The gentlest ways to cleanse crystals are smoke, sound, selenite and moonlight, because they suit every stone. Water and salt only suit hard, non-porous stones. Cleansing is a ritual for resetting a stone after use.
The seven methods
| Method | How | Time | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoke | Pass the stone through incense or herb smoke | 30 to 60 seconds | Every stone |
| Sound | Ring a singing bowl, bell or tingsha next to the stones | 1 to 2 minutes | Every stone, good for many at once |
| Selenite | Lay stones on a selenite plate | Overnight | Every stone |
| Moonlight | Place stones on a windowsill at night | Overnight | Every stone |
| Running water | Hold under lukewarm water, then dry | 30 seconds | Hard stones only |
| Earth | Bury in dry soil or a plant pot | Overnight to a day | Hard, non-porous stones |
| Breath and intention | Hold the stone, breathe out slowly, state that it is cleared | 1 minute | Every stone, anywhere |
Which stones should avoid water?
Selenite, malachite, pyrite, hematite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, fluorite and calcite. See the full chart in Crystals that cannot go in water.
How often should I cleanse?
There is no rule. Common habits are to cleanse a new stone when it arrives, after heavy use, and once a month at the full moon. Check dates in the moon calendar.
A simple routine
- Open a window.
- Light a stick of low-smoke incense in a safe holder.
- Pass each stone through the smoke.
- Set an intention for the stone, see How to program a crystal.
Cleansing is a tradition. There is no scientific evidence that crystals hold or release energy. Think of it as a small ritual of attention.
Can I cleanse crystals with salt?
Dry salt scratches soft stones, and salt water damages many. If you use salt, place the stone in a small dish that sits on top of the salt.
Do I need a singing bowl?
No. A bell or a clap works for the same ritual. If you want one, see Singing bowls: types and sizes.