My Great Eight: The Best Crystals For Beginners

I started my crystal journey a little bit ago, and my first order of business was figuring out the best crystals for beginners such as myself. While I’m far from an expert (I wouldn’t even call myself a journeyman yet), I have learned a few things. And taking those few things into account, I put together a list of the best beginner crystals…and I reserve to right to change my mind on a dime so be cool…

Clear Quartz

Clear quartz just might be the MVP of the crystals game. It’s the ultimate healing crystal, balances the body, cleanses the mind, aids in spiritual growth, and just overall raises your vibrations. If that’s not enough for you, clear quartz is THEE amplifier stone and works well with literally every other crystal in existence.

Selenite

If clear quartz is my MVP, selenite is my Unsung Hero. I’ve got tons of selenite and I’ve got it everywhere; home, work (see pic below), wherever I travel — I’m lousy with selenite! Selenite is a cleansing stone, so I use it to cleanse my other crystals, as well as people, places, things; whenever I sense bad juju, the selenite comes out! And since it doesn’t absorb energy, selenite itself doesn’t need to be regularly cleansed*, making it the perfect stone for lazy bums such as myself.

Amethyst

Am I partial to amethyst because it’s my birthstone and I’ve always been obsessed with purple? Possibly! But I think that most crystal lovers agree, amethyst deserves a prime spot in any crystal collection. Amethyst is connected to the crown chakra, aka our highest physical and spiritual point, and helps us connect to higher planes and our highest selves. Amethyst boots intuition and nurtures calmness and serenity; meaning it’s great for sleep, stress, worry, and decision making. And to top it all off it’s like really pretty.

Rose Quartz

Everybody say love! Rose quartz is the stone for love in all its forms. Romantic love, plutonic love, family love, unconditional love, self love; and the beauty that comes from love, rose quartz opens it all up. When we’re open to love in all its forms we experience deepened relationships, we break down walls, we heal old wounds, and we have the capacity for more trust and compassion. And sometimes you can find rose quartz carved into a heart, and its so cute and makes me smile and we need to grab on to anything that makes us happy with both hands.

Citrine

Need a boost? Try some citrine. Citrine is the crystal for happiness, luck, and prosperity — three things I think we could all use more of! Citrine is great for manifestation; helping us turn our dreams into reality and keeping us positive and grateful. Recently a friend gave me a beautiful piece of citrine and it’s become a beloved part of my crystal collection.

Carnelian

Carnelian is one spicy crystal! This orange and red stone will stir up all your energy, including your libido. Carnelian is a great stone for creatives as it removes blocks that can have us feeling uninspired and can push us toward our creative pursuits. It’s also a great crystal for mental clarity and physical energy.

Black Tourmaline

Black tourmaline is a powerful protection stone that creates a barrier between you and negative energy. Because it protects us from negative energy, black tourmaline reduces anxiety and can stabilize both body and mind. Black tourmaline can also absorb electromagnetic radiation, it might not be the prettiest stone but it does the work!

Smoky Quartz

Ok, ok, I know I’m not supposed to play favorites, but smoky quartz might be my favorite crystal, I love it so much it’s sitting right next to me at work right now (first, it’s fine, I’m typing during lunch, second see the pic below, I swear the crystal is in there). Smoky quartz is a grounding stone whose use goes all the way back to the Druids, old school. Smoky quartz helps you release negative energy (like sending it right into the earth) and amplifies positive energy. It’s a great choice for those of us looking to rid ourselves emotional baggage, soothe depression and anxiety and improve communication, intuition, and manifestation. Five stars, no notes.

Obviously I am not the end all, be all authority on crystals, far from it. I know other people will have some different picks for beginners crystals, and I would love to hear them!! I’m still very new and learning, so if there’s anything you can suggest; books, podcasts, social media accounts, etc…

*I know the crystal community is split on this one but let me have it, ok?