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Which Crystals Are Safe For Water? (HINT: Not Many!)

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Whether you want to clean your crystals, make crystal moon water, or create a crystal elixir, you probably know that not all crystals are not safe for water.

Because crystals vary in their mineral content, putting some crystals in water can make them rust, tarnish, leach minerals into water, or worse, dissolve completely.

It can be difficult to know which crystals are safe for water and which aren’t, so let’s go through how to figure it out!

crystals safe for water

Crystals That Are Safe For Water:

In general, the guidelines you can use for whether or not a crystal is safe for water are:

  1. Is it a hard crystal? The Mohs Hardness Scale says that crystals above a 6 are generally safe for water.
  2. Is it made of salt? Crystals with salt in them cannot go in water. This includes most crystals that end with “ite” like halite and selenite. These tend to be softer crystals too, which again, makes them not safe for water. Crystals with salt will degrade or dissolve when placed in water.
  3. Does it have iron or any type of metal? Crystals that contain metals, like hematite, pyrite, or galena will tarnish or rust when placed in water.
  4. Will it leach minerals into the water? If a crystal will leach minerals into the water, it won’t be safe to create a crystal elixir or crystal water. That includes malachite, sulphur, and fluorite.
  5. Is it aura treated? Aura treated crystals are treated with chemicals and/or metals and are not safe for water.

If you have a question about whether or not you should place a crystal in water, err on the side of caution and don’t do it!

There are plenty of other crystals you can use to make crystal elixirs and waters, without using one that is questionable.

There are also crystal water bottles that don’t place the crystals in the water yet will still charge the water with their vibrations.

And if you need tips for cleaning your crystals without water, you can check out this post.

Another thing to note about water-safe crystals is pretty much any crystal will break down in water if submerged for long periods of time.

Even water-safe crystals can crack or deteriorate when exposed to water for a long time.

If you are attached to your crystal and don’t want anything to happen to it, do not expose it to water for any length of time.

Also, keep in mind that tap water contains lots of different additives and minerals which can alter your crystals over time.

Even if a crystal is water safe, submerging it in tap water is probably going to erode, tarnish, or cause buildup on your crystal.

various crystals on a table top fountain

The Following Crystals Are Safe For Water

All of those notes aside, the crystals that are safe in water are:

Crystals in the quartz family (if they are not a blend!) such as:

  • Rose Quartz
  • Clear Quartz
  • White Quartz
  • Amethyst
  • Citrine
  • Smoky Quartz

Plus:

  • Agate
  • Aventurine
  • Carnelian
  • Moonstone
  • Obsidian
  • Jasper

As you can see, there really isn’t a huge list of crystals that are safe to put in water!

Again, if you’re not sure just don’t put it in water.

Crystals are just as effective when they are NEXT to the water as they are in it.

And the same is true when using crystals for plants – they are just as effective NEXT to the plant.

If you want to take a crystal bath, you can always place the crystals near your bathtub so they won’t get wet.

smoky quartz crystal points

Crystals That Are NOT Safe For Water

The following crystals are not safe to be placed in water.

This is not an exhaustive list, so if your crystal is NOT on this list, make sure you google it to find out its mineral makeup before placing it in the water!

Note: These crystals are not safe for salt water, either!

  • Pyrite
  • Galena
  • Goethite
  • Tiger Iron
  • Tiger’s Eye (fibrous tiger’s eye can leach minerals, plus a lot of tiger’s eye is a blend of other minerals)
  • Tangerine Quartz
  • Hematite/Rutile Quartz
  • Lapis Lazuli (usually mixed with pyrite)
  • Selenite
  • Hematite
  • Magnetite
  • Halite
  • Calcite
  • Fluorite
  • Malachite
  • Apatite
  • Apophylite
  • Opal
  • Turquoise
  • Labradorite
  • Lepidolite
  • Gypsum
  • Sulfur
  • Celestite
  • Azurite
  • Peacock Ore/Chalcopyrite
  • Desert Rose
  • Black Tourmaline
  • Jade
  • Serpentine
  • Sodalite
  • Stilbite
  • Pink/Green/Yellow Tourmaline
  • Topaz
  • Vanadinite
  • Fuchsite
  • Chrysocolla
  • Bumblebee Jasper

Crystals That Are Not Safe for Salt Water

Personally, I wouldn’t use salt water directly on any of my crystals.

Saltwater can degrade things over time, causing them to pit, wear, and tarnish.

And some crystals that are safe for regular water aren’t safe for salt water.

If you want to use salt to cleanse your crystals, place them on top of a bowl of salt instead of submerging them into the salt.

Again, the crystals that are not safe for water are also not safe for salt water.

Other crystals that cannot go in salt water are:

  • Amber
  • Angelite
  • Fire Opal
  • Kunzite

If you want to cleanse your crystals without using salt, check out this post for more techniques: How to Cleanse Crystals (+ 6 Signs Your Crystals NEED A Refresh!)

rose quartz crystal point

What About Crystal Infused Water?

If so many crystals aren’t safe for water, how do you make crystal-infused water? What is crystal-infused water?

Crystal infused water marries the vibration of water with that of the crystal.

Water absorbs the vibrational and metaphysical properties of whichever crystal it is infused with.

That crystal infused water can then be used to water plants, clean your home, or create a smudging spray.

Is it safe to drink crystal infused water?

If you use an indirect infusion method, crystal water is safe to drink.

It’s not recommended to drink crystal water that has had a crystal submerged directly in it.

Even if a crystal is water safe, it can still have bacteria and microbes in it.

It’s also possible that your crystal has been misidentified or is a mixture of several crystals, which means it can erode or leach toxic minerals into your drinking water.

If you want to create a crystal infused water for drinking, use one of the indirect infusion methods below!

How to Create Crystal Water Without Submerging Your Crystals

If you want to make crystal water without placing your crystals in the water, it’s actually really easy!

You can buy a crystal water bottle that encapsulates the crystal so that it is surrounded by the water but it’s not getting wet.

There are also crystal water bottles that have a separate container at the base of the water bottle so the water sits on top of the crystals.

You can use ANY of the crystals to create crystal water that way!

If you don’t want to buy a crystal water bottle but you still want to make your own crystal water, you can place your crystals in a water-tight container and place it in a pitcher of water for a few hours.

This will infuse the water with the crystal energy and protect your crystals at the same time.

Just make sure to test your container to make sure it’s watertight!

You can use small jars or plastic containers with screw-on lids.

You can even use a plastic bag if it’s watertight!

Another way to make crystal water is to place the crystal next to the container of water.

This will also infuse the water with crystal energy.

You can even set the water pitcher and your crystals out under the full moon and make moon water!

This will charge the crystals and the water at the same time.

If you want to drink the water, be sure to use a container with a lid.

If you want to use moon water for cleaning, you can use any container you want.

Water Safe Crystals Q&A: Is Your Crystal Water Safe?

Let’s discuss several specific crystals and why they are or aren’t safe for water.

If you see a crystal that isn’t on this list and you have questions about it, feel free to leave a comment below so I can add it to the list!

Amethyst
Rose quartz
Citrine
Clear Quartz
Black Tourmaline
Green Aventurine
Amazonite
Tiger’s Eye
Opalite
Howlite
Red Jasper
Smoky Quartz
Fluorite
Blue Lace Agate
Blue Calcite
Kyanite
Orange Calcite
Green Calcite
Moss Agate
Blue Chalcedony
Bloodstone
Prehnite
Aura Quartz
Strawberry Quartz
Yellow Calcite
Selenite
Apophyllite
Blue Tiger’s Eye
Kambaba Jasper
Black Agate
Rutilated Quartz
Ruby Zoisite

Is amethyst water safe?

Yes! Amethyst is part of the quartz crystal family, and it is water safe. Assuming it is not mixed with other minerals or treated with anything (like aura amethyst.)

Is rose quartz safe in water?

Yes! Rose quartz is safe in water. It is a type of quartz crystal, so it’s generally a water safe crystal. If your rose quartz crystal is treated with anything or mixed with any other type of crystal, don’t submerge it to make crystal water, use the other crystal water method.

Is citrine water safe?

Yes, citrine is water safe. Natural and heat treated citrine are both quartz crystals, which are safe in water. Make sure that your citrine crystal isn’t mixed with anything else (or treated with anything) before using it to make crystal water.

Is clear quartz water safe?

Yes! Clear quartz and white quartz are both water safe. Again, make sure it’s not mixed with anything (like pyrite!) before using it to make crystal water or putting it in your plants.

Is black tourmaline water safe?

While black tourmaline is around 7-7.5 on the mohs scale, it can still be a fragile crystal. Raw black tourmaline and tourmaline mixed with mica shouldn’t be submerged in water. Black tourmaline tumbles are generally safe for water, assuming they aren’t mixed with any other minerals.

Is green aventurine water safe?

Green aventurine is safe for water. It is a quartz crystal, so as long as it’s not mixed with another type of mineral, it is water safe.

Is amazonite safe in water?

Amazonite is not safe in water. Amazonite is usually mixed with other minerals, like black tourmaline, mica, pyrite, and copper. It can also absorb water which will cause it to break down over time. It is not water safe.

Can you put tiger’s eye in water?

While tiger’s eye is generally water safe, it really depends on the type of tiger’s eye you have. Any tiger’s eye mixed with iron (like tiger iron) is not water safe. Fibrous and raw tiger’s eye is also not safe for water. Avoid submerging tiger’s eye in water unless you are 100% sure it’s pure tiger’s eye.

Is opalite water safe?

Opalite rates as 5.5 – 6.5 on the mohs hardness scale. It can be quickly rinsed in water, but should not be submerged. If you have opalite jewelry, it can get wet – just make sure you dry it immediately after. It’s best to remove it while showering or swimming.

Is howlite water safe?

Howlite rates around 3.5 on the mohs hardness scale. It is not safe in water for long periods of time. It can be quickly rinsed and dried in water, but if submerged or exposed to water for any length of time it will breakdown.

Is red jasper water safe?

Red jasper rates approximately 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is considered water safe as long as it isn’t mixed with another mineral or treated with anything.

Is smoky quartz water safe?

Yes, smoky quartz is water safe. It is from the quartz family, which are generally safe for water. Make sure it isn’t mixed with any other minerals or treated with anything before using it to make crystal water.

Can you put fluorite in water?

Fluorite is not water safe. It rates a 4 on the Mohs scale, so it is not safe to be submerged in water.

Is blue lace agate water safe?

Blue lace agate is generally water safe. It is approximately 6.5 – 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. As long as it isn’t mixed with any other mineral or treated with anything, it is water safe.

Is blue calcite water safe?

Blue calcite is not safe for water. It scores a 3 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. It will breakdown and leach minerals into the water when submerged.

Is kyanite water safe?

Kyanite is not water safe. It is approximately 4-5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is fairly soft. It is an aluminosilicate mineral, so it will leach minerals into the water. It is not safe for direct crystal infused water.

Is orange calcite water safe?

Orange calcite is not water safe. As a calcite crystal it measures as a 3 on the Mohs Scale. It will breakdown when submerged in water.

Is green calcite water safe?

Green calcite is not water safe. It is considered a soft crystal (3 on the Mohs Scale) and will breakdown when placed in water.

Is moss agate water safe?

Moss agate is water safe. It rates between 6.5-7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. As long as it’s not treated with anything or mixed with any other crystal type, it is safe for water.

Is blue chalcedony water safe?

While blue chalcedony is a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, it is NOT water safe. As a silica mineral, it contains copper. When submerged in water or in contact with water over any length of time, it will leach copper and could possibly tarnish. Blue chalcedony is not safe for direct crystal infused water.

Is bloodstone safe in water?

Bloodstone is not water safe. It does score as a 7 on the hardness scale, but it is usually a blend of minerals. It can contain aluminum and iron oxide, so it is not safe for water.

Is prehnite safe for water?

Prehnite is not water safe. It scores as a 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, but as a mixture of aluminum and calcium, it can leach into water.

Is aura quartz water safe?

Aura quartz, rainbow quartz, or titanium quartz is quartz that has been treated through an electromagnetic process. While it is in the quartz family and rates a 7 on the hardness scale, aura quartz is not water safe. The aura treatment infuses metal into the quartz, which will tarnish or breakdown when exposed to water.

Is strawberry quartz safe in water?

As a type of quartz, strawberry quartz is water safe. It rates a 7 on the hardness scale, and can be submerged in water. As long as it isn’t treated with anything or mixed with any other type of mineral, it is safe for water.

Is yellow calcite water safe?

Yellow calcite is not water safe. As a type of calcite, it can breakdown in water over time. It is a 3 on the hardness scale.

Is selenite crystal water safe?

Selenite is not water safe. It is a type of salt and will breakdown and eventually dissolve in water. It is one of the softest crystals, rating a 2 on the hardness scale.

Is apophyllite water safe?

Apophyllite is not water safe. It rates a 4.5-5 on the hardness scale. It’s also a type of phyllosilicate, which means it will break down and leach into the water over time.

Is blue tiger’s eye water safe?

Blue tiger’s eye is a type of tiger’s eye crystal. It rates a 6.5-7 on the hardness scale. It is generally considered water safe, but only if it is not mixed with any other mineral and not treated with anything. Fibrous tiger’s eye is NOT water safe, so raw blue tiger’s eye should not be submerged in water.

Is kambaba jasper water safe?

Kambaba jasper is water safe. It is technically not a jasper crystal, it’s a fossilised blue-green algae. It is safe to submerge in water, however it shouldn’t be used for drinking water because it can contain bacteria and other toxins.

Is black agate safe in water?

While black agate is technically water safe, being a 6.5-7 on the hardness scale, it is not safe for drinking water. Some black agate is dyed (most colored agates are died, so this goes for all of them!) so they will lose their color and/or leach dye into water when submerged. Black agate is not safe for crystal infused water unless you use the indirect method for infusion.

Is rutilated quartz water safe?

Rutile quartz is not water safe. Even though it is a type of quartz, it also contains rutile, which is usually titanium dioxide and/or other minerals (sometimes black tourmaline, which is actually tourmalinated quartz and misnamed as rutile.) Submerging rutile or tourmalinated quartz into water for any length of time can cause a reaction or breakdown.

Is ruby zoisite water safe?

Ruby zoisite is water safe as it rates as a 6.5-7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. There are a couple of things to note, however. Zoisite contains aluminum, so it is not safe to submerge ruby zoisite for long periods of time. It is also not safe for drinking water. Be careful that your crystal is not ruby fuchsite misnamed as zoisite, because fuchsite is not safe for water and will breakdown over time.

Now that you know which crystals are water safe, you might also want to know:

Crystals for Plants: 11 Healing Crystals for Indoor Plants

14 Powerful Crystals for Grounding and Protecting Your Energy

Amethyst Feng Shui – How to Use Amethyst Crystals in Feng Shui

How to Use Citrine to Attract Money (14 Easy Methods)

the only crystals that are safe in water (it's a very short list!)
the short list of crystals that are water safe