Crystals have been cherished for centuries, used throughout various spiritual and healing practices, as well as their captivating beauty and aesthetics. Whether your love for crystals is for their healing properties, meditation, or simply decoration, it is essential to take care of your crystals to maintain their vibrancy and energy. One of the lesser-known areas when it comes to crystal care is knowing some crystals are prone to fading in the sun. This article will explore why crystals fade in the sun, which crystals are most subject to fading and how you can protect them.
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WHAT CAUSES CRYSTALS TO FADE IN SUNLIGHT?
Crystals are formed over millions of year, under specific conditions. During their formation, the colours of the crystal are a result from the minerals and elements that present. The harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sunlight can cause certain minerals with the crystal to break down, ultimately leading to a loss of colour and vibrancy. This doesn't affect their energy or properties, but it can diminish their visual appeal.
COMMON CRYSTALS THAT FADE IN THE SUN
- Apatite - The colour can fade and may become less intense overtime.
- Amethyst - The vibrant purple can fade overtime into a pale lavender, even grey colour.
- Ametrine - The purple and yellow hues of Ametrine may become less vibrant overtime.
- Aquamarine - Prolonged sunlight can cause the blue - green colouration to lose its intensity.
- Aventurine - Can lose some of its colour if exposed to prolonged sunlight or heat.
- Calcite - Prolonged exposure, particularly brightly coloured pieces can lose their vibrancy.
- Celestite - The delicate blue colouration of Celestite can change from blue to white.
- Citrine - The rich yellow - golden colour of Citrine can lighten or become completely clear.
- Fluorite - Sunlight exposure can cause the beautiful range of hues to lose their intensity.
- Kunzite - Its pink to violet hues can fade to white or near colourless.
- Opal - Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the water content in Opal to evaporate and lead to dehydration. This can cause the Opal to crack, known as " crazing" which is irreversible.
- Prasiolite - Prasiolite, also known as Green Amethyst can fade or dull in colour after prolonged exposure.
- Rose Quartz - Prolonged sunlight can cause the loss of vibrancy and become dull or pale.
- Smoky Quartz - Smoky Quartz can lose its rich brown - grey colour leading to a lighter, more transparent appearance.
- Spirit Amethyst - The vibrancy of Spirit Amethyst can lighten or fade with prolonged exposure.
- Topaz - Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fading overtime.
WILL CRYSTALS STILL WORK IF THEY HAVE FADED?
If you have a crystal that have faded due to sunlight exposure, the crystal still retains energy. While the vibrant colour of the crystals that initially attracted you may diminish, the energy and metaphysical properties lie within the stone, not the colour. Many people believe that the metaphysical properties of a crystal are linked to its colour alone, so it may be perceived as having reduced energetic influence. However, the personal connection and intention of the user, can still have a significant impact on its use. Whether you use your crystals for meditation, healing or simply decoration, your faded crystal will continue to serve its purpose so long as you maintain a positive and mindful approach.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CRYSTALS FADING
If a crystal fades, does it lose its properties?
No, if a crystal fades the energy within the crystal remains the same.
Can I restore the colour of a faded crystal?
Unfortunately once a crystal has faded due to UV exposure, the colour change is usually permanent. Some crystals may regain some colour when returned to a less expose environment, but this is not guaranteed.
What should I do if I accidentally expose my crystals to sunlight?
If you have accidently left your crystal in sunlight check their colour and appearance. If you notice the colour has faded, you can prevent further colour loss by storing them somewhere safe out of direct sunlight.
