Toxic Crystals & Metals: What You Need to Know Before You Wear or Handle Them | Lesca Crystals

At Lesca Crystals, we value beauty and safety. Crystals and metals carry powerful energies—but some also carry chemical components that can be harmful if mishandled. Whether you're making jewellery, building a crystal grid, or simply displaying your collection, it's important to understand which stones and metals should be treated with extra care.

This guide, though not exaustive, may help you safely enjoy your crystal and jewellery journey with confidence and awareness.

What Makes a Crystal or Metal Toxic?

Some crystals contain trace elements like lead, arsenic, mercury, or copper compounds that can be dangerous if:

• Inhaled as dust | from carving or sanding.

• Ingested or licked | yes, it happens—especially with kids and pets!

• Soaked in water | as in bath water, crystal mists or if later consumed like in gem elixirs.

• Damaged | like a stone fragment or shard, or from rapidly heating or cooling a stone.

• Worn on open or irritated skin | especially if the stone is raw or unsealed.

Some Common Crystals that are Considered Toxic

Here are a few crystals you should never use in water, oil or candles or handle with bare hands for long periods in raw form:

• Malachite (Unpolished, Raw or Powdered) | Contains copper. Gorgeous but toxic when raw or powdered, wash hands after handling raw specimens. Should never be used in water or made into crystal elixirs, mists or added to candles as any residual heat may crack the crystals. Use polished pieces for safe handling, and avoid inhaling dust from raw. Safe when tumbled or sealed, but avoid grinding or carving at home.
• Cinnabar | Contains mercury. Highly toxic if touched, inhaled, or worn as raw jewellery. Best admired in a sealed display.
• Galena (Unpolished, Raw or Powdered) | Lead-based crystal with strong grounding energy. Do not wear or touch regularly, especially if powdered or chipped.
• Realgar & Orpiment | Beautiful arsenic-based minerals often used for display. Avoid all skin contact.
• Chrysocolla (Unpolished) | Often soft and may contain toxic copper. Safe when sealed or polished, but avoid soaking or wearing raw against skin.
• Fluorite | Generally safe when polished, but don’t make elixirs with it—it contains fluorine and can leach when in water.
• Tiger’s Eye (Unpolished) | Contains asbestos fibres in its raw form. Should never be used in water or made into crystal elixirs, mists or added to candles as any residual heat may crack the crystals. Safe when tumbled or sealed, but avoid grinding or carving at home.

Toxic Metals in Jewellery

Some metals are often alloyed with others for added durability—however not all are skin-safe:

• Nickel | A common allergen and irritant often found in cheaper jewellery - especially alloys. Nickel can cause rashes, excema or dermatitis, especially on sensitive skin.
• Lead | Toxic and banned in most jewellery manufacturing—but may still appear in older or imported pieces. Do not purchase, wear or gift it if you are unsure of its origins.
• Copper | A beautiful, conductive metal often used in healing and energy work. Can cause skin discoloration and irritation in some. Not toxic in small amounts but should be monitored if worn daily.
• Cadmium | Highly toxic. Sometimes found in costume jewellery. Avoid completely.

Lesca Crystals’ Approach to Safety

At Lesca Crystals, we prioritise non-toxic, high-quality materials for our handmade jewellery and metaphysical tools. We use:

• 304 and 316 stainless steel | nickel-safe, cadmium free, lead free, hypoallergenic.

• Copper | we limit the use of copper in jewellery worn directly on the skin.

• Ion-plated finishes | for longevity and reduced reactivity.

• Tumbled, polished, and sealed stones | for safe wear.

• Clearly labelled materials | in every product description and information card.

We always encourage mindful handling of raw or unsealed crystals, and we never sell highly toxic stones in jewellery form. We do sell specimens for collections, all are packaged appropriately with warnings.

Tips for Crystal Safety at Home

• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Wash hands after handling raw stones
• Avoid soaking unknown crystals in water
• Research before making crystal-infused elixirs
• Store hazardous stones in labelled containers

Beauty Meets Awareness

A good rule of thumb: Do not purchase, wear or gift it if you are unsure of its origins. Crystals are incredible allies for healing, energy work, and adornment—but with awareness comes empowerment. Knowing which materials require special care lets you honour both their energy and your health.

Want crystal jewellery that’s safe, stunning, and energetically aligned? Explore our collection at lescacrystals.com.au