Just as we need to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to slough away the negative energies we've acquired and recharge, so do our crystals. Knowing how to cleanse and charge crystals ensures they're able to do their best work in your life.
Whether you're a total newbie to the crystals scene who doesn't know the first about how to recharge crystals or a seasoned pro looking for some new ideas, this guide has everything you need to keep your stones shining brightly—inside and out!
Why Charge Your Crystals
Before they were ours, crystals were formed deep in the Earth for thousands, even millions, of years. Mined, cut, and polished, they eventually make their way to us, where they absorb the energy of their journey and our own.
As you can imagine, all that energy—good, bad, and everything in between—can start to weigh a crystal down, making it less effective at doing its job.
That's where cleansing and charging comes in.
A cleansed crystal is like a blank slate, ready and waiting to be programmed with your intentions. Charging crystals help replenish their energy and ensure they can work at peak performance.
How to Charge Your Crystals: 8 Ways
It's time for the question on everyone's minds: how do you charge crystals?
Crystal collectors and enthusiasts have developed an array of charging methods over the centuries. Each has its own set of benefits, so when you ask the question, "how do I charge my crystals?" what you're really looking for is "which way is best for me and my crystals?"
And the only way to find that out is through trial and error.
You can learn how to charge crystals with intentions, how to charge crystals with Selenite, or even how to charge crystals with your own energy—when a method feels right, give it a go! What's important is going through that journey with an open mind and heart and paying attention to the results.
Daunted by all your choices? Let's explore eight of our favorite ways to charge crystals to get your journey off on the right foot!
A sound bath
Crystals can be charged with sound by placing them near a singing bowl, gong, or any other type of musical instrument. The vibrations emitted from these objects dissipate negative or stagnant energy and replace it with the kind you need to support your intentions.
With moonlight
Nothing stokes the pale fires of imagination quite like moonlight.
This soft, silvery light has long been associated with magic and mystery, making it the perfect energy source for crystals you use for manifestation or intuition-based work, like Black Tourmaline, Black Obsidian, and—naturally— Moonstone.
Here's how to charge crystals in moonlight:
- Place your stone on the earth outside on a clear night when the moon is visible. Note to those in a rush: full moons will charge your crystals the quickest!
- A window sill, balcony, or porch rail will do if you don't have access to a yard.
- Let it soak in the moonlight for at least four hours.
- Rinse off your stones, then dry them with a clean, soft cloth before bringing them back inside.
Burning sage, incense, or herbs
Sage smudging, or passing the crystal through the smoke of a burning sage stick, melts away anything that doesn't serve your highest good, clearing the way for fresh, vibrant energy to enter.
You can also use incense, Palo Santo, cedar, sweetgrass, or whatever type of smoke-producing herb resonates with you.
The best part about this method? Your home will smell amazing!
Using larger or smaller crystals
Resting your smaller crystal atop a large crystal— Selenite wands are particularly good at this—for at least eight hours will transfer the larger crystal's energy and leave your smaller ones feeling refreshed.
If smaller crystals are what you have on hand—tumbled Hematite is perfect for this—you can emulate this effect by filling a bowl with them and placing your larger crystal on top.
Run crystals under water
This method is ideal for harder stones like Clear Quartz, and Citrine that either has flat surfaces or many nooks and crannies, a good rinse under running water is simple yet oh-so-effective.
Those lucky enough to live by a natural body of water should take advantage! But for the rest of us, the kitchen sink will do just fine.
Here's all you must do:
- Place your crystal under running water for at least one minute each. Note that the water must cover the entire crystal—you don't want to leave any uncharged patches behind!
- Dry your crystal with a soft cloth or allow it to air dry completely.
Using a salt bed
Who doesn't have salt lying around the house?
Any type of salt works here—Epsom, Himalayan, Dead Sea, etc.—but most collectors prefer solar-evaporated sea salt because it's thought to be the purest form.
Just over a tray or plate with salt, then bury your crystals in the salt for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.
Don't use this method for softer stones like Pink Opal and Turquoise unless you're fine with a few scratches. We like to think the scratches add a bit of character to each of our crystals—but to each their own!
Bury the crystals in the ground
There's nothing like a mother's love. Our mothers give us more than just life, they give us roots to hold us steady through the storms of life.
In much the same way, burying crystals in the earth recharges them by drawing energy from Mother Earth herself—the very foundation of all that is.
This charging method is easy and low-maintenance but always gets the job done:
- Dig a hole in your backyard (about 4 to 6 inches should do the trick). A potted plant also works if you don't have access to a yard.
- Gently place your crystal in the hole and cover it up with dirt.
- Pat down the earth to make sure everything is nice and secure, then leave your crystal to charge.
How long to charge crystals in the ground? We like going anywhere from 24 hours to one full week on this one, but don't be scared to listen to your inner voice—Mother Earth always finds a way to get her message through.
Breathing on them
Breathing is one of the most intimate things we do. Every breath we take extends our life force energy outward, and when we direct this energy toward our crystals, we infuse them with everything that makes us who we are.
A powerful way to charge personal items like jewelry or talismans that you wear close to your skin, this method is a great fit for delicate crystals that can't handle too much water, like Carnelian and Selenite.
What’s the Best Way to Charge Your Crystals?
There's no one answer to the question of how to charge crystals best. Different methods suit different collectors.
Let's look at some examples:
- If you're a busy bee with a tight schedule, the running water method using a faucet or showerhead is probably your best bet. Giving your water-safe stones like Amethyst or Picture Jasper a quick rinse while your coffee or tea is brewing is a great way to start the day!
- If you work at night and you need your productivity crystals like Tiger's Eye at full power, leave them out to charge under sunlight as you rest. By the time you're ready to start your shift, they'll be recharged and ready to help you tackle the tasks ahead.
- If time isn't an issue, you can charge dozens of crystals at a time by burying them in the earth. Particularly useful for stones that put in heavy emotional labor when in use, like Rose Quartz, this method is great for rotating a large crystal collection—so you'll always have them at their best!
But more than just your preferences, you'll also want to consider the type of crystal you're working with.
A general rule to keep in mind is that softer crystals—like Celestite and Selenite—require more delicate care than harder stones. This means they shouldn't be left out in direct sunlight or running water for too long, as they may fade or break down over time.
Harder stones, like Kyanite or Herkimer Diamond, can withstand more extreme conditions and don't require as much TLC.
FAQ About Charging Crystals
How often should you charge your crystals?
As often as you feel they need it! There is no set rule on how often to charge crystals.
We recommend charging crystals that see a lot of use—like those in jewelry or those you frequently hold during meditation—more often than those that just sit on your altar or in a display case.
How long should crystals charge in the sun?
It all depends on the size of the crystal and how strong the sunlight is. Small stones might only need an hour or two, while large ones can take all day.
Note that some people might find the energies of a stone left out in the sun too intense. You can opt for shorter charge times, indirect sunlight, or another method altogether.
How to charge your crystals with your own energy?
Simply put, you direct your energy outward into the crystal to cleanse and charge it.
How do you do that? Well, it's complicated.
This method is quite advanced, relying solely on one's intuition, and works best—if at all—for those who have a strong connection to their own energy. If you feel confident in your abilities, give it a go!
If you don't think you're quite there yet, don't worry. Just stick to the basics for now and try again when you feel ready.
Bottom Line
However detailed this guide might be, we can only scratch the surface of the vast world of crystal charging. If you're new to the game, we recommend sticking to the basics: water, sunlight, and moonlight.
As you get more comfortable with the process, branch out and experiment with different methods. Over time, you'll develop an intuitive sense of what works best for you and your collection.
And remember: there is no right or wrong way to charge crystals! As long as you're respecting the stones and taking their care instructions into account, you're doing it right!
