Caring for Crystals

The Three C's!

Cleaning, Cleansing and Charging

This doesn't have to be complicated. I understand that many people worry about doing it right. There is a lot of conflicting information, which leaves us feeling overwhelmed. I'm going to keep this article very simple. Over time and with experience, you will naturally evolve with the process and do what feels right for you and your crystals.
Crystals and minerals collect dust. They get dirty, just like humans! They absorb energy, and over time, they can get pretty mucky physically and energetically.
To clean my collection, I use a feather brush, different sizes of soft-bristled paintbrushes, and a bamboo cloth. I brush the crystals with one of the brushes, freeing them from dust, and I use the bamboo cloth to polish the crystals if needed. I really enjoy using the paintbrushes, it can feel like painting a masterpiece.

I rarely use water to clean or cleanse my crystals, and I only advise it if you know what you're doing. I especially don't advise using salt water. Water is corrosive to many crystals and minerals. The hard quartz crystals are okay with water. You may have heard of the Mohs hardness scale. Many people who sell and talk about crystals will tell you to refer to the Mohs scale. This scale will tell you the hardness of your crystal - however, this is a hardness test, not a water-soluble test. Many crystals don't like water, so there are too many to list. Urge on the side of caution and use a different method.
I will use water on Clear Quartz and its associated brothers and sisters; Smoky Quartz, Rose Quartz, Citrine, etc...
I like to use warm water. Sometimes, I might add a drop or two of organic soap or something special (with no chemicals). Imagine yourself in a nice bath. Some crystals enjoy precisely the same treatment. Make sure to rinse them free of any residue if you use soap. You can leave them to dry naturally or pat or rub them dry yourself. I used a bamboo cloth to polish them afterwards. You will feel and see the difference. The crystals will 'feel' more beautiful in themselves. I liken the process to a nice bath or shower with some pampering afterwards.
Before I tell you how I cleanse crystals, I want to discuss working with intention. When working with Crystals, having a clear intention is very important. Our intention is that we want to cleanse our crystals so that they are free of any absorbed energy. During the cleansing process, hold this intention in your mind.
Take your time and enjoy the cleanse. Crystals deserve respect, so we show them that by being fully present while cleansing.
Cleansing your crystals can be a very sacred and ceremonial experience.

The way you decide to cleanse your crystals is absolutely the perfect way.
The method I use more than anything else is burning White Sage and 'smudging' my crystals.
Burning sage is one of the oldest and purest methods of cleansing.
You will need a fireproof bowl. I like to use an Abalone shell, but any fireproof dish will be fine. Light your White Sage, get a flame going, and after a little while, blow the flame out (gently). You should have a nice stream of smoke that should last a little while. Don't worry if it goes out; just relight it.
Hold your crystals over the smoke and use a feather or your hand to waft the smoke over your crystals. You can do them one at a time or in big batches. You can use a wicker basket, bowl, fruit drying rack, or similar. I have a small wooden prune drier. Don't ask me why because I've never dried plums, but it works brilliantly when I need to cleanse many tumbled stones. Put the crystals in the basket or drier and hold the burning sage underneath. The smoke will work its way through the basket and cleanse a lot of crystals all at the same time.
White Sage, Abalone Shells and feathers are available in my shop here.
Another way to cleanse your crystals, and one that I often use, is cleansing with sound. I use Tingsha bells, tuning forks, and a singing bowl. Crystals seem to like the high vibrational frequencies, so a clear, crisp chime of the Tingshas is perfect. Create your sound in whichever way suits you, and move the crystals through the vibrations. It's as easy as that.

Those who practice Reiki use the Cho Ku Rei symbol, which is a very effective way of cleansing. Finally, if you are absolutely certain that your crystals can withstand water, cleansing them in a natural water source is a very nice way to cleanse them. If you can get access to a stream, river, or ocean, take your crystals on a journey and give them a loving cleanse in the healing waters of the earth.
For all of these methods, remember your intention is essential.
There are many ways to charge crystals, and I want to give you as many options as possible. Remember, how you decide to charge your crystals is absolutely the perfect way.
Crystals can get tired, just like us. They work very hard. They appreciate a good charge of new, clean energy from natural sources. You can often tell if a crystal needs cleansing and charging just by looking at it. This can be achieved very simply.
One of my favourite ways of charging crystals is to lay them out under a full moon or to leave them to bathe in the sun's rays. Please be aware that some crystals will fade in colour if left for too long in direct sunlight, such as Amethyst, Celestite, Kunzite, and Turquoise. If you're unsure, it is best to use the moon charge. Don't worry if you can't see the Moon due to cloud cover. This will not stop the energy from reaching your crystals.
There is nothing nicer than seeing your crystals bathe in the sun. I do need to talk about the dangers involved here. I speak from experience when I tell you that direct sunlight and Quartz don't mix well! I nearly lost my home once from leaving my Quartz sphere in direct sunlight. I was lucky to be home at the time! Do not place any Quartz on windowsills that receive direct sunlight.

Other methods of charging are very similar to how we cleanse crystals. Leaving them in running water or taking them to the ocean or a stream is a lovely way to charge and cleanse them. You can also bury them in the ground. I do this often with clear Quartz and Smoky Quartz. These crystals work very hard, and they absorb a lot of energy. They appreciate going into the ground for a good cleanse and charge from Mother Earth. As with the water advisory, only do this if you know that the crystal can withstand damp conditions. If you do use this method, be sure to put a marker where you buried them.
Other crystals can also charge other crystals. Using a cluster bed is a great way to help charge crystals, and they're great at giving my crystal jewellery a good freshen-up. Selenite charging plates are excellent, and of course, for the Reiki initiated, your Reiki will do the trick. Reiki is an excellent way of charging crystals.