the hermit
At Pollux's suggestion I'm starting this thread to consolidate the list of things NOT TO DO with rocks, crystals and gems.
We've already discussed a bit about washing them, but let's reiterate...
Many of the wonderful and precious stones we've all collected for our pleasure as well as mystical and magickal uses are sensitive to liquids.
Beware of immersing any of the softer crystals such as Selenite or any other Gypsum rocks in ANY water or other liquid (I have a friend who was SHOCKED when her lovely rock crystal melted when she tried to purify it in water... it was a nice big Rock Salt crystal )
Also beware of immersing porous stones such as Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli. They can be damaged long term by water or salt water and soapy water can damage any gem stone that isn't sealed over the long term.
Also be careful when using salt around stones. Porous stones such as those mentioned above as well as Selenite and other Gypsum rocks can also be damaged by burying them in salt.
Another warning involves x-ray machines such as those at airports.
Crystals, in particular clear Quartz or other types of Quartz can be damaged (turned darker and cloudy) by irradiation and x-rays are irradiation. The newer, more powerful x-ray machines being installed at many U.S. airports could be particularly problematic. And remember that not just carry-on luggage is being x-rayed now. It is my understanding that the goal, at least here in america, is that ALL baggage will eventually be going through x-ray machines. This will NOT make them dangerous to you, but it will change the crystal.
I’m sure there are other warnings I’ve missed or forgotten.
What about the rest of you Aeclectician Rock-o-holics?
We've already discussed a bit about washing them, but let's reiterate...
Many of the wonderful and precious stones we've all collected for our pleasure as well as mystical and magickal uses are sensitive to liquids.
Beware of immersing any of the softer crystals such as Selenite or any other Gypsum rocks in ANY water or other liquid (I have a friend who was SHOCKED when her lovely rock crystal melted when she tried to purify it in water... it was a nice big Rock Salt crystal )
Also beware of immersing porous stones such as Turquoise or Lapis Lazuli. They can be damaged long term by water or salt water and soapy water can damage any gem stone that isn't sealed over the long term.
Also be careful when using salt around stones. Porous stones such as those mentioned above as well as Selenite and other Gypsum rocks can also be damaged by burying them in salt.
Another warning involves x-ray machines such as those at airports.
Crystals, in particular clear Quartz or other types of Quartz can be damaged (turned darker and cloudy) by irradiation and x-rays are irradiation. The newer, more powerful x-ray machines being installed at many U.S. airports could be particularly problematic. And remember that not just carry-on luggage is being x-rayed now. It is my understanding that the goal, at least here in america, is that ALL baggage will eventually be going through x-ray machines. This will NOT make them dangerous to you, but it will change the crystal.
I’m sure there are other warnings I’ve missed or forgotten.
What about the rest of you Aeclectician Rock-o-holics?