Not all crystals are the same and require different methods of care. There’s a popular misnomer that you can handle all crystals the same and that’s just not accurate. We need to use caution when caring for our treasures.
The most efficient way to determine the care of your crystals is by knowing where they are on the Measure of Hardness Scale (MOHS). Every crystal listing in our shop lists where they are on the MOHS. The chart below is a basic visual to explain the hardness from 1 to 10. Talc (baby powder) is 1, while a diamond is 10.
There are two methods that should not be misunderstood; cleansing and cleaning. Cleansing is a spiritual method to rid the crystal of any former energy, while cleaning is the mundane act of eliminating crystals of dirt, germs, etc. This page will address the actual cleaning of crystals.
Cleaning crystals is going to be different depending on where they are on the MOHS. Even at that, the crystal may or may not be able to handle being cleaned by certain tools such as brushes, bristles, sponges, etc. You’ll need to consider which method is best depending on whether it’s tumbled, raw, or a specimen. When your treasures are mined from the earth, the miner will clean the crystals according to the best method for them. By the time they arrive at your door they are as clean as they’re going to get. However, if your crystals are set on a shelf, in an offering bowl, altar, etc they will get dusty and need to be cleaned every now and then.
Tumbled/Polished Crystals: Tumbled/Polished crystals at 2+ on the MOHS scale can be dusted with a soft cloth.
Raw Crystals: Raw Crystals 2+ can be cleaned with mild liquid soap or a mixture of dissolved baking soda in water and a soft cloth or a soft bristle baby toothbrush. Rinse well and air dry.
Specimen Pieces: Specimen pieces tend to have finer surfaces that require extra care. It’s highly recommended to keep them in a glass cabinet or an acrylic box to avoid dust build up. If you have a piece that wasn’t properly cared for up til now, I recommend you call your local rock and mineral shop and explain to them what you have. They might offer a service for cleaning them.
Copper: Copper can be cleaned with a solution of lemon juice and salt.
Lemon juice and salt are useful for removing tarnish from copper in three easy steps:
- Add lemon juice in a bowl, then sprinkle salt into the bowl. You’ll want three times as much lemon to salt.
- Stir for about a minute until the all of the salt dissolves.
- Dip a soft cloth (microfiber is great) into the solution and wipe the copper.
- Dry completely and apply a thin layer of mineral oil to protect it from the air (which tarnishes the metal). The process of tarnishing will be slowed down so keep an eye on your metals and keep them cared for regularly. Occasionally polish with a jeweler’s cloth.
Pyrite: Pyrite should maintain it’s luster by keeping it in a case to avoid environmental moisture. You can dust it with a dry soft jeweler’s cloth.
Fossils: Our fossils are polished and only need a dry soft cloth for cleaning. Some petrified fossils have druzy inclusions and can be gently cleaned with water and a soft baby toothbrush.
Storage: I love to show off my crystals in curio cabinets, but some crystals (which I use on altars or in other ritual work like grids) get placed in storage until I need to use them again. You’ll want to store your crystals with other crystals of the same hardness otherwise they can break down the crystals that are lower on the MOHS. You can store them in organza bags (easy for finding what you need later) or in velvet bags. Some tinier crystals can be stored in small zip baggies or in small organizer boxes.
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In the spirit of magick,
Lisa Bertolini
Doctor of Spiritual Arts
Priestess, Aromatherapist, and Folklore Enthusiast
