Can the Carnelian Go in Salt or Salt Water?

4 min readDec 30, 2023

Carnelian is a reddish-orange variety of chalcedony quartz that forms within sedimentary rock deposits. It’s a crystal that’s been cherished for centuries for its energizing properties and connection to the root and sacral chakras. Many crystal healers use carnelian to promote courage, strength, motivation and sensuality.

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Carnelian gets its vivid colors from trace amounts of iron within its crystalline structure. Like other forms of quartz, it’s rated 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it has a very durable mineral composition. However, its porous nature can allow liquids and minerals to seep inside over time if not properly cared for.

Is Carnelian Porous?

As a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz, carnelian has a fibrous, fine-grained internal structure that gives it some porosity. While the individual quartz crystals making up carnelian are not porous on their own, the spaces between them allow small molecules and ions to penetrate the stone.

This porosity is part of what allows carnelian to absorb the iron compounds that give it its range of reddish hues. But it also means the crystal is slightly more susceptible to absorbing external substances it comes into contact with through this pore network. Liquids like water, especially water containing dissolved salts or minerals, pose a risk.

Should You Put Carnelian in Salt Water?

Most reputable crystal healing guides recommend avoiding direct contact between carnelian and salt water. Sea water, ocean water, salted bathwater and other salt solutions could potentially damage or alter carnelian over time if submerged in them.

The main concern is that the dissolved salt ions (sodium and chloride) would penetrate into the porous structure of the carnelian. This could eventually lead to unwanted mineral deposits forming inside as the water evaporates or is absorbed. The deposits could change the appearance, texture or energy of the crystal.

Some potential effects of long-term saltwater exposure include:

Discolored or clouded spots from mineral residue
Dulling or darkening of the red/orange coloration
Formation of cracks or fractures from internal crystallization stresses
Difficulty cleansing trapped salts from the pores later
Alteration of the subtle chemical makeup providing carnelian’s properties

While quick handling in seawater or brushing with salted fingers is generally safe, submerging carnelian where it sits soaking up saltwater for any length of time poses unnecessary risks. The internal changes may be non-reversible over repeated exposures.

Is Salt Safe for Carnelian Storage?

Storing carnelian in a container or pouch with plain table salt is also not usually recommended. Like salt water, this poses a risk of the salt grains contacting and being absorbed into the pores of the crystal over time.

However, keeping carnelian displayed on a bed of coarse salt crystals for aesthetic purposes is seen by some as a low risk if the crystals are never in direct contact and are rinsed thoroughly afterwards. The exposure would be brief rather than allowing absorption.

Plain, oven-dried sea salt is viewed as presenting less risk than commercial table salt which may contain anti-caking agents or iodine compounds. Proper rinsing is still advised to remove any chance of residue deposits. Overall, separating carnelian from direct salt contact during regular care and storage is the safest practice.

Is Fresh Water Safe for Carnelian?

Fresh water itself does not pose the same problems as salt water for carnelian care. In fact, a gentle rinse under cool, clean tap water can help cleanse carnelian of surface oils, dirt or other residues acquired during regular handling or use.

Some crystal healers also recommend soaking carnelian in fresh water for 1–2 hours on occasion as part of an energizing or purification ritual. As long as the water is changed regularly and the crystal is dried thoroughly afterwards, this short-term freshwater submersion is generally not damaging.

The main precautions are avoiding high heat drying which could cause cracking, and protecting carnelian from direct sunlight during the drying phase to prevent overheating or excess color fading over time. With proper care routines, carnelian keeps its vibrant hue and healing attributes while enjoying the benefits of fresh water.

Final Thoughts on Carnelian Care

In summary — while carnelian’s quartz composition makes it durable for daily use, its porous nature requires special care considerations to avoid absorbing unwanted minerals or liquids into its crystalline matrix long-term.

Salt water and solutions containing salt should be strictly avoided to prevent internal deposits and discoloration. Fresh water in moderation is safe as part of periodic cleansing or energetic rituals. Avoid direct contact with plain salt for storage as well.

Proper drying and protection from sunlight after any fresh water exposures helps keep carnelian vibrant. With regular care to keep it clean yet dry, this energizing crystal remains primed to amplify your root chakra strength and motivation.