Keep selenite, malachite, pyrite, hematite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, fluorite, calcite and celestite out of water. As a rule, stones softer than about 5 on the Mohs scale, porous stones and stones that contain iron or copper do not belong in water.
Why some crystals are damaged by water
| Reason | What happens | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Soft or slightly soluble | Surface turns dull, edges wear, the stone can flake | Selenite, calcite, celestite, angelite, halite |
| Contains iron | Rusts or tarnishes | Pyrite, hematite, magnetite |
| Porous | Absorbs water, color and polish change | Lapis lazuli, turquoise, some opal |
| Contains copper or other metals | Should not be soaked, and never used for drinking water | Malachite, azurite, chrysocolla |
| Brittle with fractures | Water in cracks widens them over time | Fluorite, some tourmaline |
Stones that tolerate a short rinse
Hard, non-porous stones can be rinsed briefly under lukewarm water and dried: clear quartz, amethyst, rose quartz, smoky quartz, citrine, agate, jasper, carnelian, tiger’s eye, aventurine and obsidian.
Even for these, skip salt water, hot water and long soaks. Salt gets into small cracks, and sudden temperature changes can crack a stone.
Safe ways to cleanse any crystal
- Smoke from incense
- Sound from a bowl or bell
- A night on a selenite plate
- A night in moonlight
See the step-by-step guide: How to cleanse crystals.
How do I know how hard my stone is?
Look it up on the Mohs scale. Our guide to the Mohs hardness scale lists common crystals.
My selenite got wet. Is it ruined?
A splash is not a disaster. Dry it at once with a soft cloth. Repeated wetting makes the surface dull and rough.
Can I put crystals in my drinking water?
Only with great care, and many stones never. Read Crystals and drinking water.