the Mohs hardness scale can be used to look at crystals and their water tolerance. the softer the material, the more likely it is to be damaged by water. these are crystals that fall below 5 on the Mohs scale. although this scale is a great tool, it cannot be the sole source to identify which crystals to keep out of water entirely, or should not be submerged for long periods of time.

- angelite

- azurite

- bumblebee jasper

- calcite

- celestite

- desert rose

- fluorite

- grape agate

- gypsum

- hematite

- jade

- kammerite

- lepidolite

- malachite

- moldavite

- rhodochrosite

- satin spar

- selenite

- sodalite

- tangerine quartz

- tiffany stone

* please not that this is NOT a complete list and some crystals may not be listed. as always, do your research at your own risk.

some crystals should not be placed in sunlight for extended periods of time as it can cause colors to fade or become discolored. prolonged exposure to sunlight can even cause crystals to become brittle and crack more easily.

- amber

- amethyst

- ametrine

- apatite

- apophyllite

- aquamarine

- calcite

- celestite

- chrysoprase

- citrine

- fluorite

- kunzite

- clear quartz, rose quartz, smoky quartz, spirit quartz

- opal

- super seven

- sapphire

- topaz

- turquoise

* please not that this is NOT a complete list and some crystals may not be listed. as always, do your research at your own risk.

- agate

- amethyst

- aventurine

- black obsidian

- carnelian (but NOT salt water. salt can be corrosive to the mineral compounds present in this crystal. this can damage the surface, especially if it has pre-existing cracks and/or fractures.)

- clear quartz

- moonstone

- rose quartz

- rutilated quartz

-smoky quartz

- tiger's eye

* please not that this is NOT a complete list and some crystals may not be listed. as always, do your research at your own risk.

- amber

- black obsidian

- black tourmaline

- carnelian

- howlite

- jade

- labradorite

- malachite

- moonstone

- morganite

- peridot

- sunstone

* please not that this is NOT a complete list and some crystals may not be listed. as always, do your research at your own risk.

naturally, when you have crystals on display in your home they have been handled and can collect oils from your hands, and they will collect dust.

so the question is, how do you clean crystals without damaging them?

- use a feather duster, or a makeup/paint brush to get rid of dust.

- use a soft microfiber cloth to clean fingerprints off your crystals.

- do NOT use any abrasive cloths, as it can damage and dull your crystals.

- if using water to clean your crystals, make sure to do research on whether or not that particular crystal can withstand being submerged in water or wiped with a damp cloth.

- do NOT rip it off, it could damage the crystal.

- run the glue under hot water, or dip it into a cup filled with hot water. (be sure to do research on whether or not that specific crystal can withstand being submerged/exposed to water)

- use a hairdryer for a short period of time to loosen the glue from the crystal. carefully peel back the glue.