Discovering the world of crystals and learning about the vast range of their uses, benefits, and methods of support is an expansive journey. Beginning on the path to learning about crystals, whether you’re simply exploring for fun or diving deep into the understanding of the properties of each crystal, it can be overwhelming at times. 

There is a rising popularity in crystal healing because as tangible human beings, it supports our exploration to be able to physically  see, feel, sense, and hold something as we learn about its unique qualities. With this rise in popularity, comes a rise in information circulating about crystals. It can be a lot to sift through and figure out where to start.

Starting your collection is, and should be, a fun experience. One of my favorite things to do is go on crystal "hunts" when I travel to new cities and countries: finding little shops to walk into or even taking the adventure up a notch and going to the mines themselves! I love picking up crystals with my bare hands to feel their energy and getting pulled in by their colors as I gaze at their facets intently. It's almost meditative how you can get lost while staring at their beauty.

To invite more fun and ease into your journey, I’ve put together a list of the top 5 crystals I believe no person should be without.

Citrine

For Confidence and Purpose

Description: Bright honey to deep burnt orange.

Citrine, also known as the "stone of success," is a powerful tool for divine manifestation. Its honey-yellow color brings with it a feeling of warmth and optimism.

Citrine can help connect you with your life's purpose by guiding you toward new opportunities and empowering you to stay open (mentally and emotionally) in times of difficulty. Citrine also provides great confidence and reminds you of the power in your personal will. This stone is useful for personal and professional goals. When using citrine, be prepared to shed the version of yourself that you have outgrown.

Where to use it: Keep it at work or wear it as jewelry on important occasions. Place citrine in your safe, cash box, or wallet for added wealth and prosperity. Citrine can be helpful to those experiencing nightmares or insomnia if placed under the bed or your pillow.

Mantra: I am confidently growing into my purpose.

Clear Quartz

For Balance and Clarity

Description: Colorless. Can also be cloudy or clear and glasslike.

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Clear quartz, sometimes referred to as the universal stone, is a must have for every collection.

One of the easiest crystals to find, clear quartz helps balance energy, enhance focus, and bring clarity to its user. This is an amplifier stone, which means that it will amplify any energy or intention that it is around and connects with. For this reason, it is great to use in conjunction with other stones in your collection and a wonderful meditation tool. Though clear quartz does not store negative energy, because it is an amplifier crystal and a powerful conduit of energy, it is important that you charge and cleanse it regularly.

Where to use it: Can be used anywhere and everywhere. Keep it prominently displayed on your desk or in your office for stimulating clear thinking, focus, and clarity while working. Since clear quartz is a purifier of energy, it can be beneficial to place it in high-traffic areas of the home, like your entryway or living room.

Mantra: I share my light with others and I attract their light in return.

Green Aventurine

For Adventure and Synchronicity 

Description: Ranges from a cloudy seafoam green to bright apple green. This crystal often has iridescent, metallic-colored inclusions made up of other minerals and usually has a sparkly quality to its appearance.

Green aventurine, often known as the stone of luck, brings lightness, optimism, and courage into your life.

Green aventurine encourages feelings of vitality and a certain zest for living. It’s an excellent stone for navigating obstacles as it helps you see them as opportunities for personal growth. I've noticed that when I carry green aventurine, I encounter a lot of spontaneous luck, like finding good parking spots and coins on the street.

Where to use it: Excellent stone to wear as jewelry or to keep in areas where spontaneous good luck is needed. For example, keep a tumbled piece of aventurine in your car for good luck when looking for parking or trying to avoid traffic. With its ability to dissolve anger and stress, this crystal is good for use in the home where a lighthearted energy is needed, like the family room.

Mantra: I encounter the best possible outcomes in all situations I face.

Black Tourmaline 

For Protection

Description: Deep black and often rectangular in shape.

Black tourmaline, also called "schorl," is a powerful tool for protecting you from negative or destructive people, as well as dark energy and entities.

Black tourmaline can be very beneficial as a tool for grounding yourself and purifying the energy around you. This crystal is especially helpful to those who spend time in lots of public spaces, in the public eye, or high-traffic work environments because it helps protect you from absorbing other people's energy, specifically those who may not wish you well. This is a crystal that I often share with friends as a gift.

When to use it: Place by your front door at home and work. Because this stone is an excellent repellent for negative energy and psychic attacks (which can be as simple as ill thoughts from those who do not wish you well), it's best to keep black tourmaline with you as you travel and when you are around large crowds of people, like at shopping malls, speaking engagements, and events. Also keep it near when you find yourself experiencing challenging environments or circumstances.

Mantra: I am fully protected and unmoved by any negative energy that is aimed at me.

Lapis Lazuli

For Inner Vision & Truthful Expression

Description: A beautiful intense cobalt blue, often found with golden flecks of color throughout.

Lapis lazuli, a favorite of royals in ancient Egypt, is a stone that will lead you toward inner peace.

This stone is all about deep spiritual growth, standing in one's truth, integrity, and compassionate leadership. Lapis lazuli is also a wonderful tool for growing the relationships in your life, as it encourages truthful communication and understanding. Working with this crystal enhances your intuition and encourages you to delve deeply into your innermost emotions and thoughts. Using lapis lazuli will help you access your inner vision—that is, your divinely wise knowledge of self and your place in your relationships and the world.

Where to use it: Keep this crystal at home, preferably in the areas where you meditate and the living room.

Mantra: In all moments, I choose to stand in my truth and act as my highest self.

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A few other things to consider as you deepen your exploration is the type of crystals you are most drawn towards. Crystals come in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes, take time to contemplate what resonates most with you.

Raw and Natural: Exactly as they came out of the earth.

Polished: Can be smoothed to shine with or without edges on all or one side. This method is typically used to keep parts of the stone in its naturally raw state while smoothing and polishing some areas to highlight its beauty or to make crystals symmetrical or fully rounded.

Tumbled: Placed in a tumbler with other stones until their edges are smooth and they have a polished look all over. This method is usually only done with tiny, small, and some medium-sized crystals. (Think of a small concrete mixer filled with crystals.)

Cut: Typically requires a lapidary (stone artist) who uses tools to shape raw crystals into decorative items or jewelry.

Gem Quality: Crystals that fit in this category are of a jewelry quality.

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Once you decide on the type and size you're after, allow yourself to surrender to the moment and go with your gut, especially if this is your first time choosing a crystal. As the saying goes, "You don't choose the crystal, the crystal chooses you.” 

If you’d like to explore more, you can discover a whole world of crystals in my book, Crystal Bliss: Attract Love. Feed Your Spirit. Manifest Your Dreams, a guide to healing crystals with advice for selecting, preparing and using crystals for meditation and energy healing. Remember, all stones have healing properties so try not to overthink the process too much. There are no wrong choices when it comes to crystal selection, have fun with it, and allow the journey to unfold with joy and excitement!