Crystal Care 101: What Not to Do (And What To Do Instead)
Good care keeps your crystals beautiful and safe—especially softer minerals and glass-based stones. Use this straight-shot guide to avoid common mistakes and learn simple, safe alternatives.
Top 7 things NOT to do
- Don’t soak soft or porous stones
- Why: Water can weaken structure, dissolve minerals, or seep into pores.
- At risk: Malachite, Selenite (if you carry later), Calcite, Lepidolite (Purple Mica), Kambaba Jasper, Lapis Lazuli (prolonged), Hematite, Pyrite, dyed/composite stones.
- Do this instead: Dry wipe with a soft cloth or a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately.
- Don’t use saltwater or abrasive cleaners
- Why: Salt is corrosive; abrasives scratch. Porous stones absorb residue.
- At risk: Most stones; especially Malachite, Turquoise, Howlite, Lapis, Opalite/Goldstone (glass).
- Do this instead: Mild soap on hard quartz-only (Clear Quartz) sparingly, or stick to dry cleaning.
- Don’t leave color-sensitive stones in the sun
- Why: UV fades pigments over time.
- At risk: Amethyst, Fluorite, Rose Quartz, Dyed stones, some Jaspers.
- Do this instead: Indirect window light for 1–3 hours is plenty; store away from direct sun.
- Don’t drop or knock glass and brittle stones
- Why: They chip, crack, or shatter.
- At risk: Opalite, Goldstone (man-made glass), Obsidian (volcanic glass), points/tips on towers.
- Do this instead: Handle over soft surfaces; store in a pouch or on a tray.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners
- Why: Chemicals etch or discolor; ultrasonics can fracture inclusions.
- At risk: Most stones. Avoid household sprays and alcohol.
- Do this instead: Microfiber cloth, gentle breath, or a quick sound cleanse.
- Don’t bury stones in damp soil or leave outside
- Why: Moisture + minerals = corrosion/staining; outdoor loss or damage.
- At risk: All, especially metals and porous stones.
- Do this instead: “Earth” safely with a bowl of dry rice or place on a wood tray.
- Don’t overthink “perfect” cleansing cycles
- Why: Consistency beats rituals. Over-cleansing can risk damage.
- Do this instead: Refresh when a stone feels dull/heavy, after travel, or weekly.
Safe, simple care checklist
Physical cleaning
- Always: Dry wipe with a soft cloth or makeup brush.
- Optional: Slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately (avoid porous/soft stones).
- Display: Use a small tray; keep away from edges and direct vents.
Energetic refresh (no-mess methods)
- Sound: 15–30 seconds with a small bell or chime.
- Window light: 1–3 hours indirect light (skip harsh sun).
- Quartz companion: Rest near a Clear Quartz tower or cluster.
Stone-specific cautions (quick reference)
- Malachite: Avoid water, acids, and salt. Wipe dry only.
- Turquoise/Howlite: Porous—avoid chemicals; gentle dry care.
- Lapis Lazuli: Brief, minimal water only; dry immediately.
- Lepidolite (Purple Mica): Very soft—dry wipe only.
- Fluorite/Amethyst/Rose Quartz: Color can fade—limit sun.
- Obsidian/Opalite/Goldstone: Glass—avoid drops/impacts.
- Dyed/Composite stones (Cherry Quartz, Malachite Turquoise, K9 glass): Avoid water/chemicals; treat like delicate décor.
Storage and display tips
- Pouches for travel; trays or ring dishes at home.
- Separate harder Quartz points from softer stones to prevent scratching.
- Keep man-made glass away from edges; use felt pads under towers.
When to retire a stone
- Sharp chips or cracks that can cut skin.
- Color bleed from dyed stones.
- If it no longer feels “right,” keep it as décor or pass it on thoughtfully.
Cross-sell picks (insert your links)
- Clear Quartz – Tower 40 mm (universal harmonizer)
- Selenite plate alternative: Use Clear Quartz tower pairing
- Soft pouches and trays (add your accessories if available)