The Essential Crystals for Beginners

Crystals: Where to Start

The world of crystals can seem vast and intimidating when you're just getting started. With so many different types, colors, shapes and properties, it's hard to know where to begin. That's why I've put together this guide on the best beginner crystals to start with and tips for selecting your first few pieces.

Let's start with taking a look at some of the most popular and versatile basic crystals to start with as a beginner:

Clear Quartz

This is probably the most classic and well-known crystal for starters. Clear quartz is considered a "master healer" that can be programmed for just about any intention - from love and relationships to career goals and more. It's also an excellent amplifier of energy, making it a great addition to any crystal grid or layout.

Amethyst

The gorgeous purple hue of amethyst makes it a favorite for many. But it's more than just a pretty face! Amethyst is known as a protective stone that guards against negativity. It promotes calm, balance, and peace. For beginners, it's an easy stone to work with for meditation, stress relief, and spiritual growth.

Rose Quartz

You can't go wrong with the gentle, nurturing energy of rose quartz. This pink crystal is all about unconditional love - for yourself and others. It's a wonderful beginner crystal to have for opening your heart chakra, releasing fear and resentment, and attracting more love into your life.

Black Tourmaline

On the opposite spectrum of rose quartz, we have the grounding, shielding properties of black tourmaline. This is one of the most powerful protection stones, which makes it a must-have for crystal starters. Keep it close to dispel negativity, eliminate toxins, and provide a sense of safety.

Those are just a few of the best crystals for starters to get you acquainted with the basics. As you start building your collection, I recommend considering your intentions and needs when selecting new pieces.

For example, if you want to improve your focus and concentration for work or studies, eye-catching golden citrine is an excellent option. If you're seeking more passion and creativity, sensual red jasper could be the spark you need.

Pay attention to your intuition when you're drawn to certain crystals. Hold them in your hands and see how their energy resonates with you individually. That's half the fun of working with these beautiful natural minerals!

You'll also want to consider raw, tumbled, or polished crystals. Raw crystals haven't been shaped or faceted, giving you their purest, most natural form straight from the earth. Many feel these have stronger, more concentrated energies.

Tumbled stones have been rounded and smoothed, taking away some of their rough edges. These are perfect for carrying in your pocket, using in jewelry, or incorporating into grids and layouts.

Then you have polished points, spheres, pyramids, wands and other shaped crystals. Each of these can direct and amplify energies in unique ways based on their geometry.

As a general rule for beginner crystals, I suggest a simple set of tumbled stones that you can keep on hand and get acquainted with. You can always build your collection and try specialized shapes and specimens once you get more experience.

Common Ways to Cleanse your Crystals

No matter which crystals you ultimately choose, the key is to take the time to properly care for, cleanse, charge, and program them! This helps remove any unwanted energy and recharge them with your specific intentions.

Some of the most common ways to cleanse your crystals include:

• Burying them in a natural saltbowl, dry rice, or soil overnight
• Passing them through sage, palo santo, or cedar smoke
• Laying them out during a full moon
• Using a tuning fork or sound vibrations
• Running them under cold water

After clearing your crystals, you'll want to charge or "program" them by focusing your energy and intentions on them. Visualize your goals and set your intention for how you want to use each crystal. You can also place written intentions underneath them when charging on certain moon phases.

Start simple by placing crystals for beginners around your home, office, or any space you spend time in. Carry smaller pieces in your pocket, purse. Create a crystal grid by arranging multiple stones in geometric patterns.

The more you work with your crystals and build your confidence, the more their properties will reveal themselves to you. Let your intuition guide you as you explore the wonderful world of crystals.

For best beginner crystals, start small with a few energy-channeling basics like clear quartz, amethyst, rose quartz and black tourmaline. This will help ground your practice before expanding further.

Be patient, keep an open mind, and enjoy the process!