Crystal-infused water has become a popular way of combining spiritual practice with something as simple as drinking water. Placing a beautiful crystal in a glass of water to soak up all the amazing spiritual properties sounds like a positive way to supercharge your daily hydration ritual. However, that beautiful crystal is still made up of minerals and minerals are still chemicals, so while it sounds enchanting it can be extremely dangerous, and here is why.
Crystals are often a source of many different types of minerals which are what help make up the crystal structure and colour. Varying amounts of minerals, heat and pressure are what give us different crystal types, but even then the chemistry still remains.
This doesn't mean that all crystals are dangerous if exposed to water, however there is a handful that should definitely be kept as high and dry as possible. Submerging these crystals in water increases the risk of damaging or dissolving the crystal, and for some crystals, making the water dangerous to consume.
So what actually happens when you submerge a crystal into water?
At first, probably nothing. The water remains clear and the crystal looks exactly the same. There may even be no fizzing, no colour change or obvious reaction whatsoever, but that doesn't mean it's safe to drink.
At the surface of the crystal, water molecules come into contact with the crystal structure's chemical make-up. Depending on the minerals in the crystal, tiny amounts of material can begin to dissolve into the water which can be toxic to humans and animals alike.
So which crystals should avoid water and why?
Here are three of the most common crystals that should avoid water.
Selenite
Selenite, also known as Satin Spar or Gypsum, is composed mainly of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen.
Selenite is an extremely soft, fibrous, delicate crystal. When in contact with water the fibrous crystals start to flake off and dissolve, damaging the crystal and leaving sharp little fibres in the water. Selenite itself isn't poisonous, but consuming those fibres can cause digestive irritation and general unpleasant physical symptoms.
Selenite is a lovely high vibrational crystal considered to be one of the best for purifying, increasing intuition, and higher consciousness. Selenite has such a cleansing power yet physically it is one of the crystals you should absolutely keep away from water.
Malachite
Malachite is a copper-bearing crystal. Copper is the mineral responsible for the stunning green colours Malachite is known for. Introducing water to Malachite causes the copper to slowly seep out of the crystal. Although copper is an essential nutrient in tiny amounts, excessive exposure causes gastrointestinal and otherwise unfavourable symptoms.
Malachite has a very powerful, active and deeply transformative vibration. This crystal is believed to bring emotional balance, renewal and aid in breaking old habits, bringing a much more intuitively aware sense of self. Malachite is formed by water and copper reacting which then crystallise in the flowy wavy patterns that make up the unique crystal, however just because it was formed with water doesn't mean it is safe to put in water and consume!
Pyrite
Pyrite, also very commonly known as Fool's Gold, is an iron and sulfur bearing crystal.
Pyrite is made up of large, almost equal amounts of iron and sulfur. The reaction with water and oxygen triggers oxidation of the pyrite itself, which leads to the release of iron and other minerals into the water, not only damaging the crystal, but also causing the water to become acidic leading to skin and intestinal irritations.
Pyrite has a very strong fiery, grounding vibration. Pyrite has been believed for centuries to energetically radiate abundance and personal power, bringing forward confidence through motivation. Pyrite is a perfect crystal to combine with the flow state of water but it does not need to touch the water to gain these benefits!
Safely charging your water with crystals
Safely charging your water with crystals is as simple as placing a glass of water near your crystals and letting it sit for a few minutes or however long you feel is needed. The crystals nearby are believed to vibrate their frequencies into the glass and flow through the water, and the clear glass itself, much like clear quartz, is thought to act as an amplifier helping disperse the vibrations throughout the water. Once you have let the water soak up the vibrations, then your water is energetically charged, ready to drink and most importantly without any unfavourable side effects.
It is important to remember that although crystals are natural and can be perfectly safe to hold, carry and work with energetically, they can still be completely unsuitable for water. The way we experience vibrations from a crystal spiritually is very different from the way its chemistry behaves physically, and what makes a beautiful crystal doesn't necessarily make a suitable ingredient.
Crystals have been loved and cherished for thousands of years throughout the world in many different ways, simply for their unique beauty, spiritually for their protection, and culturally for their significance. Understanding the chemistry of crystals doesn't take away from any of these benefits that they hold. If anything, it gives us a much deeper understanding and more of a reason to respect and appreciate them. These aren't just pretty stones; they are naturally forming treasures from the earth with complex histories and even more complex chemical make-ups that existed long before humans mined, imported, exported, sold, and placed them upon altars or carried them in their pockets. The real lesson isn't that crystals or crystal water is something to fear. It's that everything from nature should come with a little caution. Before placing a crystal into something you intend to consume, take a moment to find out what that crystal actually is, what it's made of, and what it might release into your water. Be sure to remember that crystals do not need to touch the water to make crystal water, just like the moon does not touch the water to make moon water!
Crystals are enjoyed for their beauty and the traditions around them, and are not a substitute for professional medical or mental-health care.