How to Look After Your Crystals
Crystal Care Basics
Simple, gentle ways to look after your crystals — from physical care to energetic cleansing. No perfect routine required.
Looking after your crystals does not need to feel complicated. For many people, crystal care becomes a gentle part of the relationship they build with their stones — as simple as keeping them clean, storing them thoughtfully, and taking a quiet moment to reconnect from time to time.
Simple and mindful is enough.
Physical Care Basics
Some crystals are harder and more durable than others, while some are softer, more delicate, or sensitive to water, sunlight, or rough handling.
- Handle with care — Try not to drop, knock, or pile delicate crystals together, especially polished pieces, points, or softer stones.
- Store thoughtfully — Pouches, boxes, trays, or small bowls all work beautifully. Wrapping delicate pieces softly prevents chips or scratches.
- Be mindful with water — Not all crystals are suitable for water cleansing. Some can become damaged, dissolve, or crack. When unsure, check first.
- Be mindful with sunlight — Some crystals may fade if left in strong direct sunlight for long periods.
Energetic Care & Cleansing
I bought a crystal now what?
I always suggest ‘cleansing’ a crystal, gemstone or gemstone jewellery when you purchase it. It is simply the name given to the process of ‘cleaning’ or removing the residual energy that may be on the crystal from people who have handled it, worked it (such as polishing/carving), etc.
Some crystals are self-cleansing, where this isn’t necessary, such as Amethyst, Calcite, Carnelian, Kyanite, etc., to name a few. However, I think it is such a nice way to make that initial connection to your new crystals.
I think of it as a bit like introducing you to each other, as you would when you are making a new friend.
- Water
The quickest way to cleanse a crystal is with water, with the caveat that TOXIC crystals such as cinnabar, copper crystals, etc (see Toxic crystals for more info) and salt formations such as halite, selenite, etc.
Place the crystal in a bowl of water or under the tap as if you were washing mud or dirt off it.
2. Salt
I hear many recommend salt water and again this is not to be used for toxic crystals or salt formations.
Personally it is not my favourite as you must remember if soaking in a salt solution to then wash it carefully and even then there may still be salt residue on the crystal.
This can result in salt crystals forming on the surface of the crystal which can damage the polished surface of polished crystals.
Another way of using salt is to create a salt ring and place the crystals in the centre this can be done for all crystals as it is dry.
Although, avoid doing this in any space that is ‘damp’.
3. 
Smoke Cleansing
Smudge, Burning herbs, Incense
All over the world, herbs have been used to cleanse and purify energies, especially to create a ‘sacred space’ where the energy is pure.
Native American Indians use smudgeing herbs such as white sage, blue sage, copal, sweet grass etc often bound together to form a ‘smudge stick’. These are then lit at the end and the flame wafted out to allow the herbs to smoulder and produce the smoke which is then fanned over a crystal, place or person sometimes using a hand or a special feather to waft the smoke over what is to be cleansed.
Palo santo wood is used in South American shamans this wood is lit like an incense stick and again the smoke is wafted over the crystals or space.
Other herbs and resins can be used such as, lavender, ceder, myhrr, frankinsense, copal, etc. These would often be burned in a special receptacle with a charcoal disk.
NOTE: ventilate when burning herbs, stub out extinguish burning herbs when finished, Do not leave unattended and this method is not recommended for anyone who may have respiratory issues.
4.🔔 Sound
So simple and easy to do, and can be used for all crystals.
Singing bowls, drums, tings-ha bells, rattles, other percussive instruments, or simply clapping hands.
Use the sound around the crystals and this will cleans them.
5.🌙 Full Moon & Sun
All crystals can be placed somewhere to receive the light of the full moon.
Some like to place in the light for 24 hours on a full moon to receive the light of the moon and the sun.
6. Intention
Hold a crystal and set the intention that it be cleared and refreshed. Never underestimate the power of quiet, focused attention.
7. Selenite
Place your crystals near or on selenite as part of a gentle cleansing or recharging routine.
If you will place crystals so they may also be in the sun, be mindful that crystals such as Amethyst and Fluorite are quite prone to the bleaching effects of the sun, so if you can dapple the light, maybe by placing them in dappled light, such as under the shade of pot plants.
8. Other Crystals
You can also simply use other crystals to keep your crystals and gemstone jewellery cleansed and charged. Simply place your crystals, stones near any of the following crystals;
Amethyst
Apophyllite
Calcite
Carnelian
Kyanite
Quartz
Selenite
How Often Should I Cleanse?
There is no strict rule. You might choose to cleanse your crystals:
- When you first receive them
- After using them during emotional or intense times
- At the start of a new month or season
- Whenever it simply feels right
Your relationship with your crystals can guide you here.
Crystal Care Basics
- Gather your crystals in a quiet space
- ]Wipe away any dust gently if needed
- Choose a cleansing method that feels suitable
- Hold each crystal for a moment
- Notice how it feels to reconnect
- Return it to its place with care
Gentle care is enough. Connection matters more than perfection.
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What Are Crystals?
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Ways to Work with Crystals
Crystal care can be as simple as you need it to be.
Take what resonates, leave what doesn't.