Amethyst, a popular member of the quartz family, is considered the most powerful and protective stone.
It only makes sense that we learn as much as possible about caring for such a precious stone.
In terms of gems and crystals, aAmethyst is considered semi-precious. It’s durable, which means it can be cut into many different shapes and made into jewelry.
It’s believed that amethyst first entered the scene when Rhea, a Titan, gifted it to the Greco-Roman god of wine, Dionysus, to preserve his sanity, and protect him from drunkenness.
This influenced royals and the upper echelon of ancient civilizations to adorn their body with it.
For years it remained exclusive, so much so, that it even ended up in the crown jewels of many countries!
Finally, in the 1800s, huge deposits of the crystal were found in South America, and it wasn’t long until more were discovered in other parts of the world.
Naturally, as the supply increased, the value went down. Amethyst is no longer a pricey gemstone reserved for the elite of society.
Today, ordinary folk can afford to get their hands on authentic amethyst, and even adorn themselves in its jewelry like those before us.
What amethyst crystals are good for?
Amethyst can range in color from a deep purple to light lilac. Besides making cool-looking jewelry, the purple crystals are believed to have important spiritual and healing properties.
Stress, grief, and negative thinking are believed to be expelled by the presence of amethyst.
Amethyst is strongly connected to the third eye and crown chakras, and represents purification of the mind and body, and with a strong connection to spiritual and divine beings.
Trust, understanding and grace are other terms you may hear associated with amethyst, as it serves as a symbol of peace, calm, and cleansing energies.
Can Amethyst Go In Water?
From time to time, certain crystals have to be cleansed of all the negative energy it has trapped, usually through water cleansing.
It is believed that this negative energy is neutralized by water, and the crystal is returned to its original state.
Water can also be used to create amethyst water or ‘structured water’. Water charged with amethyst may be used as bathwater, which helps to cleanse the body and quell any disease or sickness.
Unpolished amethyst is said to be safe from toxins, and some people even drink amethyst infused water for increased spiritual and healing benefits.
What Science Has To Say: The Mohs Hardness Scale
A lot of the stuff we know about the healing and spiritual properties of water is passed down from generation to generation.
We also use science as a guide to help us take care of our crystals.
The Mohs Hardness Scale is dedicated to a particular physical property of minerals.
This information lets us know which crystals get scratched easily, and which ones are suitable for making jewelry.
It also tells us how to preserve the crystals, and, of course, which crystals can go in the water.
We should only place crystals with a score of 5 and above in water. Amethyst is a type of Quartz, and quartz crystals score 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
This confirms it is hard enough to go in the water without being significantly degraded.
Some examples of crystals that should never go in water include:
- Talc
- Jade
- Pyrite
- Fire opal
- Halite
- Black tourmaline
- Magnetite
- Fluorite
- Azurite
- Labradorite
- Kyanite
- Selenite
- Calcite
- Aquamarine
- Turquoise
- Malachite
- Tangerine Quartz
Does it matter if it’s running, filtered, or spring water?
Running water, like tap water or rainwater is a great way to cleanse amethyst.
Tap water should never be too hot or too cold as it can weaken your crystal and even cause it to break.
Never place your amethyst in water that contains vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, or alkaline solutions.
Filtered water is free of many of the chemicals and minerals that are found in tap water, which makes it perfect for cleansing crystals like amethyst.
A great way to filter water for cleansing is to allow binchotan charcoal to soak in it for 12 to 24 hours.
This water can then be poured over the crystal.
Water from springs or other freshwater bodies like rivers and streams is excellent for cleaning amethyst
since it is directly connected to the earth.
What about Salt Water?
Ocean water is great for spiritual cleansing, but we don’t advise using salt water to cleanse your amethyst.
If you must only dip it for a short while, then wash thoroughly with plain water.
Unlike plain water, saltwater contains salt particles that can seep into the rock.
When left behind, the salt particles crystallize and compromise the integrity of the rock.
Chemical reactions between the rock and the salt can also cause it to lose its luster or shine.
Is Bath Water Safe?
Generally, bath water is safe for amethyst. It’s a great way to cleanse the rock while cleansing and healing the body.
An amethyst-infused bath session helps to create a serene environment that distracts from the stresses of everyday life.
Bathwater becomes unsafe for amethyst when you add harsh soaps, bath bombs, or bath salts.
If you wish to submerge the amethyst, use organic, alcohol-free, crystal-friendly soap.
Otherwise, place the amethyst on all four corners of your bathtub for similar benefits.
Can I Soak my Amethyst In Moon Water?
Moon water is created by allowing water to sit under the light of a full moon and soak up its positive energy.
Some people sip it or use it to bathe, while others use it to cleanse their crystals.
This water is generally safe once no chemicals are added, and is the best way to cleanse amethyst.
Your amethyst may also be placed in the light of the moon to be cleansed.
When it is full, the energy of the moon is at its highest and most beneficial, and helps to enhance the powers of the amethyst.
Never create moon water, or allow your crystals to be exposed to the light of an eclipse.
It is believed that this celestial event emits negative energy and will have the opposite effect.
How to clean and care for your amethyst crystal or jewelry
- Do not expose amethyst to the sun for extended periods. This can cause the amethyst to fade.
- Wash with warm soapy water. This is safe for most metals like stainless steel and even gold-plated jewelry. Most gemstones can be cleaned this way as well, even precious stones like diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires.
- Remove amethyst when doing chores that involve harsh chemicals, household cleaners, and bleach.
- For extremely soiled amethyst, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface.
- Steam cleaning is not recommended as amethyst should never be exposed to heat.
- Ultrasonic cleaners may be used once the amethyst was not dyed or treated by fracture filling.
- Store separately from other jewelry in a soft cloth or padded bag.
- For best cleaning, take your amethyst to a professional jeweler.
Final words
Amethyst is more than just a gemstone for the month of February. It holds strong spiritual and healing properties and is one of the best and most versatile stones for beginners.
It’s important to remember that while this gemstone can dispel negative energy and promote calmness, it will require its owner to cleanse it of all it has absorbed.
A great way to cleanse amethyst is by using filtered water, or spring water.
Tap water may also be used, as long as it isn’t too hot or cold.
Amethyst is a great crystal for infusing with bathwater, and it allows its spiritual properties to be transferred while cleansing it.
While ocean water is a great way to charge and cleanse crystals, its salt content can affect the stone negatively.
Don’t soak amethyst in ocean water, and if you must dip it, rinse with plain water ASAP.
Physically clean your amethyst with warm, soapy water, or use an ultrasonic cleaner.
Be sure to store it away from direct sunlight, in a jewelry box, separate from other jewelry.
FAQs
Can amethyst go in hot water?
No. Amethyst is sensitive to high temperatures and may lose its color or crack/break.
Can amethyst be in the rain?
Yes. Rainwater helps to charge and cleanse crystals like amethyst as it has a direct connection to the sky and earth.
Can amethyst go in a fish tank?
Yes. Besides being a beautiful addition to a fish tank, amethyst helps to channel calming and peaceful energy.
It is non-toxic and won’t affect the fish.
Can amethyst be in the sun?
No. The UV rays cause amethyst to lose its color.