While working with crystals is a popular practice, it’s important to note that there’s currently no scientific evidence to support its benefits. In fact, a 2009 review suggests that the perceived benefits of crystal healing may result from a placebo effect. Still, many people swear by the benefits of crystals. There’s certainly no harm in giving them a try as a complementary treatment.

Many people use crystal to calm their body and mind. Some people think that crystals send natural waves into the world.

Before a purchase is made, crystals travel long distances from source to seller. The stone may be in alignment with your own.

These stones are said to help you release the negative vibes.

The only way to restore your crystal to its natural state is to regularly cleanse and replenish your stones. This act of care can help you to find purpose.

Learn about some of the most common cleansing methods, how to align a crystal with your intentions, and more.

“Water is said to help rid the stone of negative energy. You can rinse your stone under a faucet, even though it’s best to use natural running water.”

Ensure that your stone is submerged. Pat dry when done.

Approximate duration: 1 minute per stone

Use this for: hard stones, such as quartz

Don’t use this for: stones that are brittle or soft, such as selenite, kyanite, and halite

Salt has been used to rid the world of bad vibes.

“If you are near the ocean, you can collect a bowl of fresh saltwater. If you don’t mix sea, rock, or table salt into the water, you will end up with a mess.”

Allow your stone to soak for a few hours to a few days, and make sure that it is completely submerged. When done, pat dry.

Approximate duration: up to 48 hours

Use this for: hard stones, such as quartz and amethyst

Don’t use this for: stones that are soft, porous, or contain trace metals, such as malachite, selenite, halite, calcite, lepidolite, and angelite

This method can be used to draw out negative vibes in a safe setting. It is beneficial for protective stones.

To do this, you need to fill a bowl with brown rice and bury your stone beneath it. The rice is said to have absorbed the energy you are trying to eradicate.

Approximate duration: 24 hours

Use this for: any stone

You can cleanse and replenish yourself at any time, even if you choose to do it in the solar or lunar cycle.

You can bathe your stone in the light of the moon and sun by setting it out before nightfall.

Make sure you return in the morning to see the stone in its full glory.

If you can, place your stone on the ground. Further cleansing will be allowed by this. Wherever they are, make sure they are not disturbed by wildlife or people.

Give the stone a rinse to remove any dirt. Pat dry.

Approximate duration: 10 to 12 hours

Use this for: most tumbled stones

Don’t use this for: vibrant stones, such as amethyst, in sunlight; soft stones, such as celestite, halite, and selenite, that may be damaged by inclement weather

Sage is a sacred plant with a multitude of healing properties. Smudging your stone is said to clear inharmonious vibrations and restore its natural energy.

You will need it.

  • A bowl that is fire safe.
  • A lighter or matches.
  • “It’s either loose or bundled.”

“If you can’t smudge outdoors, make sure you are near an open window. The smoke and negative energy will be dispersed.”

The tip of the sage should be lit with a flame. Transfer the stone to your nondominant hand and move it through the smoke.

Allow the smoke to come in for a short time. If you feel the stone is holding onto a lot, you should consider using smudge for 30 seconds.

Approximate duration: about 30 to 60 seconds per stone

Use this for: any stone

Sound healing allows a single pitch or tone to wash over an area, bringing it into the same vibration as the tone.

This can be accomplished using chanting, singing bowls, a tuning fork, or even a nice bell. It doesn’t matter what key the sound is, so long as the sound emitted is loud enough for the vibration to fully encompass the stone.

This method is ideal for people who have a lot of crystals.

Approximate duration: 5 to 10 minutes

Use this for: any stone

Clearing smaller stones can be done with large quartz clusters, selenite slabs, and amethysts.

“Place your stone on top of the stones. The larger stone’s vibrations are thought to remove the in harmonious energies found in the resting stone.”

Approximate duration: 24 hours

Use this for: any stone

The clearing effect is said to be caused by conjugate, clear, and hematite.

Because these stones are smaller, you may need to have more than one person on hand to clear them.

Set the stone you want to restore on top of the clearing stones in a small bowl.

Approximate duration: 24 hours

Use this for: any stone

Breathwork can be used as a cleansing method.

To get started, hold the stone in your dominant hand. Take a moment and focus on your intentions.

Bring the stone closer to your face and exhale short, powerful breaths through the nose and onto the stone to bring it to its highest vibration.

Approximate duration: about 30 seconds per stone

Use this for: small stones

This is the safest way to clear stones, but it can be intimidating for some. It is easier to get your energy to restore the stone you want to restore if you are in tune with your sense of self.

Pick up your stone and visualize your hands filling with white, radiant light after a few minutes.

You can feel the light surrounding the stone growing brighter in your hands. The stone will shine brighter with the help of the impurities being flushed out.

“Continue this visualization until you feel a change in the stone’s energy.”

Approximate duration: about 1 minute per stone

Use this for: any stone

Although crystals are said to have innate healing properties, taking the time to set an intention for your stone can help you connect with its energy and restore your own sense of purpose.

You may feel comfortable holding the stone in your hand as you meditate, or placing it on your third eye. You can also lay back and allow the stone to rest on the corresponding chakra, or area of the body that you wish to work with.

The stone has energy merging with your own. Speak to the stone silently or directly and ask for help.

Thank the stone for its presence then spend a few minutes in meditation.

If your stone feels heavier than expected, it may benefit from a little energetic activation.

Try to lend it some of your own energy by singing, speaking or breathing in. A little interaction can go a long way.

Take the stone out with you if you have plans outside. Many people find that allowing stone to soak up natural energy at the park or beach has a powerful effect.

You can create an activation grid by surrounding the stone with more energetic stones. Ruby, clear quartz, apophyllite, selenite, and carnelian are popular choices.

You can use any stone you want. Make sure they surround the main crystal so that it can bask in its own energy.

How often do I need to cleanse my stones?

The more you use a stone, the more energy it collects. It is a good rule to clear your stones at least once a month.

“If a stone is feeling heavier than usual, you should cleanse it. You don’t have to wait for a certain amount of time.”

What is the best method for cleansing stones?

Find a method that works for you. It is possible that what works best for you may not work best for someone else.

How do I know when a stone is cleansed?

The stone should feel lighter to the touch.

What should I do with my stones after they’ve been cleansed?

Find places that are not harmful to your health. If you can, keep them near plants and windows. If you want to align your intentions, place the stones around your home, office, or other space.

We care for ourselves when we care for our crystals. We are allowing energy that is harmful to our lives and intentions to leave in a peaceful and healing manner.

Taking small measures allows us to be more aware of our surroundings.