Crystals have grown in popularity in the last decade. Many are curious about the how, why, and what when it comes to crystals. Hence, we are here to help you in your crystal collecting and using journey.
They come in different shapes, styles, and colors. Some have healing properties or grounding properties, while some can help you manifest your dream life. Buckle up! In this article, we will be discussing the basics of crystals and which is best for beginners like you.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed at first. After all, there are thousands of different crystals, each with its own unique properties and uses. As a beginner, you might find yourself unable to find the "right" stone for you.
However, do not worry. It’s all about trusting yourself and letting your intuition guide you. You don’t have to stress about which crystal to buy, how to use it, etc. Just remember to trust your inner intuition and let the stones connect to your spirit.
What even are crystals?
Healer Michelle Roques-O'Neil explains crystals as "different combinations of minerals that help purify, balance, and realign by working with our bioenergetic systems." In simpler terms, crystals are gemstones that accumulate energy. Through this energy, it can help us heal, protect, and even manipulate the energy of ourselves and our space.
How to use crystals?
You can simply hold them, wear them around your neck, or leave them in your room or house. Crystals are not picky about how you "use" them. Simply having them in arm's reach is enough for the crystals to do their job.
However, it is important to note that some crystals need "cleansing" and "charging."
Cleansing simply means removing any unwanted energy it has accumulated in the past, while charging means giving your crystal more energy for it to work better and last longer.
To cleanse a crystal, you may place it with a crystal quartz, use an incense or cleansing bowl, or simply hold it in your hands and imagine the "unwanted energy" going away.
To charge crystals, simply hold them in your hands and imagine a white light coming from you going to the crystal.
What are the best beginner crystals to use?
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Selenite
Selenite, named after the Moon Goddess Selene, is known primarily as a beginner's crystal. It is the easiest stone to use and connect with. Additionally, unlike more advanced stones, it doesn’t require any cleaning or recharging. It represents purity, amongst other things.
Uses:
- Comfort and soothe
- Purify and cleanse
- Remove any negative energy
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Rose Quartz
Known as "the love stone," rose quartz is among the most popular crystals for beginners. If you want to find love and get in touch with your divine femininity, this stone is for you. It has been widely used to represent love since approximately 600 B.C.
Uses:
- Introducing a new love into your life
- Rekindling an old love
- Bringing forth your inner goddess
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Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz is used primarily for grounding—the act of reconnecting yourself back to the Earth. However, it can also be used to uplift your spirit and bring emotional calm.
Uses:
- Finding balance
- Drawing about harmony
- Burying negative energy into the ground
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Clear Quartz
A must-have for all beginner (and advanced) crystal collectors—the Clear Quartz, known primarily for its healing powers. The stone represents purity, space, and patience and was once believed to be ice that never melted. Additionally, it can also be used to cleanse other crystals.
Uses:
- Remove any bad energy
- Unblock the flow of energy
- Enhance your mood
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Amethyst
The amethyst referred to here is not the character in the hit TV show Steven Universe, but the popular and powerful stone known for aiding the user’s sleep and relaxation. It was once a symbol of royalty and spirituality.
Uses:
- Bringing a perception of heavenly wisdom
- De-stressing
- Cleansing your aura
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Citrine
Citrine is a popular stone amongst the crystal community for its positive properties and benefits it gives to its users. Known for being a crystal of happiness and presence, it is a manifestation stone that helps the user follow the path to their dreams while, at the same time, uplifting their spirit and blessing them with gratitude. It is commonly associated with the solar plexus chakra and is used during breath work.
Uses:
- Financial prosperity
- Manifesting abundance
- Improving self-assurance and personal power
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Malachite
If it is strength and courage you are seeking, look no further than malachite! It is a beautiful emerald green stone that helps the user turn their fears and doubts away, especially in regard to money. The stone will remind the user that they too deserve abundance and they have the power to have it.
Uses:
- Energy healing
- Chakra balancing
- Protection
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Black Tourmaline
If you are experiencing stagnant and negative energy in yourself or your surroundings, a black tourmaline may be the answer. It is known as a crystal for cleansing and creating a more positive space. Additionally, it is a powerful stone for protection.
Uses:
- Protection
- Shielding
- Removal of unwanted energy
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Moonstone
Need a supportive friend? Maybe not a human friend, but a moonstone might just help you. This blue-to-white adularescence stone is known for helping its users balance their emotions, improve their focus, and get them in touch with their divine feminity while, at the same time, increasing feelings of peace, spiritual curiosity, and patience.
Uses:
- Activating your creativity
- Protection
- Balance your true emotions
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Shungite
Another amazing protection and grounding stone is shungite. As the author of Crystals for Healing, Karen Frazier notes, "its high vibration helps to bring your spiritual body down into the physical plane." It helps the user be more in touch with cosmic wisdom and karmic lessons.
Uses:
- Protection, healing, and purifying.
- Removing negative thoughts
- Grounding
Why even bother with crystals?
In most turbulent times, such as now, many of us are seeking a way to feel grounded. Some want to feel less anxious about their finances, while others want to be more in touch with their inner emotions. This is where crystals come in.
It can be your guide to a happier life or to the best version of yourself. There is nothing wrong with trying. You can never know. Maybe a small stone can change your life forever.
