Consider this your (digital) crystal starter pack - these are the top crystals that anyone should have in their collection. As somebody who owns way too many crystals to count, these are the five that stand out and are the easiest to work with as a beginner (AKA the force is strong as Yoda would say).
Crystals are used in everything from watches to satellites and more is being discovered about their utility every day. Almost every culture throughout history has used crystals in some way (hello Jade rollers), so you'll have a rich history of rituals to tap into when using your crystals. But that's a whole other story. First thing is first - choosing your first crystal (or adding another staple to your collection).
Also - being that crystals are ancient specimens from deep within the earth and all, they can get fairly expensive. I've found some well-priced starter crystals for your kit - almost everything below comes in at under $25.
Are you ready for your crash course, crystal rookies? Let's go!
Amethyst
Amethyst is a powerful one. Amethyst is probably the most popular decorative stone for good reason - a medium or large cluster of Amethyst not only brings harmonious energy to your living room but it looks gorgeous! I like using polished Amethyst points during meditation or when I'm having trouble falling asleep. In Ancient Greece it was used to treat addiction - in modern times we can simply use it to remind us of our negative thought patterns.
This crystal is the one for you if:
You want to get far out or if you have anxiety. Amethyst has a powerful energy that calms while also inciting the imagination during meditation. It can soothe you if you're stuck in an anxious mindset but it can also serve as your launch pad if you want to get to higher planes of existence!
It's pretty. But what do I do with it?
Put a polished stone under your pillow to fall asleep easier and have more colorful dreams. Hold a polished point in your hand to aide in working through anxiety or repetitive thought patterns. Put decorative pieces in your home to lighten up the energy - put a large cluster on your coffee table or put a candle holder in your bathroom.
Selenite
As the crystal godmothers over at Crystal Muse say, Selenite is liquid light in your hands! This was the first crystal I ever purchased, after a meditation class. I was told to grab a crystal out of a large assortment and to meditate with it, tuning into it's energy. I was pretty immediately tuned into the gentle, dreamy vibes of Selenite - and at that point I was still a total meditation rookie, stuck in the anxiety hamster wheel of city living. That's beautiful and powerful Selenite for ya!
This crystal is the one for you if:
You want a multi-tasking crystal with a gentle, cleansing energy.
It's pretty. But what do I do with it?
Meditate with a crystal rod in each hand to tune in and get to that meditative space quicker. Put a selenite slab or wand above the entry to your home or in the window sill behind your bed. Selenite self cleanses and actually charges other crystals - cop a slab or charging station and put other crystals on it so they get the energy-boosting benefits!
Let there be light:
Rose Quartz
Ah, rose quartz. It's gorgeous and refreshing to look at - just having a pink piece of crystal around is enough to lift the spirits. Rose quartz has an ancient history tied to self-care and beauty.
This crystal is the one for you if:
You need help reminding yourself to love yourself and are looking for more loving energy in your life in general.
It's pretty. But what do I do with it?
This is a great one to wear! Wear rose quartz around your neck to open your heart chakra (or to look cute). Putting rose quartz in your home is a beautiful decorative touch that warms the space and brings in the energy of love. I have a large raw piece of rose quartz that I keep by my bedside and a few by the tub for luxurious baths. Get a rose quartz plate for your accessories or beauty products for a nice touch to your morning self-care routine.
Let the love in:
Shungite
Shungite has been touted as a miracle stone and a neutralizer.
This crystal is the one for you if:
You're looking for a serious detox or for a strong, protective stone. A lot has been said of Shungite - it's said to repel EMFs and free radicals. Found only in Russia, Shungite is often soaked in water to make elixirs that are said to not only purify the water, but purify the body.
It's pretty. But what do I do with it? Place a shungite cube by your computer or tape a small piece to the back of your cellphone if you're worried about electromagnetic frequencies. Place small pieces of shungite in water to purify it - or even bathe with pieces of shungite! Just always rinse your piece of shungite thoroughly before using it.
Serious Shungite specimens to add to your collection:
Carnelian
Carnelian is a fiery, colorful stone - perfect for harnessing your own inner fire (cheesy, but true). Feeling a little lost or purpose-less? Carnelian is here to unlock your inner creativity while boosting your confidence in your ideas. It's also been said Carnelian helps to balance the menstrual cycle and ease period pains - it's also just super grounding and gorgeous. Carnelian can be found in a bunch of (natural) colorful varieties, ranging from light orange to dark red. Pick your poison!
This crystal is the one for you if:
You're looking to shake things up, tap into your creative fire and purpose or to balance your reproductive system and menstrual cycle.
It's pretty. But what do I do with it?
Tap into your feminine energy by placing a polished stone on your sacral chakra. Looking to ignite creativity? Keep a small stone in your pocket and tap into it's energy when you are lacking confidence. Place a large piece on your desk in your workplace to keep the creativity flowing.
Colorful Carnelian stones to get you feeling creative:
Crystal Sets
Happy exploring, crystal rookies!