When it comes to cleansing and purifying crystals, one of the major elements is water. This is what a lot of people use for such exercise.
As effective as this is, there can be major side effects without understanding the make-up and framework of your crystal.
In my years of study concerning crystals, I can affirm that not all crystals can stay in water – whether for spiritual or other purposes.
Water is a good cleansing agent. But when it comes to crystal, extra care is needed.
This article will enlighten you on the types of crystals that can go in water and vice versa. Read till the end.
Are there crystals that can and cannot go in water?

Yes, some crystals can and cannot go in water.
The components of crystals vary. Because of this, it won’t be safe to assume that all crystals can go in water.
For example, the hardness and composition of crystals differ from each other. These, and other yardsticks need to be considered.
Importantly, you need to carefully research the properties of the crystal you intend to submerge in water. With this, you can make informed decisions.
To help you, I will discuss 8 common crystals people normally try to cleanse with water. Read below to discover if these crystals can go in water or not.
Let’s start with the basic crystals!

In this section, we will discuss the basic crystals used for spiritual purposes.
At one point or the other, you will find one of these crystals handy and might want to use it for healing, meditation, and so on.
Therefore, you need to know if it can go in the water or not. This will help you to select an alternative cleansing method (if not), or go ahead with water cleansing.
Can hematite go in water?

No, hematite cannot go in the water.
The chemical composition of this crystal is the reason you shouldn’t try submerging it in water.
Hematite is majorly composed of iron oxide. This chemical composition makes it susceptible to water. Exposing your hematite to water can cause rusting.
This leads to a decline in the quality of your crystal.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to water can cause formations on the surface of your stone. The moisture triggers a chemical reaction that leads to the formation of hydroxide.
Therefore, it is not advisable to expose this crystal to water. Use other cleansing methods apart from moist.
Can clear quartz go in water?

Yes, clear quartz can go in water. This is one of the widely used crystals in the world of crystal healing and spirituality.
When it comes to its cleansing, the chemical composition of this stone makes it durable even when exposed to water.
Clear quartz is made of silicon dioxide. This is why it has a crystalline structure. Because of this, it has a hard surface, which is slippery and water-resistant.
Therefore, exposing it to water does not lead to rusting or other chemical reactions.
Using water to cleanse your clear quartz has no side effects whatsoever.
Can rose quartz go in water?

Yes, rose quartz can go in water.
It falls within the same family as clear quartz, which implies that it has the same hardness scale and durability when it comes to prolonged exposure to moisture.
The universe made rose quartz water-resistant because it is mostly used with water.
Because of the love energy that comes from this stone, a lot of people make love potions and elixirs by placing rose quartz in water.
Imagine if it was non-water-resistant! None would be able to enjoy its amazing potential.
If you want to make some love potions and elixirs or charge your water with the gentle vibration of rose quartz, it is okay to do so.
Learn here how to cleanse your Rose Quartz using water.
Can fluorite go in water?

No, fluorite cannot go in the water.
Its chemical composition calls for extreme caution when exposing it to moisture.
Fluorite is composed of a chemical called calcium fluoride. This contains fluoride ions which can contaminate water. These ions can leach off inside water.
Now, when you use such water to bathe or drink it to harness the energy of fluorite, your body and internal organs are exposed to these ions, which can be harmful.
Because of this, it is not advisable to submerge this stone in water.
Learn here how to cleanse and charge Fluorite (safe ways).
Can Carnelian go in water?

It is safe to use carnelian with water.
This beautiful crystal belongs to the same family as rose quartz and clear quartz. Just like these stones, it is made of silicon dioxide.
Silicon dioxide makes the stone water-resistant. Rather than absorbing moisture, it remains dry and unaffected by water.
If you intend to cleanse this stone using water, it is absolutely safe to do so.
Learn here how to cleanse Carnelian using water.
Can obsidian go in water?

No, obsidian cannot go in the water.
This crystal has the propensity to absorb water. Because of this, it is not advisable to submerge it in water.
Unlike other crystals, obsidian is formed through the cooling off of lava from rocks. Because of this, it has a non-crystalline structure.
Its Mohs hardness scale is low. This makes it more porous than other stones.
Once you expose obsidian to water, you stand at risk of damaging your stone. Its color will begin to fade and might disintegrate or crack eventually.
Rather than using water, employ other cleansing methods like smudging sage, and so on.
Learn here the best ways to cleanse and charge Black Obsidian.
Can selenite go in water?

No, it is not safe to place selenite in water. This water-soluble mineral is susceptible to moisture.
Selenite comes in the form of gypsum. Chemically, it is made of hydrous calcium sulfate mineral.
Because of this, your crystal can disintegrate over time if you constantly expose it to water.
As much as you can, keep selenite away from moisture. Avoid submerging it in water to maintain its quality.
It is a self-cleansing and charging crystal. You don’t need water to charge or cleanse it.
Learn here how to cleanse Selenite (some safe and easy ways).
Can smoky quartz go in water?

Yes, it is okay to use smoky quartz with water.
It falls within the quartz family, which indicates that it is water-resistant. It is not affected by water and cannot go through rusting, degradation, or disintegration due to exposure to water.
However, you need to be cautious.
For example, if certain chemicals were applied to the surface of your smoky quartz to enhance its colors and appearance. Then, exposing it to water for a long time releases the coating on its surface into the water, which is harmful.
It also leads to a change in color and appearance. But, generally, smoky quartz is safe to use with water.
Learn here how to cleanse your Smoky Quartz crystal using water.
List of crystals that can go in water

Here are 12 crystals that can go in water:
- Clear Quartz;
- Rose Quartz;
- Smoky quartz;
- Carnelian;
- Moonstone;
- Sunstone;
- Rhodonite;
- Blue lace agate;
- Lepidolite;
- Black Tourmaline;
- Sodalite;
- Labradorite.
If you intend to cleanse these crystals with water, it is safe to do. Infusing them with water energy has little or no side effects.
Ensure that the crystal is natural. That is, check if there is an extra coating on the surface of your stone before placing it in water. If the extra coating is present, then, take extra caution.
List of crystals that cannot go in water

These crystals should have little or no exposure to water for any reason:
- Hematite;
- Chrysocolla;
- Jasper;
- Pyrite;
- Kunzite;
- Kyanite;
- Azurite;
- Opal;
- Red Coral;
- Fire Opal;
- Imperial Topaz;
- Amber;
- Selenite;
- Angelite;
- Calcite;
- Obsidian;
- Fluorite;
- Halite;
- Hemimorphite;
- Turquoise;
- Lapis Lazuli.
Keep these crystals away from water as much as you can.
If you have any of these crystals, protect them from losing quality and vibrance by ensuring they maintain their dryness.
For spiritual purposes, you can make use of other elements of nature apart from water. This preserves your stone for a long time.
Can water damage some crystals?

Yes, water can damage some crystals.
As explained earlier, the chemical composition of some crystals makes them susceptible to water.
When you expose some crystals to water, they instantly begin to lose quality and over time, begin to dwindle in their effectiveness.
The radiance fades and these stones become as dead as rock.
This is why you should spend time researching the chemical composition of your crystal before submerging it in water or bringing it into contact with moisture.
Therefore, as powerful as water is, it can be a threat to certain precious gemstones.
Can salt water damage some crystals?

Yes, salt water can damage some crystals.
Generally, I would not recommend submerging any form of crystal into salt water. The abrasive and corrosive nature of salt water makes it a threat to crystals.
However, because of the hardness scale differences between crystals, some will be more affected by others.
Before you leave, check here the crystals that can go in salt and salt water.
Final Words
Water is an important element of nature. However, it can be dangerous to some crystals. You need to ascertain this before purifying your crystal with water.
This article has shed light on all gray areas concerning this subject matter, which I am sure you learned from. Share your thoughts with us below.