Crystal Sensitivities

We thought you might be interested in learning a bit more about how soft or hard crystals might be, as well as what elements some of your crystals may be sensitive to.

Mohs Scale Of Hardness

Mohs scale is the universal scale of mineral hardness that tests the scratch resistance of one mineral compared to another.

For example, talc is considered a very soft mineral (1) which can be scratched by a piece of gypsum (Selenite) which is slighter harder (2). The selenite will not be able to scratch a calcite which has a hardness of 3.

This is a great method to use for initial mineral identification.

Crystals ranked 1 – 4 on the scale will scratch easily and extra care should be taken with these.

Sensitivities

Crystals have taken millions of years to form. You are their temporary custodian, so you need to care for them. Some are sensitive to light, others to water. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the things you need to consider with your crystals when you are cleaning, cleansing and charging them.

Water sensitive – Some crystals are very sensitive to water and may break down over time if exposed to water.

• Halite - Will dissolve in water

• Lapis Lazuli - Porous; do not soak in water

• Malachite - Cool water is okay

• Selenite - Will dissolve in water

• Turquoise - Do not soak in water

Turquoise with matrix

Light sensitive – Be careful when exposing these crystals to direct sunlight. Short exposure is ok but their colour will fade if exposed for too long.

• Amethyst – colour may fade

• Aquamarine – colour may fade

• Celestite – loses colour

• Citrine – colour may fade to clear

• Fluorite – colour may fade

• Kunzite – fades to white in sunlight

• Opal – colour may fade

• Rose/Smoky Quartz – colour may fade

• Sapphire – can lose colour quickly if in direct sunlight too long

• Topaz – colour fades in sunlight

• Turquoise – colour may fade, and it may become brittle

Natural Citrine cluster

Heat sensitive – Some crystals are prone to changes in colour or may become brittle in high temperatures. In fact, some Citrine in the marketplace is really just heat treated Amethyst.

• Amethyst - Fade in gentle heat to possibly colourless in high temperatures

• Lapis Lazuli - Avoid high heat

• Malachite - Avoid sudden temperature changes

• Quartz - May fracture with sudden temperature changes

• Tourmaline - High heat alters colours

• Turquoise - Sensitive to all heat

Natural dark purple Brazilian Amethyst

We hope this has given you a bit of information to help you in your crystal journey. Please subscribe below for future posts.