How To Clean Gypsum Crystals: The 4 Steps
Last updated on October 9th, 2024 at 03:42 pm
Gypsum crystals are beautiful, but they need a bit of love to stay looking fresh.
Whether you’ve got a cluster for display or you’re using it in your energy work, cleaning these delicate crystals can feel tricky.
And if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering, “Can I even use water? Won’t I damage them?”
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.
Gypsum Crystals also known as Gypsum Rock is found in a mineral form in nature.
Gypsum crystals (like selenite or desert rose) are fragile and soft.
They are usually soft in nature rating only a 2 on Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness and are a hydrous, salt sulfate mineral and it is usually a chemical composition known as Calcium Sulfate Dehydrate (CaS0 4. 2H 2 O).
Meaning they can easily scratch or dissolve in water if you’re not careful.
Also the chemical composition of Gypsum has 2 water molecules so it is wondered if the Gypsum can be
washed by wet clothes. Yes, you can use wet cloth to clean Gypsum.
So how do you clean gypsum crystals without causing damage?
Let’s break it down into super easy steps.
Is Gypsum Crystal Soluble in Water?
The Gypsum is an evaporate mineral like salt-which means it dissolves in water and will
recrystallize during the evaporation process of liquid.
To elaborate when gypsum is heated and the water within the mineral is evaporated in the air, the gypsum turns into chalk or plaster type substance.
But the chalk powder gypsum when rehydrated becomes a hard substance again which is known as
Gypsum Crystal. This process is actually used in Gypsum Crystal Production.
Why You Need to Clean Gypsum Crystals
Your gypsum crystals can gather dust, dirt, and even unwanted energy.
Cleaning them physically removes debris while energetically cleansing resets their vibe.
This is especially important if you use your crystals for healing or meditation, similar to how you might use crystals in your garden for energy work.
But here’s the kicker: You can’t just toss them in water or use any old cleaner.
Gypsum is water-sensitive, so we need to take a gentler approach.
Suggested:
How to Clean Gypsum Crystals: The Pointers
Varieties of Gypsum Crystal include Alabaster, Satin spar and Selenite.
The Crystalline form of Gypsum is also called selenite crystal.
The Gypsum Crystal has distinct opaque composition and its reflective properties gives prominence to its features, especially when it is used for decorative purposes in decorative items and furniture.
Since it is soft and soluble in water so it is advised to use your hand gently when cleaning the piece or it will end up destroying our sample.
Here I have put in points on how to clean Gypsum Crystal:
1. It might be wiped with a moist cloth at first but afterwards remember to wipe it dry.
It is told to wipe it dry since gypsum crystals have hydroscopic properties i.e. it tends to
absorb and retain water which might.
2. Always use a cloth which is dry to wipe away dust. Remember to use it gently.
3. The Range of Relative Humidity is 30-60 %. As high humidity can affect the quality of
gypsum and decrease the quality of it.
4. The recommended temperature range for stable gypsum crystal is 273.15 K to
315.95K.
How to Clean Gypsum Crystals Safely
To clean gypsum crystals without ruining them, here’s what you need to do:
1. Dry Cleaning First
Start with dry methods before thinking about water.
- Soft Brush: Use a makeup brush or a soft paintbrush to gently dust the surface of your crystal. This is your go-to for everyday cleaning.
- Compressed Air: Blow out the dust from the crevices using a can of compressed air. Just make sure you’re using it on a low setting.
Suggested:
2. Spot Cleaning with a Damp Cloth
Sometimes your crystal needs a deeper clean.
- Slightly Damp Cloth: If there’s some stubborn dirt, you can use a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Make sure it’s just a little moist, not soaked.
- Avoid Submerging: Never, and I mean never, submerge gypsum crystals in water. Gypsum is a soft mineral that can dissolve or become brittle if exposed to too much moisture.
3. Use Salt for Energetic Cleansing
Now that you’ve got the physical part covered, let’s talk about clearing out the negative energy.
- Salt Bed: Place your crystal on a bed of Himalayan salt or sea salt overnight. This will help recharge and cleanse the energy without harming the stone.
- Avoid Saltwater: Saltwater can damage gypsum crystals, so stick to dry methods only.
If you’re interested in other natural cleansing methods, you might want to explore the benefits of white sage incense or cedar smudging.
4. Sunlight & Moonlight
Moonlight: If you’re looking to supercharge your crystal’s energy, placing it under the full moon is a safe way to cleanse it energetically without any risk.
Sunlight: Gypsum can fade if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. A few hours are fine, but don’t leave them in the sun all day.
What not to do while Cleaning Gypsum Crystal:
It is recommended to not do the following when cleaning a gypsum crystal:
1. It is advised to keep it dry as keeping the surface wet may dissolve surfaces of crystal.
2. Do not scrub on the crystal surface to keep it intact.
3. Gypsum crystals should not be exposed to sudden changes in temperature.
4. Avoid breathing dust while cleaning gypsum crystal as it can cause irritation in eyes, skin and
respiratory system.
5. It is recommended to not use cleaning agent to clean the Gypsum Crystals. We should also
not use hydroxide such as calcium hydroxide as it is used to removes gypsum deposits.
6. Avoid Using Steel brush to clean the debris on the surface of the crystal as it will make a hole
in the crystal.
7. If you are going to use water to clean gypsum crystal, try to use warm or water for cleaning
because gypsum crystal’s solubility is actually more in cold water than it is hot water.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When it comes to cleaning gypsum crystals, making a mistake is easy—and trust me, I’ve been there. Here are the most common mistakes when cleaning gypsum crystals and how to avoid them:
1. Using Water to Clean Gypsum Crystals: Water seems harmless, right? Rookie mistake. It’s not for gypsum crystals. They’re soft, and water can actually cause them to dissolve over time.
2. Submerging Gypsum Crystals in Cleaning Solutions: Another common mistake is dunking the crystals into soap solutions or even harsher chemicals. Gypsum is porous. That means it can absorb the liquid and get damaged from the inside.
3. Using Abrasive Materials: Using a scouring pad to get rid of the dirt is a big no-no. Anything too rough will scratch the surface of your crystal, leaving permanent marks.
4. Leaving Gypsum Crystals in Direct Sunlight for Too Long: While some stones love a good sunbath, gypsum isn’t one of them. Leaving your crystal out in direct sunlight can cause it to fade over time.
5. Skipping the Energetic Cleansing: Gypsum crystals, like selenite, are known for their high-vibe energy, and after a while, they can absorb negativity. Don’t focus on physical cleaning alone; remember to cleanse the crystal energetically too.
Suggested :
Other Process to Dry Gypsum Crystal Post Cleaning
A rotary dryer may be used to remove water from gypsum crystal in order to make it shinier and high
quality product. The rotating motion of the dryer aids the process as air flows through it.
Also Heating may remove excess water from the gypsum crystal. But if Gypsum is overheated if forms
plaster of Paris as it loses its water of crystallization and forms a compound called calcium Sulfate
hemihydrate.
FAQs: Cleaning Gypsum Crystals
Can I polish gypsum crystals to make them shinier?
No, polishing is not recommended. Gypsum is too soft and can get damaged easily. Stick to gentle dusting and dry cleaning for maintenance.
What’s the best way to tell if my gypsum crystals need cleaning?
If they look dull or dusty, or if their energy feels “off,” it’s probably time for a clean. Listen to your intuition too sometimes, you’ll just know they need a reset.
Can sunlight damage gypsum crystals?
Yes, too much sunlight can cause them to fade. A couple of hours in indirect sunlight is fine, but avoid prolonged exposure.
Can I use the same cleaning schedule for all my crystals?
Not really. Each crystal has its own needs. For example, harder crystals like quartz can handle more frequent cleaning, but gypsum is delicate and should only be cleaned when necessary.
Can I charge gypsum crystals while cleaning them?
Absolutely. Using moonlight or sound cleansing can both clean and charge your crystals energetically at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning gypsum crystals isn’t hard, but you’ve got to be careful. Start with dry cleaning using a soft brush. Only use a lightly damp cloth if there’s dirt that won’t budge. And remember, water is not your friend when it comes to gypsum crystals.
Cleansing the energy of your crystals is just as important as cleaning off dust. Use salt beds and moonlight to keep their energy fresh. If you’re interested in exploring more ways to cleanse your space, consider learning about palo santo or using essential oils for mold prevention.
Now that you know how to clean gypsum crystals safely, you can enjoy their beauty and energy for years to come. And remember, proper storage of your crystals is just as important as cleaning them to maintain their beauty and energy.
About The Author: Hi, I’m Jessica. I’m a Mom of 2 and I love DIY hacks, home decor ideas and non-toxic cleaning tips. I created this website to share my knowledge with a community of like-minded people who love simple, easy and safe ways to keep their home clean and inspiring. I hope you enjoy!
