3 Common Mistakes Made by Beginner Crystal Owners (and How to Avoid Them)

Beginning your journey with crystals can be a transformative experience, offering a connection to the universe while serving as a tool for personal growth and energy management. However, like any new endeavor, there are mistakes that can happen in the beginning that may unfortunately damage these precious gifts of nature.

Here are three common mistakes beginners often make when caring for their crystals, along with safe alternatives to ensure your crystals remain undamaged and energetically powerful.

1. Cleaning Crystals with Water

Water is a natural cleanser and often the first choice for cleaning various objects. However, not all crystals are suitable for water.

Crystals that are not suitable for water:

• Selenite: Despite its serene beauty, selenite can dissolve due to its soft composition when exposed to moisture, especially water.
• Malachite: Known for its stunning green color, malachite becomes toxic when submerged.
• Lapis Lazuli: This beautiful blue stone can lose its luster and color when exposed to water, and due to its pyrite content, moisture can lead to rusting.

Alternative cleaning methods:

• Smoke cleansing: Use smoke from sage, palo santo, or other incense. Wrap the crystal in smoke; this will cleanse it well.
• Selenite: Simply place crystals on or near a selenite plate or wand to remove negative energy.

2. Putting Crystals in Salt

Salt is another traditional cleanser. However, like water, it can be too aggressive for certain minerals.

Crystals that are not suitable for salt:

• Hematite: Known for its grounding properties, hematite can rust when exposed to salt.
• Pyrite: Often used to attract abundance in all areas, pyrite can become dull and lose its shine in salt.
• Opal: Delicate and iridescent opals can dry out, crack, or lose their color when salt is used for cleaning.

Alternative cleaning methods:

• Smoke cleansing: As mentioned above, smoke cleansing is a gentle yet effective way to clear energies.
• Rice: You can place crystals in a bowl of dry rice overnight. This will absorb negative energy. Remember to discard this rice afterward as it won't be suitable for food consumption.

3. Charging Crystals in Sunlight

Sunlight can charge crystals, but intense rays can cause them to fade or become more brittle.

Crystals that can be damaged by sunlight:

• Amethyst: This purple stone can lose its vibrant and intense color in direct sunlight.
• Rose Quartz: Known for its loving energy, rose quartz can fade in direct sunlight.
• Aventurine: This crystal that brings luck and abundance can become pale and more brittle in direct sunlight.

Alternative Charging Methods:

• Moonlight: Charging crystals under the moon, especially during a full moon, is a gentle way to energize them without risking sun damage.
• Charging with selenite: Selenite not only has good cleansing effects but can also charge crystals. As with cleansing, place your crystals on or near selenite to ensure charging.

By understanding your crystals' unique needs, you can avoid these common mistakes and ensure they remain strong allies on your journey.

Whether you're cleansing crystals with smoke, charging them in moonlight, or simply wanting to learn more about their special care requirements, it's important to approach them with respect.

This approach to these natural gifts can deepen your connection with them and enhance their energetic support.