Reference
Crystal Care Guide
Water safety, sunlight sensitivity, fragility, and handling notes for every stone in our encyclopedia. Based on mineral science, not guesswork.
Never Put in Water
Keep Out of Sunlight
Toxic - Handle With Care
Contain lead, arsenic, or copper. Wash hands after handling. Never use for gem elixirs.
Why Some Crystals Can't Get Wet
Water damage in minerals happens through three mechanisms. Dissolution - some minerals (selenite, halite) are water-soluble and literally dissolve. Chemical reaction - iron-bearing minerals like pyrite react with water to form acids that damage the specimen. Absorption - porous minerals (turquoise, opal) absorb water, which can change color, weaken structure, or carry contaminants into the stone.
Sunlight fading occurs when UV photons destabilize the color centers in certain minerals. The same iron impurities that create amethyst's purple, when hit by UV light, gradually lose their radiation-induced color configuration. This process is irreversible.
Complete Care Reference
Organic gem. Avoid chemicals, perfumes, heat. Clean with damp cloth.
Prolonged sunlight exposure fades purple color. Display away from windows.
Perfect basal cleavage. Very fragile. Handle with extreme care.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Fragile, fades in light, and softens in water. Ideal display conditions only.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Extremely fragile and water-soluble (selenite variety). Display only.
Extremely durable. Safe for ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid hard impacts along cleavage.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Perfect cleavage makes it fragile. Can fade in strong light. Avoid thermal shock.
Extremely stable. Doesn't tarnish. Can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Fades permanently in sunlight. Store in dark when not wearing. Evening stone only.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Copper content makes it toxic if ingested. Do not use for gem elixirs. Avoid prolonged water contact.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Contains water (up to 20%). Avoid heat and dry environments. Can crack from dehydration.
Organic gem. Avoid chemicals and perfume. Wipe with soft damp cloth after wearing. Store separately.
Iron sulfide oxidizes when wet. Can develop sulfuric acid residue. Keep dry.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Tarnishes in air. Store in anti-tarnish cloth. Clean with silver polish.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Clean with dry or slightly damp cloth. Store away from harder minerals.
Porous. Absorbs oils and chemicals which change color. Avoid sunscreen, perfume, and soap.