Creating “gem elixirs” or “crystal water” by infusing drinking water with stones is popular in metaphysical communities. Proponents believe the stone’s energy or beneficial minerals transfer to the water, which is then consumed for proposed health benefits. Introducing any mineral directly into a beverage requires a science-based safety assessment. This article evaluates the potential risks of using Sunstone in this practice and determines whether it is safe for direct water contact.
What is Sunstone Made Of?
Sunstone is a type of feldspar mineral, typically the sodium-calcium-rich variety known as plagioclase, often oligoclase, which forms the main body of the stone. Its core composition consists of silicates of aluminum, sodium, and calcium, which are generally considered insoluble and non-toxic in their solid form. The primary safety concern for any stone intended for water immersion revolves around its solubility and chemical makeup.
The characteristic sparkling appearance of Sunstone, called aventurescence, is caused by minute metallic inclusions suspended within the feldspar structure. These tiny platelets are most often composed of hematite (an iron oxide), goethite, or, in the case of Oregon Sunstone, elemental copper. While iron oxide is not inherently dangerous, the presence of these metallic inclusions introduces a slight risk of leaching, particularly if the water is acidic or if the stone has surface fractures.
Silicate minerals, including feldspar, have a very slow dissolution rate in water under normal temperature and pH conditions. This low solubility means the main mineral matrix of Sunstone is unlikely to break down and release its components into drinking water in significant quantity. Therefore, the stone is chemically inert enough that it does not pose the same threat as more toxic or water-soluble minerals like malachite (which contains toxic copper) or selenite (which dissolves easily).
Physical Dangers of Direct Crystal Infusion
The practice of direct infusion—placing the crystal directly into the drinking water—introduces several physical and microbial hazards. The surfaces of rough or tumbled crystals are porous and can harbor microorganisms such as bacteria, molds, or fungi. Unless the stone is sterilized to a food-grade standard, which is difficult for a home user, it can easily contaminate the water.
Many stones are treated after mining, often polished with waxes, oils, or chemical compounds that are not approved for human consumption. These residues can dissolve or leach into the water over time, posing an additional ingestion risk. Even if the Sunstone is raw, it may have been handled extensively or stored in environments that introduce non-food-grade substances.
Sunstone has a moderate hardness (6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale), meaning it is durable but still susceptible to damage. Direct immersion and handling can cause small, sharp fragments or chips to break off, especially if the stone has internal cleavage planes or fractures. Ingesting these microscopic mineral shards presents a physical hazard to the digestive tract.
Ensuring Safety with Indirect Infusion
The safest method for creating Sunstone-infused water is indirect infusion, which eliminates all chemical and physical risks associated with direct contact. This process uses a barrier to separate the stone from the drinking water, allowing only the intended energetic properties to transfer. The water is infused with the stone’s presence without risk of mineral leaching or contamination.
To perform indirect infusion, the Sunstone is placed inside a sealed glass vial, test tube, or small jar, which is then submerged into the drinking water container. This barrier prevents surface contaminants, polishing residues, or minute mineral fragments from entering the liquid. Commercial products, such as crystal water bottles with separate, sealed chambers, also provide this security.
When using the indirect method, a simple cleaning protocol is sufficient because the stone never touches the drinking water. Basic soap and water cleaning of the exterior barrier and the stone inside maintains the cleanliness of the setup. This approach allows users to safely incorporate Sunstone’s purported benefits into their hydration routine while respecting mineral safety.