Crystals have captivated humanity for centuries with their allure, healing energies, and spiritual significance. From the sparkling clarity of quartz to the soothing hues of amethyst, these natural wonders have found their way into our lives for various reasons. However, not all crystals are built to endure encounters with water. In this blog, we seek to discover some of the factors which affect how crystals can be affected by water and some examples of which crystals can handle water and which are best kept away.
Delving into the Depths: Factors Influencing Water Safety
When contemplating whether a crystal can safely be introduced to water, a multitude of factors come into play. These considerations provide a deeper understanding of each crystal's unique properties and help us determine whether water is a friend or foe.
Mohs Scale of Hardness: Unveiling the Crystal's Resilience
The Mohs hardness scale serves as a reliable yardstick for measuring a crystal's ability to resist scratches and external pressure. However, while this scale is pivotal, it's important to remember that hardness alone doesn't dictate a crystal's water safety or care requirements. A crystal's atomic lattice, formed by interlocking bonds, determines its hardness. Crystals below six on the Mohs scale, like gypsum, calcite, and talc, are generally not suited for water contact, as they can be scratched or damaged.
|
Hardness |
Mineral |
|
1 |
Talc |
|
2 |
Gypsum |
|
3 |
Calcite |
|
4 |
Fluorite |
|
5 |
Apatite |
|
6 |
Feldspar |
|
7 |
Quartz |
|
8 |
Topaz |
|
9 |
Corundum |
|
10 |
Diamond |
There are ten minerals used as a guide to the Mohs scale. Each test mineral can scratch those that are lower on the scale. For example, you can see in the table above that fluorite could scratch calcite, gypsum, and talc, but not apatite or quartz.
Crystals below six on the scale usually shouldn’t be cleansed in water (although there are exceptions – more on that later in the post.)
Celestite should not get wet. It has a value of 3-3.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is below the minimum value required for minerals to survive underwater. Water can seep into the crevices of stones, widening their cracks and damaging them. It can also dull the colour of the stones.
Some crystals contain extra minerals that can be affected by water. Hematite, for example, rates between 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, but the iron content will rust when it gets wet. Rhodonite also has a rating of 5.5-6.5 with iron content, so it’s only safe in water for short periods.
Tangerine quartz also contains iron oxide, which is the reason for its lovely colour. This may fade in water, even though the stone itself rates as a seven on the Mohs scale. Jet, which ranges between 2.5 and 4, can actually tolerate water.
There are also crystals which may leak toxic substances when placed in water, like Malachite. Be careful to avoid these stones when making crystal elixirs.
Porosity: The Water Absorption Factor
A crystal's porosity unveils its affinity for water absorption. Porous crystals, like malachite and lapis lazuli, can absorb water, leading to potential damage. On the other hand, non-porous crystals such as clear quartz and citrine are less susceptible to water-related harm. The presence of existing fractures or inclusions can further weaken a crystal's structure, making it more vulnerable.
Surface Treatment: Aesthetic Enhancement and Its Implications
Crystals might undergo surface treatments or enhancements, altering their properties and response to water. It's essential to delve into a crystal's history to ascertain whether its treatment renders it safe for water exposure. Some treatments might render crystals more susceptible to water-induced damage.
Duration of Exposure: A Race Against Time
Even crystals inherently water-safe could incur damage if submerged for prolonged periods. Limiting water exposure is crucial to preserving a crystal's integrity and appearance. A pragmatic approach is to use water sparingly and maintain vigilance over your crystals.
Safe to Submerge:
- Clear Quartz
- Amethyst
- Smoky Quartz
- Rose Quartz
- Citrine
- Snow Quartz
- Agate
- Aventurine
- Jasper
- Tiger’s Eye
Handle with Care:
- Fluorite
- Black Tourmaline
- Aquamarine
- Turquoise
- Pyrite
- Ruby
- Moonstone
- Lapis Lazuli
- Amazonite
- Desert Rose (I just found this out and I’m glad I did because I have one!)
- Gypsum
- Talc (just don’t do it)
- Calcite
- Angelite
- Malachite (Really soft, massively toxic in water, even touching the water it’s in is dangerous itself!)
- Any crystal containing Copper!
- Selenite
- Celestine
- Amber
- Imperial Topaz
- Red Coral
- Fire Opal
- Moonstone
- Opal
- Azurite
- Kyanite
- Kunzite
- Pyrite
- Lepidolite
- Jasper
- Chrysocolla
- Hematite
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a crystal is safe to use in water. If you're unsure about whether a particular crystal is water safe, it's always best to err on the side of caution and keep it dry.