Crystals, stones, and gemstones are admired for their beauty and symbolic meaning. Many people wear them as jewellery, use them for healing, or keep them as collections. But a common question is: are crystals and stones safe in water?Knowing which materials can handle moisture and which cannot is important for keeping them strong and beautiful.
Is It Dangerous for Some Stones to Be in Water?
Yes, it can be dangerous for certain crystals and gemstones to be in water. Some stones are porous and absorb moisture, which can make them crack, weaken, or lose their shine. Others may even release harmful elements when wet.
For example, selenite is a soft crystal that can dissolve in water. Malachite can become toxic when exposed to water because it contains copper. According to the Mohs hardness scale, stones with a hardness lower than 5 should generally be kept dry.
This means not every gemstone is safe to soak or wash. Understanding which stones are water-safe can protect your jewellery and collection.
What Crystals Can Be Safe While Wet?
Crystals that are harder and non-porous are usually safe in water. Quartz family crystals such as clear quartz, amethyst, and citrine are some of the most water-safe stones. Their hardness level is 7 on the Mohs scale, which makes them resistant to scratches and less likely to break down in water.
Other safe crystals include:
-
Agate
-
Carnelian
-
Tiger’s Eye
-
Aventurine
These stones can usually handle cleaning with water and occasional exposure without damage.
What Crystals Should You Avoid Getting Wet?
Some crystals are too soft, porous, or toxic to be safe in water. Examples include:
-
Selenite – dissolves quickly in water.
-
Lepidolite – fragile and flakes apart when wet.
-
Malachite – contains copper, which can be toxic in water.
-
Halite – literally salt, and dissolves easily.
-
Fluorite – prone to cracking and fading.
Crystals with a Mohs hardness below 5, or those that contain metals, are the riskiest to submerge.
What Stones Can Be Safe While Wet?
In terms of natural stones, harder varieties such as granite, jade, and obsidian are generally safe in water. Their density and durability protect them from water damage. Stones used in carving and traditional jewellery, like jade or lapis lazuli, are often polished and can handle limited water exposure.
What Stones Should You Avoid Getting Wet?
Porous or delicate stones should not get wet. These include turquoise, opal, and gypsum-based stones. Water can cause them to change colour, lose their shine, or even crack. For example, opals are made of tiny silica spheres and can dry out or craze if left wet and then dried too quickly.
What Gemstones Can Be Safe While Wet?
Gemstones like diamond, sapphire, and ruby are water-safe. These precious stones are extremely hard, with diamond ranking 10 on the Mohs scale, meaning they can easily withstand contact with water.
Other safe gemstones include:
-
Spinel
-
Garnet
-
Topaz
These gemstones are often used in daily-wear jewellery because of their strength.
What Gemstones Should You Avoid Getting Wet?
Not all gemstones are safe in water. Emeralds, for example, though part of the beryl family, are often treated with oils. Submerging them can wash away these oils, reducing their shine. Pearls are also highly sensitive to water, as they are organic gemstones and can lose their lustre when soaked.
Which Should You Buy: Crystals, Stones, or Gemstones?
Whether you buy crystals, stones, or gemstones depends on your purpose.
-
For jewellery: Choose gemstones like sapphire, diamond, or topaz for durability.
-
For healing or meditation: Crystals like amethyst, rose quartz, or black tourmaline are popular.
-
For collecting: Natural stones like jade or obsidian are beautiful and historically valued.
Statistics show that the global gemstone market is expected to grow by 5.6% annually over the next decade, with rising demand for both precious and semi-precious stones. This means investing in the right type—whether for jewellery or energy practices—can be both satisfying and valuable.
Conclusion
Not all crystals, stones, and gemstones are safe in water. Harder gems such as quartz, diamond, and sapphire can handle it, while softer stones like selenite, malachite, and opal should be kept dry. Choosing the right stone depends on how you plan to use it—whether for jewellery, healing, or collecting.
With the right knowledge, you can protect your stones and keep them beautiful for years to come.
FAQ’S
Can I shower with crystals on?
It depends. Hard stones like quartz and agate are usually fine, but softer stones like selenite and malachite should not be exposed to water.
How can I clean crystals that cannot go in water?
Use a dry cloth, smudging with sage, or moonlight cleansing for delicate crystals.
Are all gemstones safe in water?
No. While diamonds and sapphires are safe, pearls and emeralds should not be soaked in water.
Why do some stones get damaged in water?
Softness, porosity, or toxic content (like copper in malachite) makes certain stones unsafe in water.
What’s the best type to buy: crystals, stones, or gemstones?
For jewellery, gemstones are best. For spiritual use, crystals are more common. For decorative or collecting purposes, natural stones are often chosen.