How To Clean Selenite: 6 Methods To Physically Clean Selenite Crystal

Welcome to my article about how to clean selenite!

Selenite is a popular gemstone used by energy workers, due to the belief that it can remove negative energy from beings and other stones.

It is associated with Selene, the Greek Goddess of the Moon, and has been used for centuries for healing and keeping evil spirits away.

Selenite has many names, including satin spar, desert rose, and golden phantom. Though the most common type is white, there are golden, peach, and rose variations as well.

Of course, not everyone uses this stone for the energy it is said to contain. Rock collectors may keep it around for its unique look and coloring.

Regardless of your reason for owning selenite, it is important to clean it properly.

This stone is more delicate than you may realize since it is actually a variety of gypsum. This means that it is soft, water-soluble, and tricky to clean.

Below I go through 6 methods for cleaning selenite, plus other methods to avoid to ensure your selenite remains safe and vibrant. Let’s get started.

How to Clean Selenite: 6 Methods

Unlike many stones, selenite can’t be submerged in water and left to soak. This material is rated only 2 on a Mohs scale, which means it is quite soft compared to other stones.

It is also water-soluble, so submerging it for even a short time can wash away the exterior of the stone.

This also means that you need to be more careful when using a cloth or brush to clean selenite.

The result of improper cleaning will be a dull or milky stone that will need some work to repair.

So, what’s the best way to clean selenite? Here are 6 of the best methods:

Using Water

As I mentioned above, submerging selenite in water is a bad idea.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to avoid water completely to clean your selenite.

Rather than submerging it, many people spritz the stone with water where it needs cleaning and then rub it gently.

This removes the dirt or debris and the water at the same time so your stone isn’t soaking in moisture for a prolonged period, enabling you to clean it without any damage.

Soft Cloth

Another method for cleaning selenite is to rub it gently with a soft, dry cloth.

This ensures that you aren’t using anything abrasive that could destroy the finish while still removing anything on the surface.

This is especially useful for those stones without a sealant since these pieces are more delicate and prone to damage if mishandled.

Soft Brush

A soft brush can remove dirt or debris from selenite without damaging the surface. A toothbrush with soft bristles is a good option for this, though you can use any small soft brush that you like.

Do not use a metal brush since this will scratch the surface of the stone, which will be quite difficult to repair.

To use the soft brush, add a small amount of water to the stone. Then take the brush and gently scrub the surface.

You can even use some mild soap if necessary to get rid of any dirt or oil that has collected from repeated handling of the selenite.

Acetone or 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

For a bit more cleaning power, you can also use acetone or alcohol on selenite.

Apply a bit of the product you’ve chosen to a soft cloth and lightly rub the stone.

Be sure to dry it thoroughly afterward since acetone or alcohol can damage the stone’s surface if left on too long.

Bamboo or Wood

Sometimes larger pieces of debris can get stuck on your selenite, which can be hard to remove with the above methods.

To remove these foreign materials, you can try a piece of bamboo or wood cut to a wedge shape to dig it free.

These materials are softer than selenite, so shouldn’t cause any damage during this process.

Store it Properly

The best way to keep your selenite clean is by storing it properly. A small pouch prevents any dirt or debris from collecting on the stone’s surface.

You may also want to store it away from other stones to prevent any scratches or dents.

Cleaning Methods to Avoid

There are several cleaning methods that you may consider using on selenite that should actually be avoided. These methods can damage the stone’s finish, leaving it scratched or dull.

The first method is overusing water, which we’ve already covered.

As well as tap water, you should also avoid saltwater since the salt can dissolve the material that makes up the stone more quickly.

Any type of acid, such as muriatic acid, should also be avoided. Acid can dissolve the stone extremely quickly.

Though these won’t damage your crystal, it’s best not to use any cleaning products that have a strong odor. Selenite will absorb these smells, which won’t be easy to get rid of.

How To Clean Selenite: Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you decide on the best and safest way to clean your selenite crystal! Here are some similar articles you may also enjoy:

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