Proper maintenance of natural crystals requires attention to multiple aspects. Here’s a detailed care guide:
1. Daily Wear Precautions
- Impact Protection: While crystals have considerable hardness (Mohs 7+), they remain vulnerable to fractures. Remove jewelry during:
• Sports activities (basketball, gym workouts)
• Heavy lifting/home renovations
• Any high-impact situations - Separate Storage: Store different crystal types individually to prevent scratching:
• Use anti-tarnish pouches for softer stones (e.g., selenite)
• Line jewelry boxes with microfiber fabric
• Example: Never store amethyst and citrine together – their differing hardness levels cause mutual damage - Chemical Avoidance: Protect crystals from corrosive substances by removing them before:
• Applying perfumes/cosmetics
• Household cleaning
• Swimming (chlorine damages most stones)
2. Cleaning Protocols
- Routine Care:
• Monthly gentle wash with pH-neutral soap and lukewarm water
• Use a baby toothbrush for intricate carvings
• Pat dry with lint-free cloth (microfiber preferred) - Stain Treatment:
• For organic stains: Overnight baking soda paste
• Mineral deposits: Distilled white vinegar soak (5 minutes max)
• Important: Never ultrasonic clean geodes or included crystals
3. Energetic Maintenance (Metaphysical Practice)
- Lunar Charging:
• Full moonlight exposure for 4-12 hours
• Place on wooden/natural fiber surfaces
• Avoid direct sunlight transition - Salt Cleansing:
• Use Himalayan pink salt for delicate stones
• Limit to 2 hours for porous crystals (malachite, turquoise)
• Always rinse thoroughly post-treatment - Cluster Recharging:
• Selenite charging plates (most versatile)
• Amethyst geodes for spiritual stones
• Clear quartz clusters for general use
4. Special Considerations
- Light Sensitivity:
• Color-fading alert for: Rose quartz, amethyst, citrine
• Display under UV-filter glass if in sunny areas
• Tiffany stone and fluorite require complete darkness - Structural Checks:
• Monthly prong inspections for set pieces
• Watch for glue deterioration in bead strands
• Professional re-stringing recommended annually
Pro Tip: Create a crystal care calendar with:
✓ Cleaning reminders
✓ Energetic recharge dates
✓ Seasonal storage rotations (e.g., winter humidity control)
Remember: Well-maintained crystals preserve both physical beauty and (in energy work) vibrational integrity. For valuable specimens, consult gemological professionals for conservation-grade care.