The Toxic Crystals:

This is a start off and by no means is it meant to be seen as a complete list. 

There are thousands of stones and new ones are discovered often.  My best advice is to always do your own research.  


Mindat.org is a great tool for looking up the chemical composition of your crystals. The Crystal Bible is also an excellent book for sourcing information.



Abalone: Organic material. May contain bacteria or pollutants/toxic materials from the water in which it was grown. (Used when Smudging)

Actinolite: May contain asbestos. Not for use in elixirs.


Adamite: Contains arsenic and some copper


Angelite: Converts to Gypsum when immersed in water.


Bastnaesite: Contains toxic elements which can react in contact with water.


Brazilianite: Contains Aluminum. Not recommended to use in its raw form.


Boji-stones (aka Moqui Balls,Shaman Stone, Shamanic Star Stone): Contains sulphur, pyrite and/or marcasite


Bumble Bee Jasper (aka Bumblebee): Contains anhydrite, hematite, sulfur, arsenic. Care should be taken – polished stones typically have a protective coating. Wash hands after holding. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding. Not for use in elixirs.


Chalcopyrite (peacock stone): Contains copper and sulphur


Chrysocolla: Contains high levels of copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.


Cinnabar: Contains mercury. Wash hands after holding. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding. Not for use in elixirs.


Covellite: Contains copper and sulphur


Crocoite: Contains poisonous/toxic levels of Chromium. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding. Not for use in elixirs.


Cuprite: Contains poisonous/toxic levels of copper. Wash hands after holding. Do not touch hands to eyes or mouth while holding. Not for use in elixirs.


Dioptase: Contains high levels of copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.


Galena: Contains lead. Not for use in elixirs.


Gem Silica: Contains high levels of copper. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.


Lapis Lazuli: Contains Pyrite inclusions, which contain Sulphur.


Malachite: Contains poisonous/toxic levels of copper. Polished stones typically have a protective coating. Not for use in elixirs.


Marcasite: Exposure to oxygen may form a white powdery residue which is poisonous/toxic Sulfuric Acid. If this occurs, do not touch or wear next to the skin. Not for use in elixirs.


Mohawkite: Contains copper and Arsenic


Orpiment: Contains HIGHLY TOXIC levels of Arsenic. Wash hands after use, keep away from CHILDREN!! Do not put hands near the eyes or mouth before washing hands. Not for use in elixirs.


Paragasite: Contains Aluminum. Not recommended for elixirs.


Pietersite: Fibrous form contains asbestos


Pyrite: may contain intermixed Marcasite. The Marcasite with time and exposure to oxygen may form a white powdery residue which is poisonous/toxic Sulfuric Acid. If this occurs, do not touch or wear next to the skin. Not recommended for Elixirs.


Realgar: Contains HIGHLY TOXIC levels of Arsenic. Wash hands after use, keep away from CHILDREN!! Do not put hands near the eyes or mouth before washing hands. Not for use in elixirs.


Serpentine: Fibrous form contains asbestos. Wash hands after use. Not for use in elixirs.


Smithsonite: Contains zinc and may contain copper (green Smithsonite). Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.


Stibnite: Contains lead and antimony. Not for use in elixirs.


Tiger Eye: Fibrous form contains asbestos. Raw forms not for use in elixirs.


Torbenite: Radioactive


Tremolite: Fibrous form contains asbestos. Wash hands after use. Not for use in elixirs.


Turquoise: Contains high levels of copper and Aluminum. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.


Ulexite: Contains toxic Boron.


Unakite: Contains Aluminum and may also contain Zirconium (Radioactive).


Vanadinite: Contains poisonous Vanadium.


Wulfenite: Contains lead and molybdenum. Safe for handling but not for use in elixirs.


Zircon: Contains zirconium (Radioactive)



RADIOACTIVITY

Yes, radioactivity is bad....You may wish to exercise caution if you own the following artificially enhanced or irradiated crystals, gems or stones as they may contain excess radiation from treatment:


deeply pigmented topaz


artificially dark (almost black) smokey quartz


very deep pink or red tourmaline


coloured diamonds


deeply coloured kunzite


some cultured pearls


In addition, some granites emit radon from the decay of Uranium. 




Other bad stuff to look for:

Arsenic: Known carcinogen. Affects the liver, bladder, lungs, and kidneys.


Asbestos: Known carcinogen. Causes various health problems after prolonged exposure.


Sulfur: An irritant with many toxic derivatives. Can become poisonous in certain concentrations.



Special care needed for these:

Though not toxic, I don't recommend for use in elixirs or to be left outside in the elements!

Halite: (not toxic) Will dissolve in water. Not for use in elixirs.


Hematite: (not toxic) will rust in water.


Magnetite: (not toxic) will rust in water.


Selenite: (not toxic) has shards that can break off in the water. Not for use in elixirs!




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This is not a definitive list, it really is important that you do your research.

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Common Toxic Crystals

Radioactive Crystals

The primary toxin to look for in crystals is heavy metals - especially those on the surface in the raw form. 


We are all exposed to a certain level of heavy metals in life and it is important to detox from heavy metals when you can. 


After handling your crystals, it is always wise to thoroughly wash your hands.



Heavy Metals and their potential side effects:

Aluminum: Accumulates in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver and thyroid, in high doses can cause serious health problems.


Copper: Affects the kidneys and can be poisonous depending on quantity.


Lead: Builds up over months or years. Even a small amount of lead can lead to health issues.


Mercury: Can affect the brain and nervous system.