Have you ever heard of how to purify stones without ruining them? If the answer is no, don’t worry! I will guide you through some calm stress-free methods. If you are like me, you know that crystals are not only beautiful, but also powerful instruments of energy. Each crystal is a small universe, holding a unique vibration and an ancient memory.
Just like us, crystals need to ‘rest’ after absorbing too many vibrations. Especially if you use them for work, meditation, energy balancing or simply to connect with subtle energies, it is important to purify them carefully and attentively.
But how to do it without risking damaging them? In this article, I will guide you through an integrated vision, that of a crystal lover, the heart of an energy therapist and the sientifc knowledge of a geologist. We will combine the crystal therapy approach with scientific knowledge to help you care for your stones in the safest and most energetically respectful way possible.
Why purifying stones is important
Crystals are not only beautiful, they are energetic allies that absorb, store and transform the vibrations of the environment and the people using them. Over time, crystals can ‘get tired’, lose their vigour, or become energetically discharged.
Cleaning and recharging our crystals restore their natural vibration and brilliance. The first cleaning should always be done when we bring our crystal friends home. This removes the energies they have absorbed during transit and strenghthens the bond between us and the stone.
Methods for purifying stones
When choosing purification and recharging methods, it is essential to consider the physical naure of the crystal. Many are fragile, porous or even water-soluble, like the Himalayan salt rocks. Let us look at some of the most common, gentle, and effective purification methods:
#Fumigation (the safest):
Wrap the stone in smoke from white sage, palo santo or natural incense. The subtle action of the smoke is ideal for all crystals. Just ensure the stone is not exposed to direct heat, use the part of the smoke furthest from direct heat. By orienting our crystal so that it is only exposed to the smoke, we are sure not to damage the stone.
#Moonbath:
Expose the crystals to the direct light of the full Moon to discharge dissonant energy and recharge them. Place the crystals on a windowsill or outdoors (covered, if humid). However, be aware of the Moon’s current influences, sometimes it may carry energies that are not harmonious.
#Sunbath:
The crystals is exposed to direct sunlight. Use this method with caution. Crystals, like amethyst and topaz can fade under UV light. Heat also plays a role in colour changes, as seen in amethyst and citrine quartz. Two quartz crystals identical in chemical composition whose colour variation is caused by exposure to different temperatures during their formation. Use this method only for sun- safe crystals and for short duration.
#Wheat rice:
Place the crystal in a bowl of brown rice for 12-24 hours. The rice absorbs stagnant energy and helps restore the crystal’s natural glow. Discard the rice afterwards, avoid this method with damp or porous stones.
#Druse and selenite:
Resting the crystals on an amethyst druse or selenite slab is a gentle and continuous way to keep them purified. Selenite is self-clensing making this method one of the safest and most effective. This is my peronal favourite method, placing the crystals on a druse or selenite slab is like briging them back to its energetic origin.
#Sound:
Use a Tibetan bell, a tuning fork or a quartz bowl. High-frequency sound ‘sweeps away’ stagnant energy. This method is perfect for those who meditate with crystals. Just ensure you are using high quality instruments.
#Reiki:
Use Reiki energy to clear and recharge your crystals. Place the stone in front of you, activate the energy and let it flow through your hands. Visualise the purification of the crystal. Some crystals like quartz and amethyst, are particularly receprtive to Reiki energies, while self-cleansing stones like selenite need less.
What never to do
Not all crystals respond to the same treatments. Some can be permanently damaged. Here are common mestakes to avoid:
- Coarse salt can scratch and dehydrate many stones, especially those with copper or iron.
- Running water: not recommended for porous or water-soluble stones. Stones containing gypsum such as selenite, containing sulphur such as celestine or sulphur itself could be affected by this treatment. Crystals containing copper or iron such as malachite or haematite could oxidise when exposed to water. Lepidolite, which is a very delicate stone being porous and friable under water, would be irreparably damaged. In addition to oxidation, running water could cause structural damage to this type of stone such as cracks or fractures as well as physically penetrating the stone, creating moisture inside.
- Direct sunlight can fade amethyst, fluorite and rose quartz.
- Soaps, alcohol or chemicals should never be used. Avoid exposing crystals to perfumes, cosmeticsm or cleaning agents.
My personal ritual
As a crystal therapist, I am committed to caring for my crystalline helpers. When I use crystals in treatments, especially in contact with the skin, I wash them under running water (only if they are silicon-based like quartz). After drying them, I place the crystals on an amethyst druse for 24 hours to purify and recharge them.
Purifying crystals is not just a technical task, it is a gesture of respect towards a living instrument that works alongside us. By regularly cleansing our crystals, we honour the relationship, and keep the energy vibrant and aligned.
When I use a stone, whether for personal use or for a treatment, I like to take care of them to the best of my ability. Showing, respect and love for these little helpers that facilitate my work.
How to understand when it is time to purify your stones
Once, during a meditation with a labradorite crystal, I felt a tingling in my hand, like the crystal was asking to rest. I placed it on an amethyst druse and noticed a renewed clarity afterwards. This experience taaught me that crystals speak to us, if we listen.
Crystals last thousands of years, but they still benefit from rest. if used personally they don’t need daily purification, monthy is often enough. If used for treatments they should be cleansed after each session.
How do we know when to purify our stones that have accumulations or are drained? If we hone our senses to feel our crystal, we only need to hold it in our hands to understand its energy. The sensations we get from the stone such as warmth, tingling, heaviness, make us realise that the crystal needs cleansing. Also, the appearance of the crystal can also give us clues as to its state, a dull apparence or faded energy is a sign that the stone need clensing and recharging.
Laura, a client of mine, tells me that for her, the time for cleaning is when the crystal feels heavy. Like Laura we should listen to our instincts, when the crystal no longer feels in harmony, it is time to clean it.
Your guide to window cleaning
| Method | Sure for all stones? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fumigation | ✅ | The most universal method |
| Full moon | ✅(with caution) | Good for recharging and purification |
| Brown rice | ✅ (with caution) | Avoid with porous and damp stones |
| Druse / selenite | ✅ | Ideal for maintenance and recharging |
| Sound | ✅ | Also clears the environment |
| Water / salt | ❌ | Only on specific, resistant stones |
Take care of them and they will take care of you
Purifying a crystal is more thana cleaning process, it is an act of connection, gratitude and awareness. Wether you are new to crystal or a seasoned practitioner, always remember the beauty of crystal lies not only outside, but also within.
Now that you know how to purify stones, I encourage you to try. It is not only a way to make them shine again, but also an act to renew your energy. Remember, it’s not a competition, it’s a journey. Each crystal responds differently, so enjoy discovering what works best. Let me know in the comments.
If you have any questions or curiosity, I am here to answer them.
WARNING! Crystal therapy is not a medical treatment and does not replace the advice or treatment of a medical professional. You should consult your physician before undertaking any crystal therapy treatment, especially in the case of a present medical condition or persistent pain. The purpose of crystal therapy is to support general wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to purify stones with salt?
Salt is a powerful but can be harsh. To purify stones with salt, place them on a bed of coarse salt and let them rest for a few hours or even overnight. The salt will absorb the negative energies. Be careful not to use this method on porous or delicate crystals as they could be damaged.
How to purify newly purchased stones?
Newly purchased stones should be purified to remove transit or shop energies. This can be done by using methods such as fumigation with sage or palo santo, or leaving them on an amethyst drusa for a while. Another method would be to wash them under running water only if the crystal is water safe.
How to purify stones with the Full Moon?
Leave the crystals outside or on a windowsill under the moonlight overnight. This process not only purifies, but also recharges the stones. But be mindful of the Moon’s specific influences at the time you expose the crystal to its light
How to purify stones with incense?
Incense, such as palo santo or white sage, are effective elements for purifying crystals. Light an incense stick and gently pass the crystal through the smoke, focusing on the intention to release negative energies. This process can be done at any time, as long as the incense is natural and chemical-free.
What happens if you do not purify the stones?
If you do not purify the stones, they may accumulate stagnant energies, reducing their ability to work at full capacity. Stones may become ‘saturated’ with external energies, compromising their effect on people or environments. Purification is essential to maintain the energetic effectiveness of the crystals.
Which stones can be purified with water?
Not all stones can be purified with water, as some are sensitive to this element. Stones such as amethyst, crystal quartz, agate and tourmaline are safe with water, while stones such as selenite and haematite should never be immersed. Knowing the characteristics of the crystal is important to avoid ruining it.
How to purify stones with the Holy Pole?
The holy stake is ideal for cleaning stones because of its purifying properties. Light a stick of palo santo and, when the smoke starts to spread, pass the stone through it for a few minutes. This process will help release stagnant energies and recharge the stone with positive energy.