softest at number one and diamond being the hardest at number ten. If a crystal rates below a five on the Mohs scale, it’s not safe to put in water, as it will either dissolve or crack while soaked.
Stones that are safe to cleanse in water have a hardness of five or above. This includes popular crystals like amethyst, citrine, quartz and tourmaline.
Warning: even some stones with a Mohs hardness of seven can be harmed by water. For example, lapis lazuli can develop cracks and fissures when soaked in water.
Toxicity
Some crystals, like Brazilianite, contain toxins that can be released when put into contact with water. These crystals should not come into contact with your skin or ingested in any way.
Instead of using water to cleanse these stones, use a dry method like your own breathing, sunlight, brown rice, or sound healing.
To be sure a crystal is safe to use, always consult a reputable source before adding it to your collection.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of what not to do with your crystals, let’s take a look at some specific stones that should never come into contact with water.
Treatment
As we mentioned before, some crystals are treated with oils or waxes to make them shine. If you put these crystals in water, the chemicals from the treatment can leach into the water and be harmful to your health.
Water-Unsafe Crystals
If you need these crystal’s energy, remember to never, ever put them in water. At best, they’ll dissolve and you’ll lose them. At worst, they’ll release dangerous toxins into your water.
Here’s the list:
Selenite
Selenite is a soft, white mineral that often looks like glass. It should not come into contact with water as it will dissolve and release its gypsum content into the liquid.
Selenite is a popular mineral for energy work and can be used to cleanse other crystals. Its main properties are those of calmness and balance. Holding selenite in your hand will help you release tension and relax.
Citrine
Citrine is a yellow, orange, and brown crystal.
Citrine symbolizes optimism. If you’re looking for a happy, prosperity-attracting crystal, citrine is a great choice
It is used to attract into your life:
- Wealth
- Success
- Happiness
Citrine is also a stone of creativity and can help you come up with new ideas.
Editor’s note: much like Chalcopyrite, it can be washed in water, but if left there for more than a couple of minutes, will start releasing toxins.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a blue crystal with white streaks running through it. It is a hard mineral, but it can develop cracks and fissures when soaked in water.
Lapis lazuli is said to be a powerful stone for opening the third eye chakra. It can help you connect with your intuition and psychic abilities. Lapis lazuli is also used for protection.
Malachite
Malachite is a green crystal that often has bands of dark and light green running through it.
Malachite is used for a variety of things, including but not limited to:
- Aid in spiritual development
- Bringing change
- Helping with transitions
- Helping you find your true path in life
- Protecting you from negative energy
Brazilianite
This is a green, yellow, and brown crystal that should not be put in water because it contains toxins.
Brazilianite is said to be a powerful stone for manifesting your desires into reality. It can help you attract what you want into your life and bring about positive change. It also symbolizes the sun enlightening your path and opening your mind.
Aquamarine
Aquamarines are variably colored gemstones that are blue in color, and can either be enhanced with copper or by copper inclusions. Aquamarine is a hard mineral.
Aquamarine is a cooling stone that can help:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Promote peacefulness and clarity of mind
- Protect you from negative thoughts
Fluorite
Fluorite is a purple, green, or blue crystal used in a variety of ways, such as:
- Reducing stress
- Helping with concentration
- Aiding in communication
Fluorite is also said to be a stone of protection. It can help to shield you from negative energy and unfavorable situations.
Also Read: Can Fluorite Be Put in Water?
Hematite
Hematite is a grey, black, or silver crystal that is used to:
- Draw out negative energy
- Help with depression or anxiety
- Stabilize emotions
- Promote courage
Hematite is also said to help you connect with your intuition. It can be a great stone for those who are just starting out on their spiritual journey.
Howlite
Howlite is a white crystal used to:
- Aid in insomnia
- Help you relax
- Reduce stress and anxiety
Howlite is also said to help you connect with your intuition. It can be a great stone for those who are just starting out on their spiritual journey.
Black Tourmaline
Black tourmaline is a dark, black crystal that often has a shiny surface. While black tourmaline is a hard crystal, it should not be put in water as it can dissolve and release toxins into the liquid.
It is said to be a powerful protection stone and can be used to ward off negative energy.
Historically, it has been used to treat injuries and help with the healing process.
Smithsonite
Smithsonite is a pink, blue, or green crystal that can help you:
- Release negative emotions
- Bring in positive change
- Achieve spiritual growth
- Spiritually connect with others
Smithsonite is said to be a stone of communication, helping you to communicate your needs and feelings. It can also help you to find your voice.
Chalcopyrite
Also known as peacock ore, chalcopyrite is a copper mineral that often has purple and turquoise flecks running through it.
It is said to be a stone of abundance, helping you to attract wealth and prosperity into your life. Chalcopyrite can also help you release anger and frustration, making it a great stone for those who tend to hold onto negative emotions.
While chalcopyrite is a hard crystal, it should not be put in water as it can release toxins into the liquid.
Editor’s note: you can use water to cleanse chalcopyrite, but make it as short as possible. If you let it soak, it’ll start releasing toxins into the water.
Sugilite
Sugilite is a purple crystal that can help with:
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Anxiety
Sugilite is also said to be a stone of protection. It shields you from negative energy and unfavorable situations. Carrying some sugilite with you will avoid negative energy from taking over you.
Like other crystals on this list, it will crumble when put in water.
How Could You Use These Crystals?
Water and crystals are a match made in heaven – when you use crystals that are water-safe.
But if you want to harness the power of water-unsafe crystals, here are a couple of ideas on how to use them:
- Hold them in your hands for a bit to feel their energy.
- Set them on your altar or in a special space to amplify their power.
- Meditate with them.
- Carry them with you as a talisman or amulet.
- Make a jewelry piece with them, so you can always carry them with you.
Another idea is to place them around your house. Places where you can feel their energy best include your pillowcase (just make sure it’s safe for your head), and plants (but don’t water the plants if you’re using water-unsafe crystals!).
How to Cleanse Water-Unsafe Crystals?
There are a few different ways that you can cleanse water-unsafe crystals.
- The first is to use your own breath. Simply hold the crystal in your hand and blow on it three times.
- Another way to cleanse these crystals is to put them in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sun’s rays will purify the crystal and release any harmful toxins.
- Another way to cleanse water-unsafe crystals is to bury them in brown rice for a few days. The rice will absorb any impurities and neutralize any harmful toxins.
- The final way to cleanse these stones is with sound healing. You can use a singing bowl, tuning fork, or any other type of sound healing tool to purify the crystal.
How Often Should You Cleanse Your Crystals?
How often you should cleanse your crystals depends on how often you use them.
If you’re using them every day, then we recommend cleansing them once a week. If you’re only using them occasionally, then they only need to be cleansed once a month.
No matter how often you’re using them, we recommend cleansing them every time they come into contact with something negative, like arguments or stressful situations.
Now that you know what not to do with your crystals, you can be sure to take care of them properly. With a little bit of knowledge and care, you can enjoy your crystals for years to come.
Conclusions
Crystals are a great vehicle for our wellbeing. They can be used in many ways to improve our lives. However, it’s important to remember that they are a natural product and should be treated with respect.
When using crystals, always be sure to consult a trusted source to ensure you’re using them safely and effectively. And when in doubt, err on the side of caution. Your safety is always more important than the crystal.
So, now you know what crystals should not be put in water. As with any other material, it is important to take care of your crystals and to use them in the right way. With a little knowledge and care, you can enjoy your crystals for years to come.
Always be careful when you’re handling crystals. If you’re not sure if a crystal is water-safe, it’s best to avoid putting it in water. You risk ruining them. Always do your due research before working with any crystal.
Also Read: 14 Water-Safe Crystals and Their Properties (With Pictures)
