You have just purchased a new batch of crystals from your favorite crystal shop.  You have cleansed them using the method you most resonate with.  You have programmed them to assist you in a particular (or general) purpose.  Now, you ask, "Do they need to be stored?"  "How do I store them?"  "Are there any I should not put together when I store them?"  All very good questions!!

For me personally, none of my crystals are stored, as such.  They are all laid on altars or tables or bookcases throughout my home.  Even the ones that I care take, until they are sent to their new homes, are allowed to play with the others.  However, there are cases when you want to keep those special, unique or rare pieces safe and sound.  Or maybe you prefer to keep all of your crystals organized, labeled and away from each other as to not cause any damage.  So let's get started with the basics and tackle physical storage ideas first!

For those of you "Rock Hounds", who go out and collect your own specimens or for anyone who has raw specimens in a collection, The Complete Book of Rocks and Minerals by Chris Pellant suggests the following: "House your rocks and minerals in trays within a drawer. You can easily make the trays at home to fit the drawer and the specimens, or you can buy them from specialist suppliers.  Pack the more delicate items with tissue paper to prevent them from moving or rubbing against each other.  Small, clear plastic boxes are also useful for storage."

At most variety stores, you can purchase a plastic chest with many small drawers in the hardware section for fewer than ten dollars ($10.00).  These are wonderful to use as the drawers are small, to hold one specimen or a few tumbled pieces.  They are also great in that you can label each little drawer with the name of the crystal.  This is particularly helpful if you are just starting out.  You may want to line the drawers with a cotton square or other soft material to keep the raw pieces from sliding around and causing possible damage.

Another idea is to get some of poly "egg crate" material, also easily purchases in any variety store in the bedding section.  They usually come in rolls so you can cut the amount you need to line a box or container quite easily.  This works particularly well for keeping wands, points and larger specimens spaced away from each other so no damage will be caused.

In The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, she suggests the following for special care of your crystals, "When not in use, wrap your crystals in a silk or velvet scarf.  This prevents scratching and protects the crystal against absorbing foreign emanations."

There are a few specimens that need special attention that you should be aware of.  Any crystal or specimen that should not be cleansed in water should also be kept in a dry, warm space.  For instance, Halite, which is a type of salt crystal, will deteriorate if it is kept in a damp or cold location.  Crystals such as Calcite, Celestite, Angelite, etc. also may soften and disentigrate if kept in damp conditions.  The rule of thumb here is, if you shouldn't cleanse it in water, then don't keep it in damp conditions. 

Other specimens you should be particularly concerned about storing, are those that may contain arsenic or asbestos or other toxic materials and are in their raw form.

Realgar is a beautiful, bright red crystal that is amazing to look at.  However, just be aware that Realgar also contains amounts of Arsenic, which may be absorbed through the skin.  When working with Realgar, or other mineral specimens which may be toxic, just remember to wash your hands after use, do not put your hands to your eyes, face, mouth, etc. before washing them and keep these type of specimens in a small, plastic cabinet specimen type of box or wrapped in tissue paper and stored in a small box.  Other raw minerals to consider packing in this way include: Cinnabar, Crocoite, Malachite and fibrous forms of Tremolite or Ulexite.  For an updated listing of minerals/crystals that you want to be aware of, we have provided an article entitled  "Crystal Cautions" as a reference.

Also, keep in mind, that pieces that are tumbled or have been heat-treated have a much less likelihood of absorbing through the skin and would be safer to use in healing, meditation and the like.

Now a thought on tumbled stones.  Tumbled stones are, of course, prone to scratching and chipping, but they are, by far, much sturdier than their raw counterparts.  Remember, softer pieces like Angelite and Calcite may scratch easier, so just use common sense if you choose to store these type of tumbled pieces.  Many places sell sectional trays that would work just fine in the case of tumbled stones.

There is one thought shared with me quite often, and that is, that some crystals do not like being put with other crystals, or they may be detrimental if placed beside each other.  I personally do not agree with this mode of thought, but as with all things, if it resonates with you, then it is your truth, and it will be honored.

Crystals are energy, just as we are energy.  They each carry a specific vibration or energy signature.  In my simple-minded way, I think of it like this:

Place 50 people in a room.  They all have different and unique personalities, energies and dynamics.  Some may clash, some may feel shy, some may be outgoing and some are so energetic they can lift the entire room.  Crystals are much the same, energetically.  However the difference is that they do not have ego or work at a five sensory level as most of us do.  So when we state that one crystal should not be placed by another for fear of some unseen or unforeseen consequences, then we are truly stating that, from our five sensory perspective, (our experience as a human being) that it must be true.  Mainly because this is all we know.  I truly cannot think of one crystal that I would not place beside another.  And in fact, the hundreds of personal pieces I have and the hundreds of pieces I care take while they await new homes, have free reign of my space.  None has ever been harmed.

Written by Kristi Huggins, Author and  Expert Contributor for Healing Crystals

Copyright 2008

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