This
pagecontains
geological data that cautions one when using certain types of crystals/minerals.
While most in the metaphysical/spiritual community only speak of
the higher purpose properties, common sense must be taken into consideration
when using these on a physical level. This page is a cautionary
measure on stones that may be harmful in certain situations or specific
types of minerals (raw versus tumbled, Fibrous versus crystallized
or mass) , whether it be in Elixirs or prolonged holding, bathing,
touching to skin, etc.
It is not meant to perpetuate fear
or anxiety, but instead to educate and share our deep respect for
the crystal and mineral kingdom. Most of these are geared toward
internal use with a few being cautionary for external use. A
good rule of thumb is to make sure you wash your hands after using
any crystal/mineral. It keeps our mineral friends clean and is a
great way to show respect to ourselves and our crystal/mineral family.
Most of this information is really
geared toward raw specimens. I do not think tumbled, for the most
part, would be harmful, with a few exceptions, such as Realgar.
NOTE: Before making any elixir or
charging any water, it is a good idea to double check for any possible
toxicity that may occur, if using several stones in combination,
for elemental reactions between the stones. In fact, it would be
best if each stone charges in its own container of water as opposed
to putting four or five stones in the same container.
Mineral/Stone
Use
with Caution
Actinolite
Fibrous
form is asbestos. Not recommended for elixirs.
Azurite
Copper,
Toxic
Bronchantite
Copper
Hydrated Sulphate, Toxic
Boji
Stones
Contains
Pyrite and Marcasite (*also could be a fire hazard--Email for details)
Chalcopyrite
AKA
Peacock Ore contains copper and sulfur which can be toxic
Cinnabar
Contains
mercury which can be poisonous/toxic Wash hands after holding. Do
not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding.
Conichalcite
Contains
poisonous/toxic copper
Crocoite
Contains
poisonous/toxic levels of Chromium. Do not touch hands to eyes or
mouth while holding. Do not ingest.
Chysocolla
Contains poisonous/toxic copper. Safe for handling but not for use
in elixirs.
Cuprite
Contains
poisonous/toxic copper. Wash hands after holding. Do not touch hands
to eyes or mouth while holding.
Dioptase
Contains
poisonous/toxic copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.
Galena
Contains
high amounts of lead which can be poisonous
Halite
Unfit
for elixir use--will dissolve in water
Hematite
Unfit
for elixir use--will rust with prolonged exposure in liquid
Kyanite
Contains
Aluminum--not recommended to use in its raw form
Malachite
Contains
poisonous/toxic copper
Orpiment
HIGHLY
TOXIC levels of Arsenic. Wash hands after use, keep away from CHILDREN!!
Do not put hands near eyes or mouth before washing hands.
Marcasite
See
*Boji Stones*
Psilomelane
Contains
poisonous/toxic Barium
Pyrite
Pyrite
may contain intermixed Marcasite. The Marcasite with time and exposure
to oxygen, may form a white powdery substance/residue which is poisonous/toxic
Sulfuric Acid.) If this occurs you should not wear next to the skin
or touch. Not recommended for Elixirs.
Quantum
stone
Contains
poisonous/toxic copper
Realgar
**
HIGHLY
TOXIC levels of Arsenic. Wash hands after use, keep away from CHILDREN!!
Do not put hands near eyes or mouth before washing hands.
Serpentine
Fibrous
forms are asbestos. Wash hands after use. Not recommended in elixir
preparation.
Stibnite
Contains
lead and antimony. Not recommended for elixirs.
Smithsonite
Contains zinc and may contain copper (green Smithsonite) Safe for
handling but may be Poisonous/toxic when used in elixirs.
Tiger
Eye
Fibrous
form contains asbestos. Not recommended to use raw forms for
elixirs.
Torbenite
Radioactive
Tremolite
Fibrous
forms are asbestos. Not recommended for Elixirs. Wash hands after
use.
Vanadinite
Contains
poisonous Vanadium
Wulfenite
Contains
poisonous Lead and Molybdenum. Safe for handling but not for use in
elixirs.
Zircon
Contain
Zirconium, Radioactive
*Original
List provided with permission by Liz Gunther and Peggy Jentoff . Additions
and corrections have been made with the assistance of Steve Garza.
Liz and Peggy had
the right idea when they decided to share their original list with anyone
who wanted it. Even as I expand on the list, I too, hold that belief that
this is something that NEEDS to be shared for anyone who works with crystals.
I do not expect nor demand that you use a link to my website if you decide
to share this. I certainly will not demand that it is my property alone
and you have to ask permission. While both would be a nice and honorable
gesture, I think that having the information and sharing it for the sole
purpose of educating ourselves and each other is a far better goal. Stepping
down from my soapbox now........ :)