The worst thing in the world is seeing a precious crystal or gemstone break, dissolve or discolor after placing it in water. Every crystal is different, and when it comes to Carnelian, you really need to know how it interacts with water.
Carnelian is a hardy crystal and it will not be damaged by washing or dipping it in pure room temperature water. However, there are going to be certain situations where water will certainly damage this type of crystal.
I decided to write this full article on how to use carnelian crystals with water to both clean, cleanse and revitalize it.
I’ll go into exactly what types of water are good and those that are bad for this crystal as well as other ways to extend the life of your carnelian crystals.
Is carnelian safe to put in water
It’s a question that I’ve seen across social media a lot, and for the most part, I feel that practitioners are only getting half the story.
Using low acidic water on Carnelian either for cleaning or cleansing will not immediately damage this type of crystal. However, prolonged exposure to saline water and also in some cases rainwater should definitely be avoided. In addition, it’s advisable only to use warm water on this type of crystal.
Although carnelian is fairly common, I don’t believe in mistreating my crystals and so I’m perhaps more cautious than I need to be at times. Taking precautionary steps in crystal care, as will other areas of your life, will just mean your possessions last for longer and function better.
So, now that we know that carnelian crystals ARE generally safe when in contact with the right type of water, I’d like to go into more detail about exactly what you should and shouldn’t do.
Other articles you may be interested in:
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What types of water can you use on carnelian?
Although Carnelian scores a high score on the Mohs hardness scale, a whopping 7, you still need to be cautious of using it with some water types. Remember, rivers can break down mountains over time – water is powerful!
So, let’s lay out exactly how I use my own carnelian crystals and how you can too.
Is spring water or rainwater better for carnelian?
As a general rule, both spring water and rainwater are going to be more natural sources of H2O than what comes out of a tap. And carnelian is a particularly water-sensitive crystal, so it is a good idea to use water that has been charged with positive energy.
Springwater is going to be especially rich in minerals, which can actually help to cleanse and energize your carnelian. The reason this is important is that carnelian is a sacral chakra stone that is used to restore vitality and motivation.
Rainwater, for the most part, is also a very good source of water to use with carnelian. The one caveat I will say is that if you live in an area with high air pollution, the rain can actually be charged with negative energy and is very acidic.
So, if you are using rainwater to cleanse your carnelian, make sure it is from a place where the air quality is good. When in doubt, you can actually test the Ph level of your water with a basic home tester. I use this digital ph tester for all sorts of things (Sold on Amazon) and it will help you gauge whether or not to use the rainwater you collect in your backyard.
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Can you use moon water to cleanse carnelian stones?
Moon water is an excellent method to cleanse most hard crystals (Mohs 6 and higher) and carnelian is no exception.
One of the best things you can do to charge your carnelian with positive energy is to leave it out in the light of a full moon. Make sure that you are using good quality water, either spring water or non-acidic rainwater.
Submerge your carnelian in the moon water and let it sit overnight. In the morning, make sure you are up early so that your carnelian crystal is not left in direct sunlight or heat for too long, as this can damage the crystal.
Is it safe to drink carnelian-infused water?
Placing crystals in your drinking bottle is an excellent way to benefit from their natural healing properties, and this goes for a carnelian too. If you’ve never tried doing this with crystals, check out these great starter kits on Amazon.
It’s perfectly safe to drink carnelian-infused water as this crystal will not dissolve in drinking water. It’s recommended only to drink crystal-infused water when you will benefit most from its particular energy. Try to match your current life objectives to the properties a carnelian will give you.
The water will absorb the positive energy of the carnelian and you can drink it throughout the day. Not only will this help to keep your body hydrated, but it will also help to increase your vitality and promote a sense of peace and well-being.
I would recommend that you only add a single crystal to drinking water, to prevent them from damaging each other as well as counteracting each other. I’d also recommend steeping your crystals in the water for a few hours, then removing them before drinking. It’s ok to keep them in the bottle but there is always the risk that small fragments have come off the surface and could be ingested.
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Can you use carnelian in the bath?
Carnelian, like many other hard crystals, is a great addition to your bathtime ritual. However, to prolong your crystal’s lifespan, there are some recommendations I’d make.
When adding a carnelian crystal to your bath, I tend to either allow it to infuse regular hot water or infuse additional water I’ll add later. Although your average bar of soap or shampoo won’t do too much damage to your carnelian, bath salts could be problematic.
Also, perhaps I’m a little bit too cautious, but any heat change should be avoided as this could damage a crystal and, in the case of carnelian, activate the iron oxide inside it and change the color.
The solution is simple, just make sure the water is not too hot when you add your crystal and try to avoid any sudden changes in temperature.
Alternatively, you can just keep the crystal in the room and use it to help meditate the right intentions while taking a relaxing soak.
Will salt water harm carnelian?
As we’ve previously mentioned, carnelian is a hardy crystal and has a fairly high hardness rating on the Mohs scale. That being said, saltwater in my experience is much more corrosive than regular dried salt.
I would not recommend submerging your carnelian in saltwater for an extended period of time as it could cause some damage to the surface of the crystal. If you must use salt water, try to keep the level of contact to a minimum and make sure to rinse the stone thoroughly afterward.
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How to clean carnelian Crystals safely
For me, keeping carnelian crystals clean and free of grime is very important. The reason why you should absolutely be cleaning your carnelian crystals regularly is that they can pick up negative energy and vibes very easily. It’s also a good way to keep them looking their best!
Cleaning a carnelian crystal will at the very least remove some of the negative energy it’s collected, along with any dirt from you handling it. So here are some safe ways to clean it:
Run it under the faucet
The first way is to simply hold the carnelian under running water. This will not only rebalance its internal energy but also get it looking its best again.
Use a toothbrush
If for some reason your crystals are really looking grubby, then you can use an old toothbrush to give them a good scrub. Just make sure that the toothbrush is clean first!
Use soap and water
If your carnelian crystals are still looking dull after running them under the faucet, then you can try using a mild soap and some lukewarm water. Again, just make sure you rinse them off properly afterward.
How to cleanse carnelian crystals effectively
There is a big difference between cleaning a crystal and cleansing one, the latter is to get it vibrating at its optimal frequency. You can have the cleanest crystal in the world, but if it isn’t cleansed of all its negative energy it won’t be working at its best.
There are lots of ways to cleanse a crystal, but here are some of the most popular:
Cleansing carnelian with salt
Using dry salt, either from the kitchen or some specially sourced variety is very effective. Place your crystals on a bed of salt and let them sit overnight
Cleansing carnelian with moonlight
The light of the moon has a naturally purifying effect, making it perfect for cleansing crystals. You can either place your crystals outside or near a window or submerge them in a bowl of water that you leave in direct moonlight.
Cleansing carnelian by smudging
Smudging is an age-old technique used to cleanse and purify objects and spaces. You can use any type of smudge stick, but sage is a popular choice. Simply light it, let the flame die down a little, and then wave the smoke around your crystal.
As you can see, there are lots of different ways to clean and cleanse your carnelian crystals. Personally, I like to use a combination of methods depending on how dirty they are and how much time I have. But whichever method you choose, just make sure that you do it regularly to keep your crystals working
What is carnelian and where does it come from?
If you’ve made it this far, you may be interested in learning a little more about the crystal you are trying to care for. Carnelian has a rich history and a very interesting profile for those who know how to use it best.
Carnelian is made from a type of quartz called chalcedony. The name carnelian is derived from the Latin word carnis, meaning flesh. This refers to the color of the original material, which was closer to a reddish-orange. Because of its high iron oxide source, carnelian can easily be heat-treated to a deeper red.
A very brief History of Carnelian
Carnelian has been used as a gemstone for over 6,000 years, notably in Ancient Egypt. Its popularity reached its peak in the Roman Empire where it was used to carve cameos and intaglio seals. The carving of these stones was so popular that it led to a decline in the use of other gemstones for this purpose.
Where Is Carnelian Found?
Today, Carnelian is mostly sourced from India and Brazil, where the quality is generally quite high. However, because carnelian is so widely available, it isn’t considered a rare stone. As it’s such an obtainable crystal, it’s also relatively affordable.
What Does Carnelian Symbolize?
The symbolism in the use of Carnelian from the ancients to modern use is very strong. It is a stone of boldness and confidence, of warmth and stimulation. It has been used for centuries to inspire courage and motivation and leadership. Due to its deep orange hues, it was known as “the setting sun” by the Ancient Egyptians and was used to represent the menstrual blood of the goddess Isis. Today, it is still worn to enhance desire, love, and passion.
How can we use Carnelian best?
Throughout its history of use, humans have found this crystal to be best for its ability to stimulate and inspire courage. It has also been used for its physical powers, said to help with strength and energy in times of need.
Today, carnelians are still worn by many people for these same purposes. Carnelian is said to help open and balance the sacral chakra. This energy point is associated with our creative and sexual energies, and Carnelian is thought to attract power and boost vitality.
Carnelian is a great gemstone for those who are looking to improve their physical health and well-being. If you are looking to increase your coordination, stimulate your muscles, or heal your body, Carnelian may be the perfect gemstone for you! Additionally, if you are struggling with fertility issues, Carnelian may be able to help. Try using this gemstone to see if you experience any improvements in your health!
Emotional Healing Properties
The Carnelian stone is known by many different names, when it comes to emotional healing the two monikers to be aware of are The Singer’s Stone and The Artist’s Stone. Carnelian is a supportive crystal for anyone who has to do public speaking or perform in some way. It boosts confidence and encourages creativity.
If you are shy or timid, Carnelian can help you become more outspoken and expressive. For those in creative professions, this stone helps to get the juices flowing and increase productivity.
Metaphysical Properties
The carnelian has metaphysical properties that connect to the three lower chakras. This includes the root chakra, which is the foundation of all chakras and helps to keep us grounded and in balance. The stone is also connected to the sacral chakra, which boosts listless attitudes and stimulates appetites.
Lastly, the carnelian is connected to the solar plexus chakra, which governs our personality, identity, and ego. This chakra gives us our fighting spirit and thus the carnelian stone will support us in whatever obstacles we face.
Carnelian is also said to be a good luck charm for prosperity. It’s often used by people when they need a healthy dose of good fortune. Because it also functions as a crystal of ambition, determination, and drive, it’s believed to protect the wearer from the sluggish energies of incompetent co-workers.
How Can You Tell If a Carnelian Stone Is Fake?
Despite the ubiquitous nature of Carnelian, you may be presented with a fake crystal from time to time. This is obviously important to identify as you don’t want to use the wrong crystal for the wrong job. The best way to tell if a Carnelian is fake is to hold it up to the light. If you see stripes, then it’s likely that the crystal has been dyed. If the color is more evenly distributed, then it’s most likely a natural Carnelian.
How to keep your carnelian working for longer?
In addition to using the right types of water on your Carnelian crystals, I would also recommend the following methods to ensure a longer life for your stone.
Dry Thoroughly
Whenever you clean or cleanse your crystal with water, never leave it wet afterward. Water can cause long-term damage to a crystal if left to evaporate on the stone. Always dry your crystals off with a soft cloth or allow them time to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
Store Properly
When you’re not using your carnelian, it’s important to store it in a safe place where it won’t be touched or moved around too much. I would recommend using a jewelry box, pouch, or even a small bag. Leaving it on a bed of salt is also a great way to keep it energized and vibrating at the right frequency for later use.
The most important thing is to make sure the crystal is not in contact with other stones as this could cause wear and tear over time.
Check its compatibility with other crystals
Although all crystals we use have very beneficial effects in different areas of our lives, they don’t all work in harmony. In fact, some crystals can actually have a negative effect on each other when used together.
It’s important to do your research and find out which crystals are compatible with each other before you start using them. This is especially important if you’re planning on using more than one in drinking water or bath.
Check For Cracks
Just like you wouldn’t get in a car that hasn’t been properly maintained, your crystals need a quality check on a regular basis too. By examining your crystals for cracks, chips, or any other damage you can ensure they’ll be safe to use and won’t break during cleaning or cleansing.
If there is significant damage, often the best approach is to stop using the crystal as it just won’t be as effective. Retire the crystal and perhaps just hold on to it for its inherent beauty rather than its ability to heal and infuse you with positive energy.
Final thoughts on
Carnelian is a wonderful stone to work with and has many benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. As long as you exercise a bit of caution when using it, your carnelian will last a long time and continue to bring you joy and happiness. Thanks for reading!
Charlie Hawes has developed a fascination for the spiritual and metaphysical world around us. He enjoys researching and sharing ideas about how to better understand ourselves and the worlds we live in. Read more
