> Cleansing then recharging crystals is a crystal-healing ritual — but above all, some methods genuinely damage certain stones: water, salt and sun should be

*Source : https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/cleanse-recharge-crystals/*

---

● Guide

# Cleansing and recharging crystals: methods and pitfalls

Published on **26/07/2026** · By **Sébastien Joumel**

In brief

**Cleansing then recharging crystals is a crystal-healing ritual — but above all, some methods genuinely damage certain stones: water, salt and sun should be avoided on soft, porous or fading stones.** Here are the common methods and, more usefully, what NOT to do depending on the stone.

## Cleansing: the traditional methods

"Cleansing" aims, in tradition, to "clear" the stone. Common methods: **clear water** (rinsing), **smoke** (incense, sage, palo santo), a **quartz or selenite cluster**, or **burying**. Smoke is the gentlest and suits all stones.

## Recharging: moon and light

To "recharge", tradition favours the **light of the full moon** (gentle, safe for colour) over the sun, which fades many stones. A night on a windowsill is enough in this approach.

## ⚠️ What NOT to do (the real danger)

Beyond beliefs, some methods **physically damage** the stone:

Avoid

Stones concerned

Why

Water / soaking

[Malachite](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/malachite-benefits/), [turquoise](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/turquoise-benefits/), [howlite](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/howlite-benefits/), [lapis lazuli](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/lapis-lazuli-benefits/), [moonstone](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/moonstone-benefits/)

Porous or sensitive: dull, degrade

Salt

Almost all soft and metallic stones

Abrasive and corrosive, scratches and attacks

Prolonged sun

[Amethyst](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/amethyst-benefits/), [rose quartz](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/rose-quartz-benefits/), [citrine](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/citrine-benefits/), aquamarine

Colour fades under UV

When in doubt, simple **smoke** or a soft cloth is always safe.

## The honest frame

**"Energetic" cleansing and recharging are a wellbeing tradition, not scientifically demonstrated** (see sources). Physical care (gentle cleaning, avoiding water on porous stones), however, is very real and useful. See our [stone table](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/crystal-properties-table/) for each hardness.

## Sources & references

-   **Mohs scale**: hardness (soft stones = sensitive).
-   **French National Museum of Natural History** ([mnhn.fr](https://www.mnhn.fr)): mineralogy.
-   **DGCCRF** ([economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf](https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf)): health claims.

## Frequently asked questions

How do I cleanse and recharge crystals?

In tradition, cleanse by smoke (incense, sage), clear water or a quartz cluster, then recharge in full-moon light. Smoke suits all stones; water and salt should be avoided on soft or porous stones.

Which stones can't go in water?

Porous or sensitive stones: malachite, turquoise, howlite, lapis lazuli, moonstone, among others. Water and especially salt dull or degrade them. Prefer smoke or a soft cloth.

Is recharging crystals proven?

"Energetic" recharging is a wellbeing tradition, not scientifically demonstrated. Physical care (gentle cleaning, avoiding water on porous stones), however, is real and extends the life of the piece.

## Read also

[

Guide

Amazonite: virtues, calm and communication

](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/amazonite-benefits/)[

Guide

Amethyst: virtues, meaning and how to wear it

](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/amethyst-benefits/)[

Guide

Aquamarine: virtues, serenity and meaning

](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/aquamarine-benefits/)

## Find the best jeweller near you

Compare the jewellers in your city on verifiable criteria.

[See the rankings](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/jewellers/)