What Crystals Can Go in Water? 16 Best Water-Safe Crystals

As a timeless database of knowledge, crystals have a remarkable ability to absorb, transmit and store vibrational energies from everything it comes into contact with. However, some of these energies are negative and harbors no practical utility. Therefore, it is necessary to cleanse them regularly to detoxify your crystal from all of these unwanted energies.

One quick and effective method of removing the negative energies stored in the crystals is to douse them in water- be it from running tap water, ocean, rivers, lakes, and streams. But not all crystals are safe to be cleansed with water. Some crystals will disintegrate when imbued with water, others lose their luster, and some could even expel harmful chemicals.

What crystals can go in water? The general criterion used in determining whether or not you should water cleanse your crystal is that they should score five or higher on the Mohs Hardness Scale. However, it is not the only determining factor. You should also consider the porousness, mineral composition, and the elements it can’t be mixed with.

Hard crystals belonging to the Quartz family such as Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Clear Quartz, Blue Quartz, Amethyst, and Citrine scores 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness and therefore considered water-safe crystals.

On the flip side, stones that end in ‘ite’ such as Malachite, Kyanite, Calcite, Fluorite, Halite, Lepidolite, Hematite, Azurite, Angelite, Selenite, and Celestite should be kept out of water. Moreover, iron ores such as Magnetite, Goethite, and Pyrite shouldn’t be submerged in water for long periods because they are highly susceptible to rust.

Taking the time to get to know your crystals, their origins, and physical composition not only prevents you from causing damage to the crystals but it will also deepen your connection with the crystals. It will also allow you to manifest your intention and have a more fulfilling experience with them.

This article will serve as a guidebook for which crystals are safe to cleanse with water and which are not. We’ll also go over their origins, physical composition, and healing properties. But first, let’s take a look at this elusive standard litmus test used in determining water-safe crystals.

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale, and how does it work?

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness was spearheaded by German mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812. It’s a simple qualitative ordinal scale that assesses the resistance of a mineral by scratching it against another substance of known hardness. Whichever one leaves a scratch is harder, and if both scratch one another, their hardness is equal.

Water-Safe Crystals Directory

1. Diamond

Mohs Hardness Score: 10

Among all known crystals, diamond has the highest hardness on the Mohs scale, rating a solid 10. It’s a crystalline form of carbon hailed from the Greek word adamas, which means “hard” and “unconquerable.”

Formed millions, if not billions of years ago under intense heat and pressure 160 kilometers below the earth’s surface, these incredibly rare crystals are the most thermally conductive natural substance on the planet. They are usually found in Africa, Russia, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia.

This stone is said to cultivate grit and liberate its bearer from pain and fear. Diamond is also believed to detoxify and purify the body, boost metabolism and relieve chronic conditions. Furthermore, various sources claim that it could counteract aging, boost energy levels, and improve functions of the sensory organs, nerves, and brain.

It is also said to be beneficial for artists, as it could clear their minds, foster inspiration, and stimulate the imagination. It could also aid in unclogging the crown chakra, allowing you to access the cosmic realm, your inner reservoir of wisdom, and your highest self.

2. Emerald

Mohs Hardness Score: 7.5 – 8

Emerald is the stone of clairvoyance, love, and cellular regeneration. It’s a variety of the highly-sought beryl gemstone whose color ranges from light to dark green and can be either opaque or transparent. Its green color is attributed to the presence of chromium and vanadium.

With a rank of 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale, this stone is relatively hard and therefore safe to be cleansed with water. However, almost every specimen of emerald contains inclusions such as gas bubbles, liquid, crystals, and even fractures that may compromise its durability.

According to ancient Egyptian historians, Cleopatra had a special fascination with this lustrous stone and used it to incorporate it in her regal ornaments. It is also highly valued by the Incas and Aztecs of South America, who deemed it as a holy stone.

This stone is said to work well with the heart chakra, creating harmony in your emotions and relationships. It could also aid in warding off negative energies that may have been blocking your ability to love and receive love. It is also conducive to enhancing clairvoyant and psychic abilities.

3. Clear Quartz

Mohs Hardness Score: 7

Clear quartz is an all-purpose healing gemstone composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is part of the trigonal crystal system with a piezoelectric quality and helix spiral crystalline form. It’s the second most abundant mineral on the planet next to feldspar and can be located worldwide.

This hunk of glistening hard mineral scores 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale; hence you can submerge it in water without worrying that it may sustain any damage. According to Japanese lore, quartz came from the breath of the venerable white dragon who emulates perfection.

Known as a master healer, this crystal is said to clear blockages in the body, stimulate the immune system and cleanse your organs. This rock crystal is also said to bring clarity, abundance, and harmony to your home.

4. Rose Quartz

Mohs Hardness Score: 7

Widely regarded as the stone of unconditional love, the Rose Quartz is highly revered for healing old wounds of the heart, promoting self-love, and nurturing your ability to forgive others. It is also said to restore trust and harmony in relationships by purifying and opening the heart on all levels.

Rose Quartz is also known as Hyaline Quartz. Its color ranges from a translucent pale pink to a more reddish pink luster. This pinkish tint is attributed to the presence of manganese, dumortierite, iron, or titanium in the crystal. It rates 7 on the infamous hardness scale; hence you can immerse it in water for however long your intuition instructs you to.

This gorgeous stone is said to bring peace and has been used by Ancient Egyptians to improve their complexion and slow down aging. It’s also reputed to facilitate skin regeneration, clear acne, and reduce inflammation.

Moreover, this precious stone is ripe with healing properties when it comes to matters of the heart. It is said to strengthen the bond between you and your family, draw new love into your life, encourage fertility, and strengthen the circulatory system.

Rose Quartz can be found all over the world, particularly in the United States, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Japan, India, Sweden, and Madagascar, among others.

5. Black Obsidian

Mohs Hardness Score: 5 – 6

Black Obsidian, also known as volcanic glass rock, is a dark, glassy mineraloid formed when molten lava cools rapidly that it doesn’t have time to crystallize. It’s most commonly found in Mexico, Peru, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Turnkey, Kenya, Greece, El Salvador, or anywhere with volcanic activity.

Black Obsidian is a moderately hard crystal falling around 5 to 6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This is an apparent green light that you could cleanse this stone with water without any risk of sustaining damage. However, this stone is sensitive to abrupt temperature changes, so you might want to veer away from extremely hot or freezing cold water.

This powerful dark sorcerer of the crystal realm is known to impel its owner to do their shadow work, forcing them to confront their repressed emotions and purge out all their limiting thought patterns so they could finally move forward towards their highest self.

As a highly cathartic stone, Black Obsidian stimulates growth and raises your vibrational blueprint. It is also believed to aid in detoxifying your body, maintaining a healthy flow in your circulation, and mitigating digestive issues.

6. Unakite

Mohs Hardness Score: 6 – 7

Known to be the stone of balance, harmony, well-being, and vision, Unakite is believed to have the phenomenal ability to open up the heart and third eye chakra. It is legendary for giving its owner a spiritual makeover and relief from stress and anxiety.

This epidotized granite contains an amalgamation of salmon pink orthoclase feldspar, clear quartz, red jasper, and green epidote. It could also include small traces of zircon, chromite, and magnetite.

Because it falls under 6 to 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it’s considered a water-safe crystal. However, its physical composition can be sensitive to chemical cleaners, so you should steer clear of steam and ultrasonic cleaning.

7. Ruby

Mohs Hardness Score: 9

Ruby is a mineral corundum (aluminum oxide) variant that is part of the hexagonal crystal system. Its red color is attributed to the chromium impurities that make the stone glow when exposed to ultraviolet light.

This precious crystal has a mineral hardness of 9 and is resistant to water, heat, and common chemicals. However, in cases where the stone is treated, dyed, or fracture-filled, you should avoid using ultrasonic and steam cleaners and opt for other alternatives.

According to Vedic astrologers, this elegant stone represents the sun and harbors powerful medicinal healing properties. It is believed to invigorate the spleen, kidneys, and adrenal glands.  It’s also said to alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate the menstrual flow. Furthermore, it’s said to be especially beneficial to the heart and circulatory system.

This lustrous stone symbolizes passion, vitality, nobility, and vigor, among others. This fiery and magnificent gemstone is also believed to boost self-confidence, safeguard you against psychic attacks, and sharpen the mind. It is also considered a talisman of prosperity and positive energy.

8. Smoky Quartz

Mohs Hardness Score: 7

Smoky quartz, also known as Morion, is a national treasure of Scotland and other European countries. It’s a silicon dioxide crystal whose color ranges from a light translucent grey hue to a dark, brownish-black. Its wispy silvery smoky shade is produced either by being in close contact with natural sources of radiation or artificially developed through the irradiation process.

In order to cleanse this crystal, you can soak it in water without worrying that it might rust or lose its luster. You could also opt to submerge it in vinegar for a couple of hours or expose it to the natural elements of the earth, such as moonlight, saltwater, or sunlight. Placing it in direct contact with Selenite or in an amethyst geode should also do the trick.

Known as the “grounding stone,” this crystal encourages its owners to surrender all the negative thought patterns, unhealthy habits, and old wounds. It forces you to drop all your judgments and ego-driven moral superiority to open up a more enriching and fulfilling world full of love, adventures, and endless possibilities.

9. Rutilated Quartz

Mohs Hardness Score: 6

Renowned as the “illuminator,” Rutilated Quartz is said to elevate your auric field and permeate your entire being with love, light, and wisdom. According to psychics, this stone serves as a bridge to the metaphysical realm. If you’re an artist, this stone will assist you in your creative venture by allowing you to tap into this magical realm of infinite abundance.

Although it is slightly softer compared to the other quartz crystals, it’s still considered water-safe. Because it belongs to the quartz family, it is totally safe to dip it in water to get rid of the negative energies and physical impurities that might have attached to it. However, automatic cleaning tools such as steam and ultrasonic cleaners are not recommended.

This magnificent healer is said to promote forgiveness, higher vibration, and spiritual growth. It’s also believed to connect all your chakra, give you a profound sense of awareness, and allow you to manifest your desires into physical reality. Furthermore, this stone is claimed to galvanize cellular repair and hasten injury recovery.

10. Sapphire

Mohs Hardness Score: 9

Similar to Ruby, Sapphire is also a variant of the mineral corundum. With a hardness score of 9, it’s safe to be drenched in water. However, just like Ruby, you should avoid using ultrasonic and steam cleaners when it comes to dyed and cavity-filled sapphire stones.

During ancient times, Greeks usually wear sapphire when coming to the Oracle of Delphi to gain clear foresight and to appease the god, Apollo. The word sapphire stems from the Greek word sappheiros which means blue stone. This majestic stone has also been typically linked with the planet Saturn.

Sapphire is legendary for being a wisdom stone that restores harmony in the biofield, allows positive, energetic flow, and strengthens the confidence to tell the truth. This stone is also said to ward off evil spirits and help maintain inner peace.

As for its physical healing uses, it’s claimed to relieve headaches, regulate the glands and improve eyesight. Moreover, it is believed to aid in treating blood disorders, degenerative diseases, and dementia. It’s also said to soothe insomnia, nosebleeds, and ear infections.

11. Citrine

Mohs Hardness Score: 7

Popularly known as the stone of prosperity, this bright and powerful stone is another variant of crystalline quartz that ranges from a golden yellow sparkle to a more autumn reddish-brown vibe. This gemstone is usually mined in Spain, Scotland, France, Russia, Brazil, Congo, and Madagascar.

This radiant merchant stone is perfectly safe to be drenched in water, having a water-friendly mineral composition and a solid 7 level of mineral hardness on the Mohs scale. The water is a powerful neutralizing agent that could assist in eliminating unwanted energies stored in the crystal, allowing you to get the most out of this dazzling stone.

Citrine usually evokes feelings of warmth, prosperity, and abundance. According to various sources, this scintillating stone can facilitate self-expression, boost confidence, restore zest for life and bring harmony in all aspects of your life.

Several sources also affirm the numerous physical healing properties of this magnificent stone. It is said that Citrine could aid in reversing degenerative disease, aids in digestion, detoxifying organs and blood, and harmonizing the chemical imbalances in the body. It is also believed to help in overcoming addiction and alleviating symptoms of depression.

12. Amethyst

Mohs Hardness Score: 7

Another popular variety of crystal quartz is Amethyst. This is widely regarded as the stone of sobriety, transmutation, and spiritual connection. This stunning prismatic crystal is molded from hollow rocks or geodes where volcanic materials, mineral-saturated water, and gases distill and crystallize.

Massive deposits of these brilliant purple crystals are usually found in Australia, Brazil, Uruguay, Namibia, Siberia, South America, and Sri Lanka.

With a rate of 7 on the Mohs Hardness scale, Amethyst is safe to wash with warm soapy water. However, you must ensure that the water is not too hot or too cold, as abrupt temperature changes can cause it to fracture.

Additionally, you have to guarantee that the water you’re using is free from harmful chemicals, especially hydrogen peroxide, ammonium fluoride, alkaline solutions, vinegar, and hydrofluoric acid.

As maintained by natural health practitioners, Amethyst emits high-frequency vibrational energy that could boost your mood, relieves stress, soothe insomnia and bring balance to your mental energy. It is also said to fortify the solar plexus chakra and activate the psychic abilities of the owner.

Apart from that, various sources also claim that Amethysts hold several physical healing properties such as regulating hormones, improving skin complexion, enhancing digestive function, and boosting the immune system.

13. Agate

Mohs Hardness Score: 6.5 – 7

Agate stones ate part of the rock formation class Chalcedony, which is also a part of the quartz family. They are etched with bands of stripes and come in various colors. These bands are formed when the mineral fragments crystallize in layers. Its name is hailed from Achates River (now called the Dirillo River) in Sicily, which is where Agate was first found.

This astonishing gemstone of inner fortitude rates around 6.5- 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale and is considered to be insoluble when cleansed with water.

Generally acclaimed as the stone of perception, Agate is said to raise one’s level of awareness and incite profound spiritual growth. It’s also notable for its ability to enhance mental clarity, harmonize human electromagnetic biofields, and convert negative energies into a more positive and beneficial wavelength.

On top of that, Agate is believed to have physical therapeutic applications as well. This crystal is typically used to alleviate headaches, reduce skin inflammation, soothe sore throats and counteract lethargy. It is also said to relieve digestive discomfort and enhance blood circulation.

14. Aventurine

Mohs Hardness Score: 6 – 6.5

Aventurine is a silicon dioxide mineral that contains inclusions of mica. It’s part of the quartz family, which makes it a relatively hard crystal and therefore remains stable when it comes in direct contact with water. The name of the stone is derived from the Italian word ‘a ventura‘ which means ‘by chance.’

Considered to be the “Stone of Opportunity” in many cultures, Aventurine entices wealth, harmony, confidence, prosperity, creativity, and career success. This well-loved and highly sought-after stone have been used by gamblers as a symbol of luck. It’s commonly found in India, Tanzania, Austria, Brazil, Russia, Spain, and Chile.

This stone is said to awaken your inner wisdom and foster mental clarity when making life-altering decisions. According to psychic sources, it could also allow you to let go of other people’s opinions and societal expectations and set your own path that is more aligned with the most authentic and highest version of you.

Aside from that, Aventurine is also believed to promote the healthy functioning of adrenal glands, stabilize blood pressure, relieve eye strain and migraines, and strengthen the nervous system. Moreover, if you’re struggling with your weight, this remarkable crystal may aid in inducing a healthy metabolic rate.

15. Carnelian

Mohs Hardness Score: 7

Carnelian is another variant of Chalcedony that ranges in color from a lustrous pink to autumnal brownish-red. It’s a silicon dioxide mineral whose color depends on the amount of iron impurities within the crystal. They are commonly situated along the shores of India, Brazil, the United States, Peru, Uruguay, Egypt, Amazon, and Madagascar.

Known as The Artist Stone, this effulgent crystal fosters creativity, restores verve, and evokes motivation. It’s also believed to promote the smooth flow of energy and creative juices. What’s more is that it can recenter and ground its owner in the present moment, allowing the bearer to be more mindful with every step they take.

Carnelian is also an excellent stone for stimulating the body’s own healing ability. It’s said to increase chances of fertility, dispel mental lethargy and increase the level of positivity in its surroundings. On top of this, it could also stabilize blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.

To bring out its magical powers, it needs to be cleansed and recharged. One quick and effective method of doing this is by submerging it in water. With a rate of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, the Carnelian stone is totally safe to go in water, and you don’t have to worry about it being fractured or losing its sheen.

16. Tiger’s Eye

Mohs Hardness Score: 6.5 – 7

As a member of the quartz family, the Tiger’s Eye is also considered water-friendly. This gemstone exudes chatoyancy which is the optical effect wherein a luminescent band gets reflected and forms a cat eye-like appearance.

As a stone of protection, personal empowerment, and willpower, this fascinating gemstone calls upon your inner fortitude and wisdom to see beyond the smoke and mirrors and finally see the truth behind everything. It also emancipates its users from any internal or external shackles that may have been blocking them from living their best life.

Furthermore, Tigers eye is considered to be particularly useful in balancing the root and solar plexus chakras, healing psychosomatic diseases, and defending you against psychic attacks and evil spirits.

For those struggling with neck problems, eye strain, and back pains, the Tiger’s eye could also be helpful. It’s also said to be exceptional at speeding up slow metabolism and balancing out the endocrine system. However, because this is also a stone of practicality, it might also compel you to get the opinion of a licensed physician who is trained to treat these illnesses.

Crystals You Should Avoid Submerging in Water

For the record, here’s a list of crystals you should avoid submerging in water:

• Magnetite (Lodestone)
• Black Tourmaline
• Tangerine Quartz
• Turquoise
• Jade
• Lapis Lazuli
• Amazonite
• Desert Rose
• Gypsum
• Talc
• Labradorite
• Aquamarine
• Calcite
• Angelite
• Malachite
• Selenite
• Apophyllite
• Celestine
• Fluorite
• Imperial Topaz
• Red Coral
• Ulexite
• Fire Opal
• Opal
• Azurite
• Kyanite
• Kunzite
• Desert Rose
• Pyrite
• Lepidolite
• Halite
• Apatite
• Hematite