Quick Answer
To cleanse crystals, place them under running water for one to two minutes, leave them in moonlight overnight, use sage smoke for 30 seconds per stone, rest them on a selenite plate for six hours, or bury them in the earth for 24 hours. Always check that your specific crystal is safe for your chosen method before starting.
What Is Crystal Cleansing and Why Does It Matter?
Crystal cleansing is the practice of clearing accumulated energy from your stones so they can function at their full potential. Crystals absorb, store, and transmit energy from their surroundings and from the people who handle them. Over time, this stored energy can become stagnant or muddled, which many practitioners believe reduces the crystal's effectiveness for healing, meditation, and intention work.
Think of crystal cleansing like washing your hands after a long day. Your crystals interact with many different energies, and regular cleansing resets them to their natural state. Whether you use crystals for meditation, place them in your home for their calming properties, or wear them as jewelry, keeping them energetically clean is one of the most important habits you can build.
The concept of crystal cleansing has deep roots in multiple cultural traditions. Indigenous communities around the world have used smoke, water, sound, and earth to purify ceremonial stones for thousands of years. In Ayurvedic tradition, gemstones are routinely purified before they are used for healing. Modern crystal practitioners continue these time-honored methods while also developing new approaches that fit today's lifestyles.
It is worth noting that crystal cleansing is a spiritual and energetic practice. While many people report positive experiences, the effects are based on personal belief and centuries of traditional use rather than peer-reviewed clinical trials. That said, the ritual of cleansing your crystals can itself be a grounding, meditative experience that supports your overall well-being.
Signs Your Crystals Need Cleansing
Your crystals will often give you subtle signals when they need to be cleansed. Learning to recognize these signs helps you maintain a consistent cleansing practice. Here are the most common indicators:
- The crystal feels heavier than usual. When you pick up a stone that normally feels light and vibrant, and it seems dull or weighted down, that is a strong sign it has absorbed too much energy.
- Your intuitive connection feels weaker. If a crystal you normally feel drawn to suddenly seems uninteresting or flat, it may need a reset.
- The stone looks visually duller. While this can sometimes be a lighting issue, many practitioners notice that their crystals appear less lustrous when they are holding stagnant energy.
- You have been going through a stressful period. After arguments, illness, major life changes, or emotional upheaval, your crystals have likely absorbed much of that heavy energy.
- Someone else has handled your crystals. Other people transfer their energy to your stones through touch. If someone has picked up or admired your crystals, a cleansing afterward is a good idea.
- You just purchased or received a new crystal. New stones have passed through many hands before reaching you, from miners to wholesalers to shop owners. Always cleanse before first use.
- It has been more than 30 days since the last cleansing. Even if none of the above applies, monthly cleansing is a solid baseline practice.
10 Proven Methods to Cleanse Crystals
There is no single "correct" way to cleanse your crystals. The best method depends on the type of stone you are working with, the tools you have available, and your personal preferences. Below are ten effective methods, each with step-by-step instructions.
1 Running Water Cleansing
Running water is one of the quickest and most accessible cleansing methods. Natural sources like streams, rivers, or ocean waves are ideal, but tap water works well for most stones. The flowing motion of the water carries away stored energy and leaves the crystal refreshed.
How to do it: Hold your crystal under cool running water for one to two minutes. As the water flows over the stone, visualize the stagnant energy being washed away. Pat the crystal dry with a soft cloth when finished.
Best for: Quartz varieties, amethyst, citrine, agate, jasper, and other hard stones (Mohs hardness 6 or above).
Time needed: 1 to 2 minutes.
2 Moonlight Cleansing
Moonlight cleansing is the most popular method among crystal practitioners, and for good reason. It is gentle enough for every type of crystal, requires no special equipment, and connects your stones to the natural lunar cycle. Full moon light is considered the most potent, but any moon phase will work.
How to do it: Place your crystals on a windowsill, balcony, or outdoor surface where they will be exposed to moonlight. Leave them out from sunset until sunrise (roughly 10 to 12 hours). Retrieve them in the morning before prolonged sun exposure.
Best for: All crystal types, including water-sensitive and sun-sensitive stones.
Time needed: 10 to 12 hours (overnight).
3 Sunlight Cleansing
Sunlight provides a powerful, energizing cleanse that is particularly effective for crystals associated with vitality and confidence. However, direct sunlight can fade or damage certain stones, so this method requires more caution than moonlight.
How to do it: Place your crystals in direct morning sunlight for 15 to 30 minutes. Early morning light (before 10 AM) is gentler and less likely to cause fading. Do not leave stones in harsh midday sun for extended periods.
Best for: Sunstone, carnelian, tiger's eye, black tourmaline, clear quartz, and obsidian.
Time needed: 15 to 30 minutes.
4 Smoke Cleansing (Sage, Palo Santo, or Incense)
Smoke cleansing is one of the oldest purification methods across many cultures. The smoke is believed to carry negative energy away from the crystal, leaving it clear and refreshed. White sage, palo santo, cedar, and sweetgrass are the most commonly used materials, though frankincense and sandalwood incense also work well.
How to do it: Light your sage bundle, palo santo stick, or incense. Once it is producing a steady stream of smoke, hold each crystal in the smoke for 30 to 60 seconds. Rotate the stone so the smoke touches all sides. Open a window to allow the released energy to exit your space.
Best for: All crystal types. This is one of the safest universal methods.
Time needed: 30 to 60 seconds per crystal.
5 Sound Cleansing
Sound cleansing uses vibrations from singing bowls, tuning forks, bells, or chanting to break up and disperse stagnant energy. This method is especially useful when you need to cleanse a large collection of crystals at once, since the sound waves travel outward and reach multiple stones simultaneously.
How to do it: Place your crystals in front of you. Strike a singing bowl, ring a bell, or activate a tuning fork near the stones. Allow the sound to resonate for two to three minutes. You can also play a recording of Tibetan singing bowls if you do not own one.
Best for: All crystal types. Ideal for large collections.
Time needed: 2 to 5 minutes.
6 Salt or Sea Salt Cleansing
Salt has been used for purification in spiritual practices across the globe for centuries. Dry sea salt or Himalayan salt draws out negative energy from crystals effectively. You can use salt on its own or dissolve it in water for a saltwater soak.
How to do it (dry method): Fill a bowl with sea salt or Himalayan salt. Bury your crystal completely in the salt. Leave it for 6 to 24 hours. Discard the salt afterward, as it has absorbed the released energy. Do not reuse this salt for cooking or future cleansings.
How to do it (saltwater method): Dissolve one tablespoon of sea salt in a bowl of cool water. Submerge your crystal for 2 to 4 hours. Rinse with clean water and pat dry.
Best for: Hard, non-porous crystals like clear quartz, amethyst, smoky quartz, and black tourmaline (dry salt only for these).
Time needed: 2 to 24 hours.
7 Selenite Charging Plate
Selenite is one of the few crystals that practitioners believe does not need cleansing itself, and it can actually cleanse other stones placed on or near it. A selenite plate, bowl, or slab is a convenient tool that allows you to cleanse crystals passively without any active effort.
How to do it: Place your crystal directly on a selenite plate or inside a selenite bowl. Leave it there for at least 6 hours, or overnight for a deeper cleanse. You can leave crystals on selenite indefinitely with no risk of damage.
Best for: All crystal types, especially water-sensitive and delicate stones.
Time needed: 6 to 12 hours.
8 Earth Burial
Returning a crystal to the earth is considered one of the most thorough cleansing methods available. The soil neutralizes stored energy and reconnects the stone with its natural origins. This method is particularly helpful for crystals that feel extremely heavy or have been through very intense situations.
How to do it: Wrap your crystal in a natural cloth (cotton or linen) to protect it from dirt. Dig a small hole in your garden or in a potted plant and bury the crystal 2 to 3 inches deep. Mark the spot so you can find it again. Leave the crystal buried for 24 hours to 3 days. Unearth it, brush off the soil, and rinse if the stone is water safe.
Best for: All crystal types (when wrapped in cloth). Especially effective for grounding stones like black tourmaline, smoky quartz, and hematite.
Time needed: 24 hours to 3 days.
9 Brown Rice Cleansing
Brown rice is a lesser-known but effective cleansing method that works similarly to salt. The rice draws out negative energy from the crystal, and this approach is much gentler than salt, making it suitable for softer or more delicate stones.
How to do it: Fill a small bowl with dry, uncooked brown rice. Bury your crystal in the rice completely. Leave it for 24 hours. Discard the rice afterward and do not eat it, as it has absorbed the released energy.
Best for: Delicate stones, stones with metallic finishes, and any crystal you are unsure about.
Time needed: 24 hours.
10 Visualization and Intention
Visualization cleansing relies entirely on your own focused intention and mental energy. This method requires no tools at all, making it available to you anytime, anywhere. Many experienced practitioners consider this one of the most powerful methods because it strengthens the personal connection between you and your crystal.
How to do it: Hold the crystal in both hands. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Visualize a bright white or golden light surrounding the stone, penetrating every facet and dissolving any dark or stagnant energy within it. Picture the released energy dissolving harmlessly into the ground. Continue for 2 to 5 minutes until you feel the crystal is clear. Finish by stating your intention aloud, such as "This crystal is now cleansed and restored to its purest state."
Best for: All crystal types. Ideal when you are traveling or do not have access to other tools.
Time needed: 2 to 5 minutes.
Which Crystals Are Water Safe? (Complete Chart)
Water is one of the most popular cleansing methods, but not all crystals can handle it. Soft, porous, or water-soluble minerals may dissolve, crack, or release toxic substances when submerged. Use the chart below to check before using any water-based method.
The Mohs hardness scale measures a mineral's resistance to scratching on a scale of 1 to 10. Generally, crystals with a hardness of 6 or above are considered water safe. Crystals below 5 should not be placed in water.
| Crystal | Mohs Hardness | Water Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Quartz | 7 | Yes | Safe for brief and extended water exposure |
| Amethyst | 7 | Yes | Safe for water; avoid prolonged sunlight after |
| Rose Quartz | 7 | Yes | Water safe; keep out of direct sun to prevent fading |
| Citrine | 7 | Yes | Safe for water cleansing |
| Smoky Quartz | 7 | Yes | Fully water safe |
| Tiger's Eye | 7 | Yes | Brief rinse is fine; avoid prolonged soaking |
| Agate | 7 | Yes | Safe for water in all forms |
| Jasper | 7 | Yes | Water safe; dry thoroughly afterward |
| Black Tourmaline | 7-7.5 | Yes | Quick rinse is fine; avoid saltwater |
| Carnelian | 7 | Yes | Water safe for short periods |
| Moonstone | 6-6.5 | Caution | Brief rinse only; do not soak |
| Labradorite | 6-6.5 | Caution | Quick rinse acceptable; no prolonged exposure |
| Fluorite | 4 | No | Too soft; may crack or dissolve over time |
| Selenite | 2 | No | Dissolves in water; use only dry methods |
| Malachite | 3.5-4 | No | Toxic in water; releases copper compounds |
| Lepidolite | 2.5-3 | No | Flakes and deteriorates in water |
| Celestite | 3-3.5 | No | Very fragile; water causes damage |
| Halite | 2-2.5 | No | Dissolves completely; it is rock salt |
| Kyanite | 4.5-7 (varies by axis) | Caution | Brief rinse only due to variable hardness |
| Opal | 5.5-6.5 | No | Can crack from water absorption and drying |
| Pyrite | 6-6.5 | No | Rusts and releases sulfuric acid in water |
| Hematite | 5-6.5 | No | Rusts when exposed to water |
| Lapis Lazuli | 5-5.5 | No | Contains pyrite; water causes deterioration |
| Turquoise | 5-6 | No | Porous; absorbs water and can discolor |
Crystals That Fade in Sunlight
While sunlight cleansing is effective, certain crystals contain pigments that break down under ultraviolet exposure. Extended time in direct sun can cause these stones to lose their color permanently. Here are the crystals you should keep away from prolonged sunlight:
| Crystal | Sunlight Risk | Recommended Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Amethyst | Fades to pale yellow or clear | Moonlight or smoke cleansing |
| Rose Quartz | Fades to pale pink or white | Moonlight or selenite |
| Fluorite | Color becomes dull and washed out | Sound or visualization |
| Citrine (natural) | May lighten significantly | Moonlight or brown rice |
| Kunzite | Loses pink color rapidly | Moonlight only |
| Aquamarine | Gradual color loss with repeated exposure | Moonlight or sound cleansing |
| Smoky Quartz | Can lighten over weeks of exposure | Moonlight or earth burial |
| Spirit Quartz | Color fading with prolonged exposure | Selenite or smoke cleansing |
| Opal | Can crack from heat; color may dull | Moonlight or selenite |
| Celestite | Fades from blue to white | Moonlight or sound |
How Often Should You Cleanse Your Crystals?
The frequency of crystal cleansing depends on how you use your stones and the environment they are kept in. Below are general guidelines based on common use cases:
| Use Case | Recommended Frequency | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal jewelry worn daily | Weekly | Absorbs body energy and environmental input constantly |
| Meditation crystals | After each session | Picks up energy during focused intentional work |
| Home decor crystals | Monthly | Passively absorbs ambient energy at a slower rate |
| Healing session crystals | After each session | Absorbs client energy directly; must be cleared before next use |
| Crystals in your workspace | Every 2 weeks | Absorbs stress and electronics energy |
| Crystals stored in a box or pouch | Before each use | Can accumulate stale energy even while stored |
| New or recently purchased crystals | Immediately upon arrival | Has been handled by many people during sourcing and shipping |
In addition to these guidelines, trust your instincts. If a crystal feels off, heavy, or disconnected, cleanse it regardless of when you last performed a clearing. The full moon (which occurs approximately every 29.5 days) provides a natural monthly reminder for many practitioners who place their entire collection out for a lunar cleanse.
Crystal Cleansing vs. Crystal Charging: What Is the Difference?
Many people use the terms "cleansing" and "charging" interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct practices. Understanding the difference will improve your crystal care routine.
Cleansing removes accumulated energy from a crystal. It is like erasing a whiteboard. The goal is to bring the stone back to a neutral, clean state by releasing any energy it has absorbed from people, places, or situations.
Charging fills a crystal with fresh energy and amplifies its natural properties. It is like plugging in a battery. Charging can come from sunlight, moonlight, the earth, other crystals, or your own focused intention.
Some methods do both at the same time. Moonlight, for instance, cleanses and charges simultaneously. Sunlight also cleanses while infusing the crystal with solar energy. Selenite plates both clear stagnant energy and recharge the stone. On the other hand, running water and smoke primarily cleanse without adding much new energy, so you may want to follow up with a charging step.
A good practice is to cleanse first and then charge. Clear out the old energy, and then set a new intention or place the crystal in an environment that fills it with the type of energy you want it to carry.
How to Cleanse New Crystals for the First Time
When you bring a new crystal home (whether from a local shop, a gem show, or an online order) it carries residual energy from every person who has touched it along its path to you. Miners, processors, wholesalers, shop owners, and shipping handlers have all left their energetic imprint on the stone. Your first cleanse is essential for starting your relationship with the crystal on a fresh foundation.
Follow this simple process for new crystals:
- Identify your crystal. Look up its name and check whether it is water safe, sun safe, and salt safe using the charts in this guide.
- Choose a safe cleansing method. If you are unsure about the stone's durability, use moonlight, smoke, sound, or selenite. These are safe for all crystal types.
- Perform the cleanse. Follow the instructions for your chosen method as described above.
- Set your intention. After cleansing, hold the crystal in your hands, close your eyes, and state (aloud or silently) what you want this crystal to help you with. For example: "I program this rose quartz to support me in attracting and giving love."
- Store or place the crystal thoughtfully. Put it in a spot that aligns with its purpose. A calming stone might go on your nightstand, while a focus stone might sit on your desk.
Some practitioners like to perform a more intensive first cleanse by combining two methods, such as a smoke cleanse followed by overnight moonlight exposure. This is entirely a matter of personal preference and there is no wrong approach.
Common Crystal Cleansing Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced crystal owners make these mistakes from time to time. Being aware of them will help you protect your collection and get better results from your cleansing practice.
1. Putting Water-Sensitive Crystals in Water
This is the most common and most damaging mistake. Selenite dissolves. Malachite releases toxic copper compounds. Pyrite rusts. Opal can crack. Always check the Mohs hardness and specific properties of your stone before using water. When in doubt, skip the water entirely.
2. Leaving Crystals in Direct Sunlight Too Long
A 15-minute morning sun exposure is fine for most stones. Leaving crystals on a sunny windowsill all day, every day, will fade amethyst, rose quartz, fluorite, and other photosensitive stones over time. The color loss is permanent.
3. Using Table Salt Instead of Sea Salt
Table salt contains iodine and anti-caking agents that can leave a residue on your crystals. If you choose salt cleansing, use natural sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, or kosher salt without additives.
4. Forgetting to Cleanse Your Cleansing Tools
Your singing bowl, sage bundle holder, and salt bowl also absorb energy over time. Give your tools an occasional cleanse as well. A quick wipe with a damp cloth and a moment of intention is usually enough.
5. Cleansing but Never Charging
Cleansing removes old energy, but it does not automatically fill the crystal with fresh energy. After cleansing, take a moment to charge the crystal through moonlight, sunlight, intention, or by placing it on a selenite plate. This completes the refresh cycle.
6. Rushing the Process
Crystal cleansing is meant to be a mindful practice. If you rush through it while distracted or frustrated, the clearing will be less effective. Take a few deep breaths first and approach the process with calm focus.
7. Not Cleansing New Crystals Before Use
Skipping the initial cleanse means you are working with a stone that carries unknown energy from its previous handlers. Always perform a first cleanse, no matter how beautiful and clear the crystal looks when you take it out of the package.
8. Using Tap Water with High Chemical Content
If your tap water is heavily chlorinated or contains high mineral content, it can leave residue on polished crystals or react with certain metals in stones like pyrite. If you use water cleansing, consider using filtered or spring water for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cleanse crystals for the first time?
Start by identifying your crystal and checking whether it is water safe and sun safe. Then choose a gentle cleansing method such as moonlight, smoke, or selenite. After cleansing, hold the crystal and set your personal intention for how you want to use it. This programs the stone to align with your specific goals and energy.
Can you cleanse crystals with tap water?
Yes, tap water works for water-safe crystals (those with a Mohs hardness of 6 or above). However, heavily chlorinated water may leave residue on polished stones. Filtered or spring water is preferable. Never use tap water on selenite, malachite, lepidolite, fluorite, or other soft and porous crystals, as they can dissolve or sustain damage.
How long should you leave crystals in moonlight?
Leave your crystals in moonlight for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight exposure (10 to 12 hours) from sunset to sunrise is ideal. Full moon light is considered the most powerful for cleansing, but any moon phase will work. You do not need a completely clear sky; moonlight energy still reaches your crystals through clouds.
Which crystals should not be cleansed in water?
Avoid water for selenite, malachite, lepidolite, fluorite, celestite, halite, kyanite, opal, pyrite, hematite, lapis lazuli, and turquoise. These stones are either too soft (below 5 on the Mohs scale), water-soluble, porous, or contain minerals that rust or release harmful substances in water. Use moonlight, smoke, sound, or selenite instead.
How often should you cleanse your crystals?
Cleanse crystals worn as jewelry weekly. Cleanse meditation and healing crystals after each use. Cleanse home decor crystals monthly. A full moon cleanse once per month is a convenient schedule that covers most needs. Trust your intuition as well; if a crystal feels heavy or dull, cleanse it right away regardless of your regular schedule.
Can you cleanse multiple crystals at once?
Yes, absolutely. Moonlight, sound, and smoke cleansing are all excellent for batch cleansing. Spread your crystals out on a tray or cloth and expose them to moonlight, pass smoke over all of them, or play a singing bowl near the group. For water and salt methods, you can cleanse multiple water-safe stones together in the same bowl.
Does cleansing crystals remove their programming?
Yes, a thorough cleansing will typically clear any intentions or programming you have set for the crystal. This is actually one of the purposes of cleansing: to bring the stone back to a neutral state. After cleansing, you will need to reprogram the crystal by holding it and setting a new intention if you want it to focus on a specific purpose.
What is the fastest way to cleanse a crystal?
The fastest method is running water (1 to 2 minutes for water-safe stones) or smoke cleansing (30 to 60 seconds per crystal). Visualization also works quickly, taking about 2 to 5 minutes, and requires no tools at all. For an instant solution when you are in a hurry, hold the crystal, take three deep breaths, and firmly intend for it to be cleared.
Can you use incense instead of sage to cleanse crystals?
Yes, incense works just as well as sage for smoke cleansing. Frankincense, sandalwood, cedar, and copal are popular choices among crystal practitioners. Palo santo is another widely used option. The key element is the smoke itself and your focused intention, not the specific material being burned. Choose a scent that resonates with you.
How do you know when a crystal is fully cleansed?
A cleansed crystal often feels lighter in your hand, appears brighter or more vibrant, and produces a stronger intuitive response when you hold it. You may notice a subtle shift in the stone's energy, almost like a "click" or a sense of completion. With practice, you will develop a natural sense for when a crystal has been fully cleared.
Sources and References
- Hall, Judy. The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals. Godsfield Press, 2003. Standard reference for crystal identification and care.
- Simmons, Robert and Ahsian, Naisha. The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach. North Atlantic Books, 2015. In-depth properties and cleansing recommendations for over 450 minerals.
- Permutt, Philip. The Crystal Healer: Crystal Prescriptions That Will Change Your Life Forever. CICO Books, 2007. Practical guide to crystal healing methods including cleansing protocols.
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA). "Mohs Hardness Scale." gia.edu. Authoritative source for mineral hardness ratings and gemstone durability.
- Mindat.org. "Mineral Properties Database." mindat.org. Peer-reviewed mineralogical database for crystal composition, solubility, and safety information.
- Gienger, Michael. Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook. Cassell Illustrated, 2015. Research-based approach to crystal properties and maintenance.
- Frazier, Karen. Crystals for Beginners: The Guide to Get Started with the Healing Power of Crystals. Althea Press, 2017. Beginner-friendly guide to crystal care and cleansing routines.