Which Crystals Are Safe to Cleanse in Water?
If you’ve spent any time in the crystal community, you may have heard the myth: “Crystals ending in ‘-ite’ shouldn’t be cleansed in water”. While this rule of thumb is catchy, it’s not entirely accurate. Some crystals with names ending in ‘-ite’ are indeed water-safe, while others can dissolve, crack, or be damaged by prolonged exposure. The real answer lies in the Mohs Hardness Scale – a tool to help you assess whether a crystal is compatible with water cleansing. In this guide, we’ll bust the ‘-ite’ myth, explore how hardness influences water safety, and provide a practical list of crystals to safely cleanse in water.
The Mohs Hardness Scale and Why It Matters
The Mohs Hardness Scale measures a mineral's resistance to scratching and abrasion. While this doesn’t directly measure a crystal's durability in water, it gives us a clue about how easily it can be damaged. The scale runs from 1 to 10 with 1 being the most brittle and 10 being the hardest.
Crystals with a hardness below 5 on the scale are more prone to being scratched or dissolved when exposed to water. Softer stones may also be more porous or absorb water, leading to structural weakness, cracking, or even crumbling.
The General Rule: Avoid water cleansing for crystals with a Mohs hardness below 5. Stick to other methods, like smoke, sound, or visualisation, for these fragile beauties.
Debunking the ‘-ite’ Myth
Not all crystals ending in ‘-ite’ are water-sensitive! While some, like selenite and malachite, are reactive to water, others, like calcite and fluorite, may be slightly more durable but still require caution. On the other hand, higher-hardness crystals such as jadeite (hardness 6.5-7) are completely safe for water cleansing. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule such as pyrite which is a 6-6.5. This is because its a metal and can dull and rust in water.
The takeaway: Instead of relying on a crystal’s name, always check its Mohs hardness and composition to determine water compatibility.
Crystals to Avoid Cleansing in Water
Here’s a comprehensive list of common healing crystals that shouldn’t be cleansed in water, along with the reasons why:
Amber (2-2.5) – Soft and can be damaged or scratched easily.
Angelite (3-3.5) – Absorbs water, which can weaken its structure.
Aragonite (3.5-4) – Fragile and prone to damage when exposed to water.
Azurite (3.5-4) – Can crumble and release toxic particles in water.
Cacoxenite (3-4) – Soft and porous, may crack or crumble in water.
Celestite (3-3.5) – Soluble in water and prone to disintegration.
Chrysocolla (2-4) – Fragile and can absorb water, leading to structural weakness.
Copper (3) – Soft and prone to tarnishing; may release reactive particles in water.
Covellite (1.5-2) – Extremely soft and can be damaged by water.
Desert Rose (2) – A gypsum-based stone that dissolves and crumbles in water.
Fluorite (4) – May crack or dissolve with prolonged water exposure.
Galena (2.5) – Toxic lead-based mineral; avoid water contact entirely.
Gypsum (2) – Dissolves quickly in water.
Halite (2-2.5) – Rock salt that dissolves completely when exposed to water.
Hematite (5-6) – Borderline safe, but it can oxidise (rust) when wet.
Howlite (3.5) – Porous and absorbs water, which can weaken its structure.
Kyanite (4.5-5) – May crack along its cleavage planes.
Lapis Lazuli (3-5) – Contains calcite, which weakens the stone and pyrite which can dull and rust.
Lepidolite (2.5-3) – A mica-based crystal that flakes and disintegrates in water.
Limonite (4-5.5) – Porous and prone to crumbling in water.
Malachite (3.5-4) – Contains copper, which can leach toxic particles in water.
Muscovite (2-2.5) – A mica mineral that flakes and breaks apart in water.
Pyrite (6-6.5) – Although harder, it can oxidise and rust in water, making it unsuitable for cleansing.
Rhodochrosite (3.5-4) – Soft and prone to damage from water exposure.
Satin Spar (2) – A variety of gypsum, dissolves and becomes chalky in water.
Selenite (2) – Can become chalky when wet.
Serpentine (2.5-5) – Variable hardness; can weaken or crumble in water.
Smithsonite (4-4.5) – Soluble in water, leading to surface damage.
Sulphur (1.5-2.5) – Highly reactive and brittle, avoid contact with water.
Talc/Soapstone (1-2.5) – Softest mineral on the scale, easily dissolves.
Turquoise (5-6) – Borderline safe but porous, which can cause water absorption and damage.
Vanadinite (3-4) – Fragile and contains toxic elements; avoid water contact.
Wavellite (3.5-4) – Soft and can break down in water.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, research your crystal's composition before attempting water cleansing.
How to Safely Cleanse Your Crystals in Water
If your crystal is safe for water, here are some tips for effective cleansing:
Keep It Quick: A gentle rinse is all you need; avoid prolonged exposure or soaking.
Mind the Temperature: Lukewarm water is ideal – avoid extremes, as sudden temperature changes can crack some stones.
Dry Gently: Pat your crystal dry with a soft cloth to prevent scratching.
What to Do if Your Crystal Isn’t Water-Safe
Don’t worry if your favourite crystal isn’t compatible with water. There are plenty of other ways to cleanse its energy:
Smoke Cleansing: Pass it through the smoke of sage, palo santo, or incense.
Sound Cleansing: Use a singing bowl or tuning fork to reset its vibrations.
Moonlight Cleansing: Leave it under the full moon overnight.
If you’d like more detail, you can download my free guide for easy, practical methods to cleanse and recharge your crystals.
It’s a simple, actionable guide that will help you keep your crystals clear, vibrant, and ready to support your energy work.
A Final Thought on Water and Your Crystals
When it comes to water cleansing, the Mohs Hardness Scale is your friend. By choosing water-safe crystals, you’ll avoid damage and keep your collection sparkling and intact.
And remember, cleansing your crystals should feel intentional and mindful. Whether you’re rinsing a quartz tower or visualising light around a fragile selenite wand, the energy you bring to the process is just as important as the method you use. Happy cleansing!
