Let's talk about caring for our crystals friends today. You will know that a crystal needs cleansing when it loses it's sparkle, brightness, color or feel sticky to the touch. Because of their electric properties, dust may be drawn to crystals which alters their natural healing ability. It's a good idea to give our crystal friends a bath regularly to avoid a buildup of dust.
Crystals can also absorb energies from other people. There's nothing wrong with that, but those energies are not yours, and it's your energy that the crystal will be working on or with to achieve its healing effects.
Here are some ways you can cleanse your crystals.
Brushing
You can use a paintbrush or makeup brush to remove dust from delicate crystals
Physical Cleansing
Washing crystal in a bowl with some mild detergent mixed in water will make your crystals sparkle. Be careful though, some crystals are water soluble and should not come in contact with water. Crystals with a Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness rating of 6 and above can be cleansed with water.
Safe to wash: Quartz, Aquamarine, Black Tourmaline, Herkimer Diamond, Amethyst, etc.
Do not wash: Selenite, Calcite, Malachite, Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Turqoise, Desert Rose, etc.
Running Water
You can also cleanse your crystals under running water too.
Moonlight
Full moons and new moons are wonderful times to let your crystals cleanse in the moonlight.
You can check for the next full moon at this website http://www.fullmoon.info/en/fullmoon-calendar.html
Sunlight
Just as moonlight cleanses, leaving your crystals under sunlight is also another method. Take extra precaution with clear crystals such as quartz and especially crystal balls though, as they may focus the sun's rays and pose as a fire risk.
Burning Incense or Smudge Stick
A traditional way of cleansing crystals energetically by "Air" is using the smoke of sacred herbs and wood such as sage, frankincense or sandalwood. This ritual is used to remove negative energy from your crystal or room. Please make sure your room is also well ventilated when you do this.
Light or Reiki
Reiki can be used energetically cleanse the crystal too! Alternatively you can also visualize a bright light flowing from your brow chakra filling the crystal with light. When it is completely glowing with light, slowly bring your focus away from the crystal and back to your surroundings.
Enjoy!