The Six Best Crystals for Beginners

As a newcomer to the world of crystals you may be feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the seemingly endless choice of stones with which you are faced. You may already know which stones you are attracted to, or you may be wondering which crystals would be of most use to you right now. Everyone has their own reasons for beginning a crystal collection, and everyone uses them in their own preferred way, so it is no wonder that complete novices feel bewildered by the sheer amount of information out there.

Crystal healing is part of a long tradition, and the knowledge we have now grew out of thousands of years’ worth of experience, observation, and experimentation by humans across the globe and across the millennia. 

Just as herblore evolved gradually as a result of trial and error (someone had to fall victim to poisonous plants after all!) so did our knowledge of the effects of certain crystals on the human mind and body. 

Every single object in the known Universe is in state of constant motion, even though we cannot usually see the movement with the naked eye. Molecules and atoms are never still, and their movements set up vibrations in the atmosphere. Likewise, our thoughts and mental processes produce energy and vibrations. When a crystal’s vibration meets a vibration on a similar wavelength, a powerful connection is made. This is how we choose and categorize different crystals according to their metaphysical properties for healing, cleansing, protecting and so on. 

The following crystals form our recommendations for beginning your collection, and your journey into the remarkable properties of these beautiful stones:

Clear Quartz

This remarkable stone is arguably the most important crystal of all for healing, protecting and amplifying energy wherever it finds it. It is aligned with the vibration of the Crown chakra, which governs our mental acuity and also our connection to the Higher wisdom of the Universe. Clear Quartz is unique in that it works by attuning its vibrational energy to the specific requirements of the person needing healing or undertaking spiritual work. 

The power of Clear Quartz to amplify spiritual energy to the highest possible level makes it the ideal starter crystal for any collection. It is said to clear the mind, sharpen your intellectual capacity and promote the ability to focus, even during times of crisis or immense stress. 

Amethyst

There are few crystals more powerful than Amethyst when it comes to soothing the emotions and calming the mind. It is often referred to as a natural tranquilizer, due to its properties of peace, serenity, and harmony. Amethyst is also an extremely effective energy cleanser, and many people place large chunks of it, in its raw state, in their homes and workspaces to keep the air and atmosphere clear of electromagnetic pollution and negative emotional energies. 

Amethyst has a comforting and soothing effect on the emotions. It helps us to seek the true causes of our emotional pain or disturbances and to take steps to heal old wounds or trauma that may be affecting us in the present. It brings insight and wisdom through its abilities to open and activate the Third Eye chakra. 

Black Tourmaline

If you are looking for a crystal to help you to feel more grounded, to help you when your thoughts or emotions start spinning out of control, or simply to help you to connect more effectively with the energies of nature and the landscape, Black Tourmaline is the one to choose. 

Black Tourmaline is also an extremely protective stone. It is said to cleanse, purify and transform dense energy into a lighter vibration. It can be used to cleanse the aura, clear energy blockages, and balance all the chakras. 

Citrine 

Citrine is included in our six best crystals for beginners because it is such a joyful stone. It carries within its structure the vibrant energy of the sun, and its effect on both mind and body is warming and up-lifting. Citrine is also a highly creative stone. It promotes optimism and imagination and helps us to enjoy the use of all of our senses. 

Citrine is also known as the “merchant stone” because of its long association with abundance in all things, including finances. Citrine should form the major component of any abundance crystal grid because of its ability to draw good fortune and prosperity to the user. It is one of the crystals that never needs cleansing, and it energizes every level of life. 

Rose Quartz

This delicate pink stone is the symbol of unconditional love. It is aligned with the Heart chakra and promotes love, compassion, and empathy. As a member of the Quartz group, the Rose variety also has a powerful effect on both positive and negative energies within the aura. It is protective of the Heart and gently disperse any negativity that may have settled in this center because of past wounds or hurt. 

Rose Quartz promotes and encourages self-love and self-care and, as such, is an important crystal in our recommendation of the six best crystals for beginners. When we take excellent care of ourselves, we are able to care for others without detriment to our own emotional or physical health. 

Selenite 

We have included Selenite in this list because it is one of the most spiritual of crystals, carrying a high, fine vibration that allows us to access angelic consciousness and higher guidance. 

Selenite is a calm stone that instills deep peace. It is used to create a safe space where outside influences cannot encroach on your inner world and is extremely beneficial when used to assist meditation. 

Selenite has a gentle healing frequency that assists judgement and insight. It clears mental confusion and enables us to see the deeper picture. Selenite is believed to promote physical flexibility and to align the spinal column. 

Making a Start 

When you first begin to work with crystals you may find that you are drawn to certain stones over and over again. Researching the accepted properties of these crystals can provide you with useful insights into what is troubling you, or what needs to be addressed in your life at the time. The next article “How Do I Choose the Right Crystal for Me?” addresses some of the factors you might want to consider when you start.