The Ritual: How to Cleanse Natural Crystals at Home

Crystals have long been valued for their natural energy, and many people believe they also take on the energy around them. Over time, a stone can hold on to traces of the places it’s been and the people who’ve handled it, as well as the stresses and emotions of everyday life. This is especially true of palm stones, which are made to be held and carried, so they spend much more time in close contact with you than a crystal sitting on a shelf.

Cleansing is a simple way to clear that build-up and bring your stone back to a calm, neutral state. You might compare it to opening the windows after a long week, or clearing your desk before starting something new. It only takes a few minutes, and with a little knowledge about your stones, it’s easy to do at home.

Gentle methods that suit every palm stone

If you’re new to cleansing, or you’re not sure how a particular stone will react, it’s best to start with these methods. None of them involve water or heating the stones, so they’re safe for every palm stone in our collection.

Smoke cleansing

Smoke cleansing is one of the oldest ways of clearing energy from a space or object. Light a stick of Palo Santo or a small bundle of sage, let the flame go out so it’s gently smoking, and pass your palm stone slowly through the smoke for around 30 seconds, turning it so each side is reached.

It’s quick, it works well indoors and it suits every stone. Just open a window first, and if you can, choose Palo Santo and sage from responsible sources.

Sound

Sound cleansing works on the idea that vibration can shift energy that feels stagnant or heavy. You can place your palm stones beside a singing bowl and let it ring for a few minutes, or use a small bell or tuning fork held close to the stone. This is a nice option when you want to cleanse several stones at once.

Moonlight

Moonlight is often described as the gentlest form of cleansing, and it’s safe for all crystals. Leave your palm stones on a windowsill or balcony overnight, ideally around the full moon, and bring them back in the next morning.

If you live in the UAE, a windowsill indoors works perfectly well, and it avoids the stones sitting in the heat once the sun rises. Many people like to cleanse their whole collection this way once a month as part of a regular routine.

Other ways to cleanse

There are other ways to cleanse crystals, such as rinsing them in natural spring or sea water or leaving them out in the sunlight. These methods aren’t suitable for every stone, though. Some of our palm stones shouldn’t be put in water at all, and in a climate like the UAE’s, the sun is much stronger than it feels, even in the winter months. That can cause colour-sensitive stones to fade over time.

For these reasons, we’d recommend sticking to the gentle methods above. If you’d like more information on cleansing with water or sunlight, or you’re unsure whether a method is right for one of your stones, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

How often should you cleanse?

There’s no set rule, and it’s worth going with what feels right for you and your stones. We like to cleanse our crystals once a month, and if we can, we’ll time it with the full moon.

We suggest that you cleanse a new palm stone when it first arrives, or after a particularly stressful or emotional time.

Cleansing and charging

These two terms are often used together, but they refer to different steps. Cleansing clears away the energy your stone has absorbed, while charging is the process of giving it a fresh intention to hold.

Once your stone has been cleansed, hold it for a moment and think about what you’d like it to support you with, whether that’s calm, focus or confidence. Some people like to say their intention out loud or write it in a notebook. Cleansing first means you’re setting that intention on a clear foundation.

Making cleansing part of your routine

Caring for your crystals doesn’t need to be elaborate. A few quiet minutes on a Sunday evening, perhaps with a candle lit and a cup of tea nearby, can easily become a ritual you look forward to, and a gentle way to reset before the week begins.

Next time you have a moment, pick up your favourite Rock Paper Scissors palm stone, cleanse it in whichever way feels right, and set an intention for the days ahead. If you’re looking for your first palm stone or a new one to add to your collection, you can explore our full range here.

Frequently asked questions

Can I cleanse all my crystals together?

Yes. Smoke, sound and moonlight all work well for cleansing several stones at once, and they’re safe for every palm stone in our collection. Lay your stones out together so the smoke, sound or moonlight can reach each one.

Can selenite get wet?

No. Selenite is a soft, water-soluble mineral, so even a short time in water can damage its surface and cause it to dissolve. Smoke, sound and moonlight are all safe ways to cleanse it. Many people also believe selenite can cleanse other crystals, so you may like to rest your palm stones beside a piece of selenite.

Where can I get Palo Santo and sage?

You can find Palo Santo and sage in wellness and holistic shops across the UAE, as well as online. Where possible, choose suppliers who source them responsibly. Look for Palo Santo collected from naturally fallen wood and sage that’s been sustainably grown.

How should I store my palm stones?

Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from windows that get strong afternoon sun, especially in the warmer months. A soft pouch or a lined dish is ideal, and it stops harder stones from scratching softer ones like selenite.