Why cleanse and charge your gemstones?

Everything is energy, including the spaces we live in and the objects we carry. Gemstones are known for their ability to absorb and hold energy. If you wear a stone every day, or keep it in a busy space, it gradually picks up all kinds of impressions. This stored energy can weaken the stone's natural qualities.

By cleansing and charging your gemstones in time, you give them an energetic shower, as it were: stored or 'polluted' energy disappears and the stone is refilled with fresh, pure energy. The result is a stone that feels clearer and more powerful.

The difference between cleansing and charging

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they are two distinct steps:

• Cleansing (clearing): this removes the absorbed, old or unwanted energy from the stone. You essentially return the stone to a neutral, 'empty' state.
• Charging: this refills the cleansed stone with new, fresh energy so it can work at its best.

For the best result, combine both steps: cleanse first, then charge. Below we cover the most popular methods.

Cleansing gemstones with incense

The relaxing and purifying properties of incense have been used for many centuries. Incense not only smells wonderful, but is also excellent for cleansing energies, spaces, chakras, the aura and, of course, your gemstones. Simply pass the stone through the incense smoke a few times to cleanse it quickly and effortlessly. It's an easy, accessible method you can use daily.

Cleansing gemstones with white sage (smudging)

White Sage has been used for centuries by Native Americans. When white Sage is burned, it releases a sacred smoke used during rituals to energetically cleanse spaces, people and objects, a practice also known as 'smudging'.

After all, everything is energy, and energy that isn't yours, or that feels unpleasant, can cling to spaces and objects. This kind of 'polluted' energy can cause a vague or heavy feeling, anger, sadness, extra fatigue, sleeplessness or headaches. By burning white sage, you give yourself, a space or a gemstone a wonderful energetic shower, after which everything feels clearer and purer.

Cleansing gemstones with Palo Santo

Palo Santo (holy wood) has been used since the time of the Incas and Mayas for its relaxing and healing properties. When you light the wood, it produces a soft, sweet smoke that creates a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere in the room. It's a beloved scent during meditation and other spiritual activities.

Besides creating a relaxed atmosphere, Palo Santo also purifies spaces of negative energy and cleanses your gemstones. To do this, pass the stone through the smoke of the burning wood a few times.

Practical tip: briefly light the tip of the Palo Santo wood and then blow out the flame. The glowing tip releases the characteristic warm, sweet scent. This means a single piece of Palo Santo can be used several times. An abalone shell is a handy tool for safely resting the smouldering wood.

Cleansing and charging gemstones with Hematite and Rock Crystal

This safe method is ideal if you'd rather not use smoke on your stones. Place your gemstone on a bed of Hematite chips for a few hours: this draws the old or 'polluted' energy out of the stone (cleansing). Then place the stone on a bed of Rock Crystal chips for a few hours to refill it with fresh, new energy (charging).

Working with Hematite and Rock Crystal is one of the safest and most reliable ways to care for your gemstones, suitable for almost all stones, including the more delicate varieties.

Other natural methods for charging gemstones

Besides the methods above, you can harness the power of nature:

• Moonlight: place your gemstones in the moonlight for a night during (or around) the full moon. The gentle moonlight both cleanses and charges, and is safe for almost all stones.
• Sunlight: powerful sunlight charges stones quickly. Take care: coloured stones such as Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Fluorite can fade with prolonged sun exposure. Only leave these out briefly, or choose moonlight instead.
• A Geode or Amethyst geode: easily charge smaller stones and jewellery by leaving them overnight in an amethyst or rock crystal geode.

How often should you cleanse gemstones?

If you wear a stone daily or use it intensively during meditation or healing, cleanse it regularly, for example, weekly. A stone that mainly sits as decoration in your home needs care less often. Above all, trust your intuition: if a stone feels 'dull' or heavy, it's time for a cleanse.

FAQ about cleansing and charging gemstones

What is the difference between cleansing and charging gemstones?

Cleansing (clearing) removes old and unwanted energy from the stone. Charging refills the cleansed stone with fresh, new energy. For the best result, combine both steps.

How often should I cleanse my gemstones?

Stones you wear daily or use intensively are best cleansed regularly (for example, weekly). Decorative stones need less maintenance. If a stone feels dull or heavy, it's time to cleanse it.

Can I cleanse all gemstones with water?

No. Some stones are soft or water-soluble and can be damaged by water or salt (think of Selenite, Hematite and some clusters). In doubt? Choose a safe dry method instead, such as smudging with sage or use a bed of Hematite and Rock Crystal chips.

Which method is best for my gemstones?

There is no single 'best' method, above all, choose the way that appeals to you most and suits the stone. For delicate stones, Hematite & Rock Crystal or moonlight are the safest choice.

In my blog cleansing and charging gemstones I describe the various options in more detail. Above all, choose the method that appeals to you most and that suits your stone.

Do you have questions about cleansing or charging a specific gemstone? Feel free to contact Kristalmeester, we're always happy to help.