How To Polish Quartz Crystals

Quartz crystals are common, yet beautiful, mineral crystals valued for their interesting appearance, decorative beauty and the spiritual properties some believe them to possess. Naturally formed crystals have flat, smooth facets that look their best when fully polished, a process you can achieve effectively in your own home using much the same methods as cleaning glass surfaces.

Step 1

Wash the crystal. If you have a cluster of crystals, wash it with some toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Work slowly and carefully to avoid dislodging any loose crystals. Get rid of dirt and dust particles trapped between the bases of the crystal spires and within any cracks and recessed sections on the crystals themselves. Rinse to remove the toothpaste and loosened dirt. Repeat as many times as are necessary to get the crystal clean.

Step 2

Towel-, air- or blow-dry the crystal. Towel-dry for the best shine if you have a single crystal piece but avoid toweling a cluster, as threads and fibers of the towel may get caught between the edges of the rock.

Step 3

Shine the crystal with vinegar. Soak one end of a cotton swab in white vinegar and use it to rub down each faceted side of the crystal or clump. Follow each stroke from the wet swab with a stroke from the dry end to remove the excess liquid. This process will remove water spots.

Step 4

Buff the crystal. Choose another, completely dry cotton swab and use it to buff the faceted sides of the crystal to a high shine using a firm, circular motion. Hold the crystal in a gloved hand (to avoid fingerprints) and move it around so that you can see each facet catch the light. This will help you see if there are any smudged or spotty sections that you still need to polish away.