When to Cleanse Crystals
Begin right after you buy or receive it. Then after that, if you wear a stone for healing purposes, it needs cleansing and “recharging” fairly often.
If worn as jewellery, you can opt to cleanse them daily or weekly, especially after they start looking dull. Crystals that are used to cleanse our environment (such as selenite in your home) should be cleansed monthly.
Healing crystals, or gemstones, are part of a category called “vibrational healing.” They both absorb and give energy, so it’s important to discard any built-up negativity.
You can cleanse your stones based on their type and colour. For example, for softer stones such as malachite or selenite, you can use sunlight or moonlight rather than water (so the water doesn’t “wash away” any properties). Whichever method you choose, gemstone cleaning doesn’t need to be a hassle.
Here are the Most Effective, Convenient Ways to Cleanse and Recharge Your Healing Crystals:
1. Natural Water
Water neutralises the negative energy stored in the stone and directs it back to the earth.
Rinse your crystals by placing them under directly water for 4 to 5 minutes.
Important to note: Water does have a physical force, so be sure to only clean hard stones such as amethyst, turquoise or quartz with this method.
2. Sunlight or Moonlight
Sunlight and moonlight can charge and clean your gemstone.
The sun will supply a newly harvested gemstone with solar energy. For stones that are susceptible to discoloration under the strong sun (such as amethyst, rose quartz or amber, you can opt to put them out at dawn for an hour.
Important to note: Moonlight is a more delicate (and non colour-altering) method that is especially effective with a full moon. Because the moon is at its brightest and full potential when full, it can increase the stone’s vibrations.
3. Earth
You can use the elements of the earth by burying your stones underground for a full day. Let the earth soak up all the unwanted energies contained within the stones so they are cleansed and refreshed.
4. Fire Power
You can use fire or smoke to cleanse your stones by quickly burning your stones or smudging. Direct fire immediately burns away any negative energy and is done in a matter of seconds over a candle. Smudging can be done with sage or palo santo or commercial incense like sandalwood or cedar which is known to remove negativity.
Wave your stone over your smoke source for 20 to 30 seconds to cleanse it while simultaneously purifying your home.
5. Salt Water
A salt water bath is one of the most common methods to clean your gemstones. Throughout history, salt has been used in all religions for rituals and as a vehicle to absorb unwanted energy.
With this technique, soak your stones overnight in water with a pinch of sea salt. Ideally, if you have access to sea water, you can bring them back to nature and let them sit in the sea in a mesh bag. Make sure to give them a rinse in clear water after the salt bath to remove any residue.
Important to note: It is not always advisable to use salt water to cleanse stones as the salt can damage certain delicate stones, such as hematite or pyrite.
6. Other Stones
Certain crystals and clusters (like quartz or amethyst) have the ability to absorb and regenerate other stones. One of the most popular cleansing crystals that can purify gemstones of their negativity is selenite.
To cleanse your stones, lay them on selenite for at least six hours (but the longer the better). Selenite and clear quartz clusters actually amplify the energy of your other stones. They have the ability to absorb, neutralise, and then recharge your stones with higher vibrations.
7. Meditation
Yes, you can meditate your way to cleansed stones! There are ways to clean and meditate with your gemstones at the same time.
You can balance your own energies during meditation by blowing balanced breath onto your crystals. It’s important to state an intention so you can refuel your gemstone after you clean it. If you practice this form of crystal cleansing regularly, it will come naturally. And the calmness of your being will allow for true stone sterilisation.
Important to note: Do not do this in vain. Make sure you practice this with relaxed and true meditation. A double whammy is to do a meditation-cleanse during a full moon!