Why We Used Grapeseed Oil — and Why We’ve Switched to Jojoba Oil for Natural Raw Crystal Polishing
When we first started polishing crystals, grapeseed oil was our go-to. It was natural, light, and gentler than the petroleum-based mineral oils many shops used. But after testing, feedback, and refining our methods, we’ve transitioned to jojoba oil as our primary polishing medium. That said, grapeseed still plays a role in small-scale or delicate work. Let me explain why — and what you should know if you're polishing your own stones.
What led us to grapeseed oil originally
Back when we were building our crystal care process, finding a non-toxic alternative to mineral oil was crucial. Grapeseed oil stood out for several reasons:
Lightweight and non-greasy — it didn’t leave heavy residue or attract dust.
Natural and abundant — it’s a byproduct of winemaking, so it repurposes something that would otherwise be wasted.
Neutral effect on most stones — for many minerals, grapeseed was safe for enhancing luster without altering structure.
We used it for months across many crystal types, and we learned a lot — both about its strengths and limitations.
Why we made the switch to jojoba oil
Over time, as we refined our polishing technique and got more feedback from the field, we realized jojoba oil offered several advantages for our approach:
Greater stability — jojoba doesn’t oxidize or break down as quickly, which means longer-lasting polish and less chance of discoloration.
More universal compatibility — certain minerals reacted more favorably to jojoba; for example, delicate surfaces or porous crystals.
Better handling feel — customers often handle polished stones directly (in rituals, meditation, etc.). Jojoba’s texture feels more skin-friendly over time.
Because of that, we’ve standardized on jojoba as our default. But we still keep grapeseed in our toolkit — especially for smaller touch-ups, delicate polish spots, or in cases where jojoba might be overkill.
When grapeseed still thrives
There are a few scenarios where we’ll still use or recommend grapeseed:
Micro polishing & edge work — when you need just a bit of polish in a tight crevice or edge, grapeseed’s lighter profile can help without over-applying.
Budget-safe option for hobbyists — if you’re doing small home polishing projects, grapeseed gives you a low-risk entry point.
Compatibility with certain finishes — in rare cases, minimal oils make less difference, and grapeseed works fine — just make sure it's cleaned off afterward.
What to watch out for (for both oils)
To polish safely and effectively, here are the key rules we follow (and recommend you do, too):
RiskMitigationOver-application / greasy surfaceAlways apply sparingly. A tiny bit goes a long way.Trapping dust or gritClean the stone thoroughly before applying; use a soft brush or micro-fiber cloth.Mineral sensitivitySome porous minerals (like selenite) don’t take oil well — skip oil or test on a small area first.Residue buildup over timeUse a clean cloth or light alcohol wipe to remove any leftover oil periodically.
What this means for you (the buyer or at-home polisher)
The stones you receive are polished using jojoba oil by default — meaning their luster is more stable, safer, and better over time.
If you polish on your own, you can use jojoba as your primary oil. But grapeseed still remains a fine secondary tool, especially for delicate work or low-volume projects.
As always, start light. You want to enhance the beauty, not mask it.
Common Questions We Hear
Is jojoba oil safe for all crystals?
Almost. For very porous or fragile stones (like raw selenite or certain soft minerals), we still recommend testing a small area first. In many cases, minimal or no oil is best.
Does using oil change the energetic or metaphysical properties?
We don’t believe so. A light polishing oil is just enhancing the visual appearance, not fundamentally replacing or damaging the crystal’s energy. The oil is mostly cosmetic and practical.
Do other shops still use mineral oils or solvents?
Yes — and that's part of why we started this process. Many shops still polish with petroleum-based mineral oil or harsh chemical sealers. We avoid those because they can leave residues or interact poorly with more delicate crystals.
Final Thoughts
Switching to jojoba is one of those refinements born from experience and feedback. We still respect grapeseed — it’s a useful tool — but jojoba better aligns with our mission: safe, transparent, and high-integrity craft.
We always aim to edge closer to what’s best for your crystals and for the people behind them. That means experimenting, learning, and evolving — not sticking with a practice just because it’s the original path.