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How to Shine Crystal Rocks

The intricate beauty, range of colors and unique formations of crystals make them treasured items for many collectors. From the sparkling clarity of quartz to the delicate purple of amethyst, crystals attract those who think they hold spiritual powers, those who appreciate how they were created and those who simply admire their beauty. Crystals are easy to clean and care for, and with a few simple tools and a few simple steps, you'll have your crystals polished and shining.

Things You'll Need

Metal pick
Dish soap
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Polishing cloth
Soft-knit gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Use a metal pick to clean out cracks and tight spaces between crystal clusters. Gently take the pick, such as the kind a dentist uses, and gently clean the dirt out of cracks and crevices. Most crystals, such as quartz, amethyst and topaz, are harder than the metal that the pick is made of and won't scratch. Once the cracks are cleaned, rinse off any residual dirt with water.
- 2
  Wash with dish soap. Mix a little soap with water in the sink, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in the mixture to gently scrub away any dirt or oils. Be careful around the small clusters of crystals that might break loose as you scrub. Once the crystal is clean, rinse with water.
- 3
  Rub the crystal dry with a soft polishing cloth. If you have them, wear soft-knit gloves during this process because oils and fingerprints will mar the clean, shiny surface of your crystal.

Rocks & Minerals