Cleansing
The more we work with crystals the more aware we become of their particular energies, needs, and general being-ness. I know it might sound strange to hear one talk about being-ness when referring to inanimate objects, but, as almost anyone who has ventured far enough down the crystal journey will tell you, once we have learned to commune, these beautiful stones can really start to feel like friends, teachers and guides. People who work with crystals often report that they feel the stones have chosen them to work with, rather than the other way around. It is as if the crystals have their own agendas and we humans merely help them to facilitate their missions.
Some people suggest that crystals choose when they are ready to come out of the womb of the Earth and begin circulating through the world, spreading their precise vibrations as they go.
Like people crystals shine their brightest when treated with love, care and respect.
Storing Crystals
When storing crystals there are a few things to consider. Some crystals, like amethyst, fluorite, kunzite and more, fade if kept in direct sunlight. If you are unsure keep your lovelies out of bright light just to be sure. Another issue is that stones have different levels of hardness (Mohs scale of mineral hardness), with some being very soft, like talc (1) and others, like diamond being very high (10). Contact between crystals of varying hardness can see the softer ones being damaged. This is especially true if there is movement (like being carried in a bag). For this reason all Crystal Alchemy Arts crystals are individually wrapped so that no damage occurs during shipping. If you intend to carry the stones around I would recommend wrapping them to avoid contact.
Cleansing
Like people and animals crystals don't like to be neglected. Sometimes when I buy a crystal from a market it is immediately clear this crystal has been collecting dust and absorbing negativity, without relief, for far too long. Fortunately the vibration of a crystal can always be re-set and so, once home, with a bit of tender love and care (methods described below), the ancient stone can once again shine in its glory.
Because crystals absorb vibrations from their surrounds, which can affect their frequency expression, it is important to clean them regularly. With time all crystals will return to their original vibration, but with a bit of help from human friends, this process can be greatly expedited. Regular cleaning will ensure that your crystals are shiny in both a physical and metaphysical sense. Cleaning a crystal is like deleting all added information and re-setting a device to it's original naturally perfect factory settings.
The more frequently crystals are cleansed the better. Though some, like kyanite, are said not to need cleaning, I find all crystals can benefit from at least an occasional cleanse. When crystals are in dire need of a cleanse they may appear dull and lackluster, won't feel as vibrant, and won't be as effective to work with.
Take the time to really admire and connect with your crystals. The more familiar a person becomes with a crystal's particular energy signature the easier it becomes to recognize that same energy within. I find that after a certain amount of, time, I can conjure particular crystal energies I need without even physically accessing the stone.
Gratitude is a powerful life tool that can also assist with our crystal work. We can take the time to thank the universe for the crystals that have entered our life, as well as the crystals themselves for their assistance on our life journey.
Crystals should always be cleansed after they have been worked with.
There are many simple ways to clear crystals.
Sound
This is one of my personal preferred methods to quickly and effectively clear a crystal. I use both tuning forks and Tibetan singing bowls, combined with my intent, to clear any negative energy from my precious stone friends. The clear sound vibration from both these tools acts to penetrate the stone and return it to original sparkly nature.
When I use my my Tibetan bowl to cleanse crystals I place a small doily inside as this couches the stone and stops it from rattling. Then with the mallet I create a sound and envision all negativity returning to the Earth to be transmuted.
With a tuning fork I strike it on the activator and hold the bottom tip (non-forked end) onto the crystal and similarly envision all negativity dissipating. Often you will feel the whole stone vibrate slightly from the touch of the tuning fork.
* Be careful with this method if the stone is at all delicate as the vibration could induce a stone to split if it is that way inclined.
If the crystal is delicate instead of putting the bottom tip of the fork directly onto the crystal, instead just move the fork in the air around the crystal, so that it is immersed in the surrounding vibrations. This method is quick, effective and should be safe for all crystals.
Use your intuition to discern when the stone feels clear.
Water
Water is another great way to clear crystals of any negative energy. Often salt water is recommended as it is a fast and effective means to clear stones. It is however, not one of my favorite methods as I salt water can be quite harsh.
Running fresh water also works well to cleanse crystals and is much less harsh than salt water. In this method you hold the crystal under running water and visualize any negativity flowing away with the water to be returned to the Earth for transmutation. Crystals can also be put out in the rain to achieve the same effect. Another beautiful way to cleanse crystals is by submerging them into a gently flowing creek. However, one mus tbe very careful using this method as it is really easy to lose crystals this way. Placing them in a mesh bag or basket can make this method less risky.
Use your intuition to discern when the stone feels clear.
Note: some crystals are water soluble (e.g. selenite and many zeolites) so if you choose this method make sure that you use it for the right ones. As a rule of thumb, often, but not always crystals ending in 'ite' are not suitable for regular immersion in water. Though for many an occasional quick rinse shouldn't hurt.
Smudge Sticks
Smoke from a smudge stick (dried, string wrapped herb--usually sage) can also be an effective way to clear crystals. Once again intent and visualization are important parts of this process. Let the smoke waft around the crystal and imagine it carrying away any stored negativity.
SUNLIGHT
Some crystals love a good sun soak, especially the zippy red, orange or yellow ones (like Carnelian). You can place them out in the golden sun for a few hours for a cleansing and recharge. I think sun up and sun down are the best times as the light is softer and gentler at those times.
However, it is important to be aware of which ones you place out in the sun. There are some crystals that will fade in sunlight or change color. Typically these are the pigmented crystals, see through crystals that have color, like Amethyst or Fluorite. If you are not sure if a crystal will fade or not, then play it safe and keep them away from intense sunlight.
Avoid Sunlight: These crystals should avoid being placed in sunlight for prolonged periods of time. This list will include many of the most common crystals. This list is not exhaustive, but it will provide a good start: Amethyst, Ametrine, Apophyllite Green, Aquamarine, Auralite23, Celestite, Citrine, Fluorite, Hiddenite, Kunzite, Opal, Rose Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Spirit Quartz, Topaz, Turquoise.
Moonlight
I recommend using one of the above cleansing methods before putting crystals out in the moonlight as while I believe the moonlight does have some cleansing effect, it is more a means to charge up crystals. Crystals don't need to be charged, as when they are cleansed they already embody a perfect vibration. However, I feel that a bit of moonlight can add an extra dimension to the whole crystal experience. Crystals that have spent a night under the stars feel fresher and exceptionally vibrant to me. In the morning they are often coated with a fine layer of dew, which I feel adds to the romance and mystique of the process. Full moon is the best time to put crystals out. When the moon is full its energy is strongest and your crystals will adore being given the opportunity to soak up some of this celestial magic. As well when we make moon bathing our crystals a consistent ritual we ourselves become more in-tune with the moon, her cycles and nature in general. This can assist us to be more aware and sensitive, which inevitably helps with our crystal work.
Moonlight is safe for all crystals.
plants
Plants can be another way to purify crystals. Crystals and plants resonate harmoniously together and each works to enhance the others energetic signature. Place a crystal at the base of a plant and leave it there over night or for a few days depending on how much cleansing is necessary.
Earth
Crystals can also be buried as a means to cleanse them. The earth is a great purifier and I have had some of my most dramatic cleansing results using this method. One quartz that I buried was so buzzy afterwards that even a usually insensitive family member could feel its power. Just make sure you mark the spot where the crystals are buried to ensure they can be easily relocated.
Other
There are several other ways including salt and rice trays that can be used to cleanse crystals, though I have personally never used these methods. In these methods the crystals are left in a bowl of salt or rice overnight so that the salt or rice absorbs any impurities.