Quick answer: Crystals that are soft (below about 5 on the Mohs scale), porous, water-soluble, iron- or copper-based, or layered should not be soaked in water. Examples include selenite, halite, celestite, angelite, malachite, pyrite, hematite, turquoise and calcite. Quartz crystals such as clear quartz, amethyst, rose quartz and citrine (Mohs 7) can generally be rinsed briefly with clean water.
Crystals to keep out of water
Crystal
Mohs hardness
Why to avoid water
Selenite
~2
A form of gypsum – dissolves and turns cloudy
Halite
~2–2.5
It is salt, so it dissolves
Lepidolite
~2.5–3
Layered mica – can flake or split
Calcite
~3
Soft; prolonged soaking dulls the surface
Celestite
~3–3.5
Soft and fragile; may fade in water or sunlight
Angelite
~3.5
Anhydrite slowly turns into gypsum when wet
Ammonite
~3.5–4
Thin iridescent layer can lift or flake
Malachite
~3.5–4
Copper-based and porous – loses its shine
Rhodochrosite
~3.5–4
Soft carbonate, easily scratched or etched
Fluorite
~4
Cleavage planes can crack with soaking or temperature change
Turquoise
~5–6
Porous – absorbs water and oils and changes color
Lapis Lazuli
~5–5.5
Often contains calcite and pyrite; may dull
Hematite
~5.5–6.5
Iron-based – can rust
Pyrite
~6–6.5
Iron-based – tarnishes black and may rust
Three quick checks
Hardness: below Mohs 5 is easily damaged by water or rubbing.
Composition: iron or copper minerals oxidize, rust or discolor.
Structure: porous, layered or water-soluble stones should never be soaked.
How to clean and cleanse water-sensitive crystals
Cleaning: dust with a soft cloth or brush; for marks, wipe with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid detergents, alcohol and ultrasonic cleaners.
Cleansing (traditional methods): moonlight overnight, sound from a singing bowl or tuning fork, resting on a clear quartz cluster, or passing through sage or palo santo smoke. Salt-water cleansing is not suitable for any stone in the table above.
FAQ
Q: My crystal got wet by accident – is it ruined?
A: Pat it dry straight away and let it air-dry in a shaded spot. Brief contact is rarely a problem; prolonged soaking or constant humidity is.
Q: Can I wear my crystal bracelet in the shower or pool?
A: It is best to take it off. Soap, chlorine and seawater can dull stones and wear out the elastic cord faster.
Q: Are tourmaline and sapphire safe in water?
A: Yes. Tourmaline (Mohs 7–7.5) and sapphire (Mohs 9) can be rinsed briefly with clean water; just avoid long soaks and chemical cleaners.
Q: My pyrite has turned dark – what should I do?
A: That is surface oxidation from moisture. Brush gently with a dry soft brush and store it somewhere dry, away from bathrooms and kitchens.
Crystal Cava is a Hong Kong online crystal shop, operating since 2020 and shipping from our Hong Kong warehouse. Every product page lists the mineral name and care instructions.
