Part 5: Clay Cleanses and Your Follow-Up Questions
This is the last of a five-part series in which Gemisphere Office Manager Michelle answers your questions about how to energetically cleanse your therapeutic gemstones. Read Part 1: Salt Bed, Part 2: Plant Rejuvenation, Part 3: Water Rinse, and Part 4: Sun Bath.
Of all the methods you can use to cleanse your therapeutic gemstones, the Clay Bath and Clay Pack will provide them with the deepest cleansing. These methods do a fabulous job of drawing out the disharmonious energies that collect on your gems during therapeutic use and restoring the gems to their natural vibrancy.
CAUTION: Like the Water Rinse and Sun Bath, clay cleansing is not recommended for all gemstones, because it might dull the finish of softer or more porous gems. Be sure to check the information card that came with your necklace or gemstone tool for specific recommendations. Later in this post I list the necklaces that can be safely cleansed with clay and the ones that should avoid it.
What are the Clay Bath and Clay Pack?
In both methods, you soak the gemstones in a solution of water and bentonite clay powder. The bentonite absorbs the unwanted energies that accumulate on the gems’ surface as the gems perform their therapeutic work for you. These energies are then discarded with the clay, leaving your gemstones refreshed and rejuvenated.
The Clay Pack is simply a much more concentrated version of the Clay Bath. It is designed to clear your gems after they have been exposed to excess sunlight, x-rays, and/or other incidental electromagnetic radiation. I will discuss both types of clay cleanses below. In most circumstances, you will want to use the Clay Bath.
PLEASE NOTE: Clay cleansing will NOT clear the radiation from gemstones that have been commercially irradiated to artificially enhance their appearance. Such gems are not therapeutic. Gemisphere provides only non-irradiated, therapeutic-quality gemstones.
How do I perform the Clay Bath?
In a nonmetal bowl or jar, mix ½ teaspoon bentonite clay powder with ½ cup distilled or well water. Use a plastic or wooden spoon to stir the clay into the water. (Popsicle sticks work too!) Soak your gemstones in the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes. Then remove them from the clay and rinse them well. Gently pat the gems dry with a soft cloth or towel, and lay them flat to dry before wearing or storing them.
What is bentonite clay and where do I find it?
Bentonite clay is a powdered clay that you can find in most natural food stores, either packaged in a jar or in the bulk section. It is usually pale green or off-white. We suggest getting the lightest-colored clay that is available, but any color will work.
TIP: If you cannot locate bentonite clay powder locally, you can order it online.
I see two types of bentonite clay: sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite. Which one should I use?
Either is fine! If you have a choice, go with whichever is lightest in color.
Sometimes the clay gets stuck on my gems or thread. How can I remove all the clay from my necklace?
Excess clay can be removed by re-soaking the gems in fresh water for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a rinse. A little natural soap may also help loosen the last bits. You can also try using less clay powder in your solution or by following the tip below.
Can I cleanse my gemstones with clays other than bentonite?
Possibly, but we suggest using bentonite because we know it works well and we can offer guidance for its use.
How often should I use the Clay Bath to cleanse my gemstones?
I use the Clay Bath whenever I feel my gemstones need an extra-deep cleansing, like after an illness or intensive use in a workshop, or when I want to share my gems with another person. Some gems require a Clay Bath more frequently, so be sure to read the cleansing information on the card that came with your gems.
How do I perform the Clay Pack?
Lay your gems in a small nonmetal bowl or jar and cover them with at least two tablespoons of bentonite clay powder. Your gems should be completely covered in the clay. Pour in about a half-cup of distilled or well water. Do NOT stir. Let the mixture rest until the clay has completely absorbed the water, about an hour. Then add at least a cup more water and let the solution sit for another hour. Pour off the clay solution. You may need to continue adding water and soaking the gems to remove all the clay.
TIP: Be patient when removing the clay! Keep soaking and rinsing until all the clay is gone.
How should I dispose of the used clay?
Pour the clay mixture outside in a yard or garden, if possible. If not, put it in with your normal refuse. If discarding it in a sink, be sure to flush with lots of water to keep the clay from accumulating in your pipes.
One of my necklaces for which clay cleansing is not recommended was x-rayed. What should I do?
That depends on the necklace. If it can tolerate a Water Rinse, it could be OK to do the Clay Pack, but it may dull the gems' polish. If your necklace should avoid a Water Rinse, DO NOT perform the Clay Pack. For these gems or any that you are concerned about, place the gems outdoors directly on the ground or buried in the soil for four to five days. Protect your gems from getting soiled and from overexposure to the sun by wrapping them in a natural-fiber cloth.
If you have questions about restoring gems that have been exposed to x-rays, excess sunlight, or other electromagnetic radiation, please call our Gem Advisor Team at 800-727-8877.
Which gemstone necklaces can be safely cleansed with a Clay Bath or Clay Pack?
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blood Tonic, Bloodstone, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Sapphire, Blue Topaz, Carnelian, Citrine, Clear Topaz, Dark Green Aventurine, Green Jade, Inner Quest, Insight, Lavender, Lavender Fire, Moonstone (Blue and White and Peach), Pink Sapphire, Pink Tourmaline, Quartz, Riverstone, Rose Flame, Roselle, Solar Light, Sugilite, and Yellow Sapphire.
Which gemstone necklaces should avoid clay cleansing?
Agate, Angelfire, Apatite, Apatite Purity, Apatite Strength, Apatite Vitality, Athena, Blue Phoenix, Breanna, Brigid, Chrome Diopside, Clear Spring, Coral (Red, Pink, and White), Dark Green Emerine, Dawn Light, Earth Aqua, Emerald, Fluorite Rainbow, Golden Beryl, Golden Leopard, Golden Light, Golden Phoenix, Green Tourmaline, Heart’s Wisdom, Indigo, Lapis Lazuli, Lavender Light, Lavender Rainbow, Leopard Magic, Leopardskin Jasper, Libra, Light Green Aventurine, Light Green Emerine, Light Stream, Magic Gift, Malachite, Master Healer, Mother of Pearl, Mystic Warrior, Noble Pink, Ocean Rainbow, Onyx, Opalight, Patience, Pharaoh, Pink Morganite, Pink Radiance, Poppy Jasper, Primordial Forest, Purple Eagle, Quartzite, Radiant Heart, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite, Rubelle, Ruby, Ruby Dream, Ruby Rose, Sodalight, Star Aqua, Summer, Sun Peach, Tanzanite, True Self, True Soul, and White Beryl.
Your Follow-Up Questions About Cleansing!
Since we started posting our five-part series on gemstone cleansing, we’ve received more questions! Here are two:
Do I have to use all the different cleansing methods? How do I choose?
You do not need to use all the different cleansing methods we have described. Check the card that came with your gems, or navigate to their dedicated web page to find out which methods are recommended for your particular necklace (under the "How to Use" tab). Then choose the methods that work best for you and your routine. The important thing is to use at least one of the methods regularly. I use the Salt Bed every day and then occasionally do a Water Rinse or Plant Rejuvenation when I feel my gems could use a change of pace.
I didn’t know I’m supposed to cleanse my gems, and I have been wearing them for weeks! What should I do?
Cleanse your gems! If your gemstones can tolerate clay cleansing, give them a Clay Bath. Clay provides the deepest cleanse and will give you and your gems a fresh start.
Know Your Gemstones
Not all gemstones are cleansed the same way or with the same frequency, so I encourage you to read the individual care and cleansing instructions found on the information card that came with your gems. You can also find this information at Gemisphere.com in the “How to Use” tab on each gemstone’s dedicated page.
More information on gemstone cleansing methods can be found here.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about our cleansing methods!
Questions? Our Gemstone Advisors are happy to answer them. Call us at 800-727-8877. Happy Cleansing!
