Gemstone Care and Cleaning
Your crystals will take care of you if you take care of them!

All our crystals and gemstones are pre-cleaned and re-energised, ready for your personalisation.

Crystals are extremely sensitive to thought and absorb images and vibrations from those who handle them and should be cleansed regularly. In order to serve you better, crystals need love and attention. Once you have chosen your crystal or gemstone, it is very important that you cleanse it. Before commencing to use your stone, you must first remove all the unwanted, negative 'vibrations' and disharmonious energies which may have been absorbed during its journey to you. There are many ways of cleaning crystals of negative energy and the method used is a matter of personal choice.

As you cleanse your crystals you will interact with them and your connection will be strengthened and a clearer link will be facilitated when you use them. It is important that when working with crystals, you clearly focus your thoughts. As you either hold them in the water, place them in sunlight or pass them through smoke, try to hold the intention in your mind that crystals will be cleansed.

Not all crystals and gemstones can be cleaned in the same way and it is important that you are aware of this. Be aware too, that some crystals are sensitive to water and strong light.

Outside - Sunlight
Some stones can be cleaned outside. Sunlight affects the colour of stones such as aventurine, amethyst, aquamarine, beryl and rose quartz, while others can be placed for up to a day in either sunlight or moonlight. The cleansing process is often quickened when the stone is placed on or near a plant.

Water - Rain/Tap
Water is a wonderful and universal cleaner. Stones like the rain and it cleans much better than the usual water method and can be left to cleanse in the rain for many hours. Crystal can also be placed in running water to be cleaned - a river or stream is ideal, otherwise, use tap water. A further water method is to place the stones under alternating hot and cold running water for 5 minutes. When using tap water, it is advisable to have a water filter so as to filter out chemicals. When cleaning malachite in this way, do so with caution as some stones loose their coating when they get wet. Soaking the stones for a few hours in still mineral water is another method.

Salt water
Traditionally, salt is considered to have purifying qualities and another 'water' method is to fully submerge the crystal in a container of pure seawater for between 36 - 70 hours. Crystals prefer seawater, but should you not have access to it, add a half teaspoon of sea-salt to every pint of warm water - this works just as well.

Amethyst
Amethyst is a very powerful crystal and excellent for cleaning. An easy way of cleaning small stones is to place them on an amethyst cluster. Amethyst geodes also work well and they are great for cleaning necklaces. It is important that when you have finished working with the amethyst, that you place it on a dark surface. Any remaining energy is absorbed in the blackness instead of the surrounding area. If possible, cleanse the cluster in rain or moonlight and this can be done every month or two.

Sage tea
Using sage tea is another way to clean your crystal. It is very effective and there is less possibility of your crystals being damaged. It is always preferable to use fresh sage. Brew a pot of light tea and leave to cool. If possible, always use a glass jar or bowl and pour the cool tea over the crystals and leave overnight. Remove them and since with clean, pure water, if possible distilled water.

Smudge or Smoke method
The smudge method of cleaning gems and crystals is to pass the stones through the smoke of herbs or scented incense. Hold your stones either one at a time or all together in your hand and pass them through the smoke. Sweetgrass, lemongrass, frankincense, sage or Dragon's Blood are ideal. Crystals can also be passed through a candle flame to cleanse.

Homeopathic solutions
There are also some homeopathic solutions which can be used to clean your stones. Most alcohol-free brands work well.

Sand method
If you are having a hard time cleaning your stones or when all else fails, try the sand method. This can be done by burying your stones in moist sand (or soil). Do not wrap the stones in anything, place them directly into the sand. Your stones will be cleaned but do be aware that often polish is removed when this method is used.

Storage and Safe-keeping

It is generally understood that energy can penetrate most household materials. When storing your gems and crystals for any length of time, it is wise to do so in a place and a container that will minimise the risk of contamination. A stone or metal-lined wood jewellery box is a fairly safe bet. If you do not have such a container, we have a wide selection of beautiful solid, carved stone containers at very reasonable prices. Visit the Gift shop or Contact us with your request.