Crystal Elevations Store Incident & Cleanup Update
Store update • Updated September 17, 2026
Our cleanup and recovery after the August 27 incident
Crystal Elevations remains temporarily closed while we carefully remove CS tear gas residue from our Cornelius shop, clean salvageable merchandise, and discard items that cannot be safely restored. This page will be updated as our recovery continues.
What happened
On August 27, 2026, CS tear gas used during a law-enforcement response elsewhere in the building traveled through the indoor mall and entered Crystal Elevations. Residue settled on shelving, displays, fixtures, textiles, and merchandise throughout our approximately 400-square-foot sales floor.
We closed the shop so the affected space and inventory could be handled carefully. We are sharing this update to keep our customers informed while protecting the privacy of the individuals involved.
Our statement to customers
Your safety and the safety of our staff come first. We will not resume normal in-store shopping until our cleanup is complete and we are satisfied that the space is ready to welcome customers again.
We are approaching the work methodically, separating cleaned areas from affected areas, monitoring air quality, and removing products that cannot be responsibly cleaned. We appreciate your patience and support while we do this carefully.
How we are cleaning the store
Different materials require different treatment, so our process is based on the surface, mineral stability, porosity, and fragility of each item.
HEPA vacuuming
We use a HEPA-filter vacuum with an extended exhaust hose routed out the back of the building, helping prevent captured material from being blown back into the shop.
Dry surface cleaning
Walls, displays, fixtures, and suitable crystals are dry-cleaned with Blend Prep™ Synthetic Tack Cloths to lift settled residue without spreading it.
Two-bucket washing
Water-safe, hard specimens such as quartz and amethyst are washed with a two-bucket system so cleaning water and rinse water stay separate.
Air filtration and monitoring
A HEPA air purifier runs with an air-quality monitor while cleanup is underway.
PPE and controlled work zones
Cleanup is performed with PPE, including a P100 respirator. Each completed section is covered with fresh plastic sheeting to help prevent recontamination.
Textiles and unsalvageable items
Washable items such as tapestries are laundered. Highly porous, water-sensitive, damaged, or too-fragile items—including sage, candles, halite, and similar merchandise—are discarded when they cannot be safely cleaned.
Help us recover
Support our GoFundMe
The closure, cleanup, discarded merchandise, and lost income have placed a significant burden on our small family business. Every donation or share helps us work toward reopening.
Visit our GoFundMe
Get a reopening alert
Want to know when in-store shopping resumes? Join our reopening alert list and we’ll let you know as soon as we have an update.
Sign up for an alertCommunity support
Special thanks
We are grateful to the museums, organizations, and individuals who have shared our fundraiser or offered helpful information during our recovery.
