How to Clear and Cleanse Crystals and Gemstones

The process is necessary before using any stone for healing

Woman holding crystals
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Being attracted to a particular stone or crystal won't always feel good, including stones that previously felt good and no longer do. In this case, the stone or crystal might need to be cleared. The clearing process is necessary before using any stone for healing, because the clearer the energy of a healing stone is, the more powerful it is.

Crystals and healing gemstones must be cleared as soon as they are purchased and after every healing. A ready, cleared crystal feels positive and bright, tingly, and cold to the touch. A crystal that needs clearing might feel hot, heavy, or drained. There are several ways to effectively clear crystals and gemstones, from purifiers to helpers.

Sea Salt as a Crystal Purifier

Sea salt is the most traditional purifying agent in psychic work and healing. It dispels any sort of disease and negativity and is a physical and psychic disinfectant. It's an accepted and powerful method of clearing crystals and stones. Many people highly recommend sea salt for the initial cleansing of a new healing stone and any time a stone is overloaded with negative energy.

Salt can be mixed with water or used dry. To use salt water:

  • Mix a tablespoon of sea salt in a glass or ceramic cup of cold water.
  • Don't use plastic or metal containers.
  • Place the stones in the solution and allow to soak overnight.
  • To use dry salt, place the sea salt in a glass or nonplastic container and bury the crystals with the points facing downward into the salt. Leave overnight.

Sometimes a stone can take longer to clear, especially if it has been used in deep, intense healing. In this case, leave it another day or two in the sea salt. When clearing gemstone necklaces, it's best to use the dry sea salt method. Be sure to use sea salt only, as table salt contains aluminum and other chemicals. Those who live by the ocean can bring salt water from the coast in a jar or gently and directly wash the stones in the ocean.

Moonlight as a Clearing Helper

Moonlight is another method of clearing gemstones. Place them outside from the full moon to the new moon. Waning moons are good times to clear crystals and dispel old energies but anytime works. The length of time required varies with the sensitivity of the healer and the amount of material from which the stone needs cleansing. It's suggested to hang gemstone necklaces in a tree where the moonlight can cleanse them. It's not recommended to place crystals or gemstones in sunlight, as many stones' colors fade in the sun, and internal fractures may cause stones to crack or break.

Other Crystal Clearing Methods

Burying crystals in a cupful of dried herbs such as rose petals, sage, frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood. will also clear them. These can usually be found inexpensively at co-ops or herb stores. This is a gentle, pleasant way to clear crystals, but it takes longer than the sea salt method.

Crystals can also be buried in the earth. This is especially helpful if deep cleansing is needed. Dig a hole the size of the crystal into the earth, place the crystal point down, and cover with soil. The time needed is a personal choice. Be sure to place a Popsicle stick or other marker to ensure the stone can be found again. Apartment dwellers can use a flower pot for burying stones.

A quick way to cleanse healing stones is to smudge them with burning cedar or sage. Smudging is an excellent way to make sure stones are purified. This can be accomplished by holding the burning sage or cedar stick while passing the stone through the smoke. Do this a couple of times to ensure cleansing. Cleanse stones by smudging after every healing.

Finally, if time is short, run crystals under cool tap water. Make sure the points are facing down to run the negative energy down the drain. It's recommended to avoid warm or hot water as this tends to fracture crystals. During this process, visualize the crystal as sparkly, tingly, cold, and belonging to the healer.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.

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Desy, Phylameana lila. "How to Clear and Cleanse Crystals and Gemstones." Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/effectively-clearing-new-crystals-1729382. Desy, Phylameana lila. (2020, August 26). How to Clear and Cleanse Crystals and Gemstones. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/effectively-clearing-new-crystals-1729382 Desy, Phylameana lila. "How to Clear and Cleanse Crystals and Gemstones." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/effectively-clearing-new-crystals-1729382 (accessed March 19, 2024).