Crystals have been used for centuries to sooth the mind, body and soul. Many believe that crystals act on an energetic level that send vibrations to people and out into the world. Every person or thing that a crystal comes in contact with will pick up energies of that person or thing. In many cases these energies can and most likely will be misaligned with your own energy or intention. The purpose of crystals are to absorb or redirect the energy that you do not want and that you are trying to release along with assisting to create the vibration that matches your energy for intention setting and manifesting.
Upon receiving your crystal, after long periods of use or when someone else handles your stone, cleansing and recharging your crystal(s) are important. By doing this you bring the crystal back to its original state where you can reprogram it with new intentions and new positive energy.
Copper Pyramid - Copper pyramids are perfect for charging crystals and any crystal jewelry you may have in your collection. Placing them under the pyramid (inside) strengthens the cleansing process and amplifies their energy. This method will restore the crystals back to their original state.
Selenite - Selenite is perfect for all sorts of energy cleansing including bringing your crystals back to their original state. It is one of the very few minerals that has the ability to quickly unblock stagnant energy and more importantly remove negative energy. Selenite stones magnify the energy of anything that is placed on top of them. To cleanse your crystals or crystal jewelry simply place the stones on top of a selenite stick|wand or slab for at least 6 hours.
Salt Water Bath - Stones that are soft or porous should never be used for this method. This method should only be used for hard stones like quartz or amethyst. Malachite, calcite, selenite are examples of stones that should never be used in this method (there are more and you should research stones that are soft, porous or contain trace minerals). The benefits of salt are endless. Used throughout history to banish negativity and unwanted energy, filling a bowl with fresh salt water (sea and rock salt are best but table salt will also work) or taking your crystals directly to the ocean is an amazing way to cleanse and get your crystals ready for charging. This method requires more time. A few hours is recommended, but a few days is better. When complete simply pat dry.
Running Water - While this method is best used in natural running water like streams or creeks, be sure that you are using a hard stone like quartz. Softer crystals like kyanite, selenite and halite should never be submerged in water. Many believe that running water neutralizes any negative energy that has been stored inside the crystal and will return it back to its original state. You can run your hard stones under the faucet but natural running water is best. The recommended time is at least one minute per stone. Larger stones may require an additional minute.
Brown Rice - This method is perfect for any stone. There is no need to worry if the stone is soft or hard. Many swear by this method. The brown rice method is used to draw out negativity from the stone(s) and is extremely beneficial for protective stones like black tourmaline. Easy to do you simply fill a bowl with brown rice and be sure to submerge your stones.Keep in mind that the rice stores and absorbs the energy that you are trying to eradicate so it is extremely important that you do not leave this bowl of rice hanging around. Once you have completed the cleanse, discard the rice as quickly as possible. I suggest placing the rice inside a large gallon size Ziploc bag and discard in an outside garbage can.
Sage - Sage in an amazing and sacred herb with more healing properties than I can even list here. Sage smudging your stones is believed to clear negative vibrations and energy from your stone while bringing your crystals back to its natural energy state. Sage is very powerful and abundant in its aroma. If you are not able to cleanse your stones outside, I recommend opening a window. A well ventilate area is needed but more importantly you want to give a place for the negative energy to go and preferably outside. This simple method is performed by simply holding your stones (should be in your dominant hand) and the lit sage and moving your stone(s) through the sage. I suggest at least 20-30 seconds of allowing the smoke to permeate the stone, however if you do not feel a sense of release within the stone, continue for another 20-30 seconds.
Natural Light - Allow your stones to bath in the light of the sun and the moon. Whether you prefer to center your ritual cleansing around points of the solar or lunar cycle, like a Full Moon, placing them outside before nightfall and then bringing them in before noon allows your stones to soak up both energies. If you live in states like Florida, Arizona or California, for example, where the sun is plentiful prior to noon time, you should consider removing your stones prior to the most abundant times of the sun. Being overly exposed in direct sunlight may weather the stone's surface which could include making the color less vibrant. If you return the crystals back to earth by placing the stones directly onto the ground in its soil, it will help further the cleansing. Just make sure they will not be disturbed by roaming animals like squirrels, rabbits, etc.
Sound - If you have an abundance of stones that you use regularly this method may be the quickest, easiest and most effective for you. Sound healing has been used for centuries and it allows a tone to wash over the crystals or area that will bring them the same vibration as the tone. Singing bowls and tuning forks and even a bell can accomplish this. The sound does not necessarily matter as long as it is loud enough for the vibration to completely encompass the crystal.
Whichever method you choose to cleanse your crystals, choose the one that resonates the most with you. You will know your stone is cleansed properly when energetically you feel as though the stone is lighter and operating at a higher vibration.