Toxic Crystals & Gemstones –

A Gentle Reminder for Safe Crystal Healing

At Charms Of Light, I always advocate working with crystals and gemstones in ways that support your highest well-being.  These beautiful gifts from the Earth carry their own unique vibrations, offering healing, comfort, and guidance.  However, when it comes to making gem elixirs or crystal-infused water, it’s important to remember that not all stones are safe to place directly in water.

Some gemstones contain metals or toxic elements, and while they are completely safe to wear on the body or place within the aura for their healing energies, they can become harmful when immersed directly in water.  This is especially important when making gem elixirs or essences intended for drinking or topical use.

To ensure your crystal healing practices remain safe and nurturing, always use the indirect method when working with potentially toxic stones.  This involves placing the crystal in a container, which is then placed in the water, allowing the vibrational energies to infuse without any direct contact.

If you're ever unsure, or would like personalised guidance, I am always here to help with Gemstone Consultations to find the right crystal companions for your needs.

Below is a list of some of the more well-known gemstones that should never be placed directly in water.  Please note, this is not a complete list, and new information is always coming to light.  When in doubt, choose the safest route.

Gemstones to Avoid Placing Directly in Water

• Amazonite – Contains copper
• Angelite – Converts to gypsum when wet
• Aquamarine – Contains aluminium
• Azurite – Contains copper
• Black Tourmaline – Contains aluminium
• Boji Stones – Contain sulphur
• Celestite – Contains strontium
• Chrysocolla – Contains copper
• Cinnabar – Contains mercury and quicksilver
• Emerald – Contains aluminium
• Fluorite – Contains fluorine
• Garnet (Almandine) – Contains aluminium
• Hematite – Not toxic, but may rust in water
• Iolite – Contains aluminium
• Labradorite – Contains aluminium
• Lapis Lazuli – Often includes pyrite, which contains sulphur
• Lepidolite – Contains aluminium
• Magnetite – Not toxic, but may rust in water
• Malachite – Contains copper
• Moonstone – Contains aluminium
• Prehnite – Contains aluminium
• Pyrite – Contains sulphur
• Ruby – Contains aluminium
• Sapphire – Contains aluminium
• Selenite – Not toxic, but can dissolve and shed shards in water
• Serpentine – May contain asbestos in fibrous form
• Sodalite – Contains aluminium
• Sugilite – Contains aluminium
• Sunstone – Contains aluminium
• Tiger Eye – May contain asbestos in fibrous form
• Topaz – Contains aluminium
• Tourmaline – Contains aluminium
• Turquoise – Contains aluminium and copper
• Variscite – Contains aluminium
• Vesuvianite – Contains aluminium

Safe Practices for Making Gem Essences

If you feel drawn to create a gem essence using one of the above stones, please use the indirect method.  This allows the stone’s energy to infuse into the water without exposing you to any potential toxins.

Nurture Your Journey with Crystal Wisdom

Crystals are powerful allies on our healing journeys.  When used with knowledge and care, they help us restore balance and bring joy and clarity into our lives.  Always treat your crystals with respect — and yourself with love.

If you're curious about which crystals are right for your healing path, I would be honoured to help guide you through a personalised Gemstone Consultation.

Stay safe, and keep shining your light.


Blessings,
Caryl ♥

Originally published 10 July 2012 | Updated 3 June 2025