Crystal Care Guide

Crystal Care Guide

Taking care of your crystals can feel like a daunting — even mystical — task, especially if you’re just starting out. With so many different stones, cleansing rituals, and do’s and don’ts floating around, it’s easy to feel unsure of what’s right. But don’t worry — crystal care doesn’t have to be complicated.

By learning how to care for your crystals, you’re not only protecting their physical form — you’re also deepening your energetic connection to them. And that’s where the real magic begins.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just welcomed your first healing stone into your life, this guide is here to support you. We’ll walk you through everything from simple cleansing rituals to knowing which crystals should never go in water or sit in the sun.

Cleansing Your Crystals

Crystals naturally absorb energy — from you, your environment, and anyone who comes into contact with them. Over time, this energetic build-up can leave them feeling heavy, dull, or “off.” That’s why regular cleansing is essential: it helps clear away stagnant or negative energy and resets your crystals so they can continue to support you at their highest vibration.

There are many ways to cleanse your crystals, and the “right” method often comes down to the type of crystal you’re working with, your intention, and what resonates most with you.

Below is a brief overview of some of the most popular cleansing practices:

Moonlight

One of the gentlest and most popular methods. Simply place your crystals on a windowsill, balcony, or outdoor space during the full moon. The moon’s energy is subtle but powerful, and it’s safe for nearly all types of stones.

Water

Rinsing your crystals under cool, running water can wash away lingering energy — but not all crystals are water-safe. Avoid using water for soft or porous stones like selenite, malachite, pyrite, or lepidolite, as they can dissolve or become damaged.

Smoke (Smudging)

Pass your crystals through the smoke of sacred herbs like sage, palo santo, or incense. This method is excellent for quick, energetic resets and works well for most crystals.

Sound

Use a singing bowl, tuning fork, bell, or even your own voice to bathe your crystals in sound vibrations. This technique is ideal for cleansing multiple stones at once, and especially helpful if you want to avoid physical contact with more delicate pieces.

During any cleansing or purification ritual, your most powerful tool is your intention. Whether you’re gently rinsing your crystal under water or passing it through sacred smoke, approach the process with mindfulness. Visualise any heavy, stagnant, or unwanted energy being released, and set a clear intention to restore the crystal’s natural clarity and vibration.

Charging Your Crystals

Once your crystals have been cleansed, it’s time to charge them — to refill them with energy and align them with your intentions. Just like us, crystals benefit from rest and rejuvenation. Charging helps amplify their natural properties and ensures they’re vibrating at their highest frequency.

There are a few beautiful and effective ways to do this:

Moonlight Charging

The full moon is a favourite among crystal lovers for good reason. Its gentle yet powerful energy is ideal for charging all types of crystals. Simply place your stones on a windowsill or outside overnight during the full moon. Allow them to bathe in lunar light and absorb that nurturing, divine energy.

Sunlight Charging

The sun’s energy is vibrant and activating — perfect for crystals that need a boost of vitality or masculine energy. Just be cautious: some crystals (like amethyst, rose quartz, or citrine) may fade with prolonged sun exposure. If in doubt, limit their time in direct sunlight to an hour or two.

Earth Charging

Burying your crystals in the earth (even just a pot of soil) allows them to reconnect with their natural origin. Leave them buried for 24 hours to fully recharge with grounding, stabilising energy.

Intention Charging (Palm Method)

Sometimes, the most powerful charging comes from within.

Hold your cleansed crystal in the palm of your hand. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths and bring your awareness into your heart space. Then, set an intention — a clear, focused purpose for the crystal.

You might say silently or out loud:

“I charge this crystal with the energy of protection and peace.”
“I ask this stone to support me in speaking my truth.”
“May this crystal help me stay grounded and balanced.”

Your intention acts as a blueprint — programming the crystal with the energy you need most. It’s this ritual of connection that transforms a stone into a trusted energetic ally.

Crystal-Specific Care

To make things easier, we’ve created a simple table below outlining some of the most popular crystals — along with important care notes and special precautions to keep in mind.

Crystal	Water Safe?	Sunlight Safe?	Special Precautions
Selenite	❌ No	✅ Yes	Very soft (Mohs 2); avoid water, can dissolve. Cleanse with smoke, sound, or moonlight.
Malachite	❌ No	✅ Limited	Toxic in raw form. Avoid water. Use smoke or sound. Handle polished pieces only.
Lepidolite	❌ No	✅ Yes	Fragile and may flake. Avoid water; use gentle smoke.
Hematite	❌ No	✅ Yes	Iron-rich; rusts in water. Wipe clean with dry cloth.
Pyrite	❌ No	✅ Yes	Can oxidize and tarnish in water. Avoid salt water.
Turquoise	❌ No	✅ Limited	Porous and delicate. Avoid water and sunlight. Use gentle smoke or moonlight.
Kyanite	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Generally safe, but avoid long soaks. No need to cleanse often — self-clearing.
Carnelian	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Generally hardy. Can fade in prolonged sunlight.
Amethyst	✅ Yes	❌ No	Will fade in direct sunlight over time. Use moonlight for charging.
Rose Quartz	✅ Yes	❌ No	May fade in sunlight. Great with moonlight.
Citrine	✅ Yes	❌ No	Natural citrine is sensitive to heat and light. Store away from direct sun.
Obsidian	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Water-safe. Handle carefully, sharp edges. Cleanse with any method.
Fluorite	❌ No	✅ Yes	Can become brittle in water. Prefer smoke or moonlight.
Labradorite	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Water-safe, but brief exposure. Use moonlight or smoke.
Smoky Quartz	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Hardy and easy to care for. Great with sunlight or moonlight.
Black Tourmaline	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Grounding stone. Cleanse often. Safe with all methods.
Aquamarine	✅ Yes	❌ No	Fades in sunlight. Use moonlight or water sparingly.
Moonstone	✅ Yes	❌ No	Sensitive to strong sun; great with moonlight (of course!).
Clear Quartz	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Extremely versatile. Can cleanse other stones.
Tigers Eye	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Hardy and solar-friendly. Avoid acidic cleaners.

Gentle Reminder

Crystals are deeply personal and energetically alive. By learning how to care for each one, you're strengthening your connection — and ensuring they stay with you for years to come. Trust your intuition, follow the basic guidelines, and treat them with love.