What Crystals Can Go In Water?

All crystals are composed of different minerals and materials, so some crystals can be cleaned and recharged in water and some cannot. Use this checklist of what crystals should never be put in water to keep your crystals safe.

Understanding Mohs Hardness Scale

One way to determine if crystals are safe to put in water is to learn where they fall on the MoH’s Hardness Scale. This scale rates crystals from 1 to 10, with 1 rating the crystal as the softest and 10 being the hardest. Crystals above 5 or 6 are generally safe to put in water, but this scale shouldn't be the only factor when making a decision.

Crystals that Should Not Go in Water

Selenite

Selenite is made from gypsum and it falls at a 2 on the MoH’s hardness scale. In fact, there are very few other crystals that are softer than Selenite.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli falls at a 5 on the MoH hardness scale. Although this crystal can be submerged in water, it's best not to leave it in water for long periods of time. It's a porous stone and absorbing water can cause short or long-term discoloration or damage.

Fluorite

Fluorite is rated a 4 on the MoH hardness scale. While it can be cleaned with short exposure to water, continued exposure will affect its strength.

Labradorite

Labradorite falls at about a 6 on the MoH’s hardness scale. While it is a hard crystal according to this scale, it will become dull and slightly rough to the touch if it is frequently immersed in water.

Apatite

Apatite falls at a 5 on the MoH hardness scale, making its exposure to water questionable. But more importantly, due to cracks on its surface, when Apatite is exposed to water for longer periods of time, it may lead to breakage.