Sparkly, colourful and full of magical promise. You're curious about the power of healing crystals, but are unsure where to start. In the Crystals 101 series of articles, I'll explain everything you need to know about crystals and minerals but are afraid to ask.
I'm Laura, the Founder of Rock + Realm and self-proclaimed crystal addict and crystal nerd! I've been running my Norwich based ethical crystal business for about 3 years, during which time I've built up a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom about the do's and don'ts of buying, using and caring for crystals and minerals.
I remember only too well how daunting it is when you first dip your toe into the realm of crystals and spiritual healing. But don't worry, I'm here to set you on the right path and give you the tips you need to confidently buy, care and benefit from crystals as part of your wellbeing journey.
If you’re eager to grow your crystal knowledge as well as your crystal collection, then read my Crystals 101: The Best 5 Crystals for Beginners to learn about the best crystals to start your collection with
- Clear Quartz crystal for enlightenment & amplifying energetic vibrations
- Amethyst crystal for balance, psychic protection & relaxation
- Rose Quartz crystal for self love, rejuvenation and feminine energy
- Smoky Quartz crystal for protection, grounding & calm
-
Selenite crystal for aligning chakras and cleaning other crystals
Essential Crystals to start your wellbeing toolkit
The first rule of crystal shopping is... don’t tell your partner you’ve bought another crystal!
Once crystals come into your life it’s easy to get hooked and find your collection grows quickly because no two crystals are ever the same. Not only do crystals look beautiful in your home, they hold many layers of meaning that are fascinating to learn about.
Their mineral content and how they formed millions of years ago, where they are from and if they are rare and then there’s the different energies, metaphysical and mystical benefits.
What's so special about crystal energy?
Everything in this universe is made up of atoms that vibrate at specific frequencies, including us. When you’re well and happy your energetic vibration is harmonised, but when you are ill or unhappy these vibrations become unbalanced. Crystals are believed to vibrate at frequencies that return our own energetic vibrations back into balance. Different crystals vibrate at different frequencies and so their benefits vary.
It's important to note that the metaphysical properties of crystals are based on belief systems and are not scientifically proven. Scientifically, crystals do have fascinating properties due to their internal structure, but their metaphysical effects remain a subject of personal interpretation and spiritual practices.
If you're interested in using crystals for spiritual or healing purposes, it's essential to approach the practice with an open mind and understand that any perceived benefits may be subjective in nature. Always consult with experts and practitioners who are knowledgeable in crystal healing if you want to explore this area further.
Five Crystals that all beginners need in their spiritual toolkit
Many of our amazing customers have started their crystal journey right here at Rock + Realm. My main goal is to simplify the world of crystals with a fresh, modern approach that makes learning about these stones and incorporating them into your life super simple.
Have you ever felt an irresistible pull towards crystals? Do you find yourself wanting to collect as many as you can? Have no idea where to begin with crystals?
I have put together a list of the 5 best crystals for beginners. I have chosen these crystals for a few reasons to get you started on your journey.
- These crystals are easy to find and very affordable in reputable crystal shops
- They are the types of crystals you are likely to have heard about and you may already know someone who has one
- These crystals cover a good range of healing properties and therefore provide a great foundation for your spiritual wellbeing toolkit
1. Clear Quartz - A crystal for enlightenment, clarity & amplifying energetic vibrations
I’ll borrow from Lord of the Rings to best describe Clear Quartz as One Crystal to rule them all!
Clear Quartz is like your favourite pair of jeans; it goes with everything, never goes out of fashion and can be dressed up or down depending upon your mood. Clear Quartz is found everywhere in the world, amplifies the vibrations of other healing crystals and can be programmed with your intentions to take on any task (a bit like a wild card).
Clear Quartz is commonly found in many different combinations with other minerals. These might be referred to as ‘included’, ‘phantom’ or just as ‘something’ quartz, like garden quartz, snow quartz or Himalayan quartz.
Clear Quartz is known as the master healer and is the most versatile and essential crystal to start your collection of healing stones with. If you could have only one crystal; Clear Quartz wins every time!
Did I mention it boosts the power of other crystals AND can be used to substitute any crystal you don’t have? That’s pretty awesome in my book, a bit like having any super power you want.
Clear Quartz has been prized throughout time by scientists, healers and ancient civilisations. Clear Quartz can transform mechanical pressure or heat into electromagnetic energy, making it an essential component in watches, lasers and electronic sensors. And yet Mayans, Aborigines and ancient Egyptians, amongst many others, have also used Quartz in their healing and spiritual practices, believing it to expand your consciousness.
I love Clear Quartz for its variety and versatility. One of my first crystals was a mini quartz point bought in Bucharest that I carry in my pocket at all times and another favourite is a huge double terminated cluster hand mined from Madan, Bulgaria in Europe.
Clear Quartz is also extremely beautiful and can be used to add interest to any decor scheme with its minimalist good looks.
Why you need Clear Quartz Crystal
- This Crystal is known as ‘The Master Crystal’ and can also be used to help charge and amplify other stones
- It is one of the world’s most diverse stones and comes in many different formations so there are loads of options
- Clear Quartz is beautiful and minimal in colour and works well with all other crystals from a styling and healing perspective
- Clear Quartz is one of a few crystals that will refract light and bounce rainbows off your walls!
- Pop it in a light filled space like a window sill or Living Space and watch it literally fill your space with magic and positive vibes
2. Amethyst - A crystal for balance, psychic protection, intuition & relaxation
Are you feeling in need of a spa break or some peace and quiet? Or perhaps you are looking to more deeply connect with your intuition and higher self? Does your child suffer with nightmares or restless sleep?
If so, then Amethyst is just the crystal you're looking for!
It's very like the lavender oil of the crystal world, helping to balance your emotions, ease your body and calm your spirit. It has both a playful and protective quality and is believed by many to aid lucid dreaming and prevent nightmares.
Amethyst has an uplifting and balancing energy and aids connection to your third eye chakra and spiritual gateway. In combination this makes Amethyst the perfect meditation partner and it's beautiful deep purple tones make it a welcome addition to your home as well!
My personal connection with Amethyst started as a child because it’s my February birthstone and so I was gifted a mini cluster that I was obsessed with. I also have a number of Amethyst necklaces and beautiful Uruguayan Amethyst clusters and geodes in my bedroom, bathrooms and Living room. I've also recently added one of the gorgeous small towers from Rock + Realm to my home office... I just couldn't resist!
Why you need Amethyst Crystal
- One of the most well known stones this beauty will help you to de-stress, calm and open up to your spiritual awareness
- In sleepless nights it has an energy that will sedate you into lucid dreams
- Amethyst will protect and keep you safe from harm’s way, negativity and addictions
- Known as the "Stone of Calm" due to its intense calming properties balancing emotional highs and low
- Especially helpful during grief or loss and is best placed in your meditation or sacred space and bedroom
3. Rose Quartz - A crystal for self love, rejuvenation, harmony and feminine energy
Rose Quartz is the stone of universal and unconditional love. It is the most important crystal for the Heart chakra and restores trust and harmony in relationships.
Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace. It has a gentle and soothing energy that makes it an ideal addition to your bedside or bathroom crystal collection.
It has also been thought for many centuries to have rejuvenating properties and was used by the ancient Egyptians as a face mask. Indeed legend has it that Isis, the Egyptian goddess of life, motherhood & fertility, used to rub rose quartz on her forehead, eyes and cheeks to ward off the effects of aging.
These properties have come into vogue again and you can find Rose Quartz as an ingredient in modern day face care products too. Personally, I keep Rose Quartz in the bathroom and like to put a chunk of Rose Quartz in the bath to fully harness the soothing and rejuvenating benefits.
Why you need Rose Quartz Crystal
- Rose Quartz is the Mother of all crystals and known as the 'Stone of Unconditional Love'; for yourself and for others
- Rose Quartz encourages you to seek beauty in all things and opens your heart to peace, beauty, art, music, written word and most of all love
- Live from your heart, forgive in your relationships and forget old flames to make way for the new. By dissolving jealousy, bitterness and guilt Rose Quartz crystals restore balance between your yin and yang
- Children and Animals have clear connection with this beautiful soft pink crystal, sensing the warm and comforting energy that feels like a hug in crystal form
4. Smoky Quartz - A crystal for protection, grounding & calming
Dark crystals are very protective and grounding. Connecting with your root chakra they work to increase your sense of security and connect you with the earth.
Smoky Quartz makes a fantastic protective talisman and I have a number of necklaces made of Smoky Quartz that I wear if I need to go into a stressful or negative atmosphere.
The crystal absorbs the negativity and instils an inner calm and strength like a protective shield around my aura. Perfect for toxic work environments or when you have to be around those people who drag you down with their negativity. Maybe try one of the Rock + Realm Smoky Quartz Bead Bracelet if a negativity shield sounds ideal for you.
Smoky Quartz is a beautiful stone as well, coming in a full range of beautiful coffee tones from very pale to the almost black. The colour variation comes from natural radiation of the silicone in the quartz, the greater the levels of radiation the darker the crystal.
Very rare Morion Quartz, which is only found in Namibia, is opaque black because it's found so close to uranium deposits. Morion itself is not radioactive and is safe to touch. True Morion is extremely rare and very expensive, so unfortunately it's prone to being faked by artificially irradiating dark smoky quartz.
If smoky quartz is too uniform or almost black and being sold at prices too good to be true, then buyer beware! The price is a good indicator, as you can expect to pay higher prices the darker or rarer the smoky quartz.
If you're worried about falling into the trap of buying unnatural crystals, then check out my guide to spotting fake crystals and avoiding dodgy dealers.
Why you need Smoky Quartz Crystal
- The ultimate grounder, Smoky Quartz anchors you to your root chakra giving Earth-aligned energy that speaks to your most basic and primal connection
- Smoky Quartz keeps negative vibes at bay; display it alongside with Selenite and Tourmaline crystals in your hallway to prevent negative energy from entering your home
-
The perfect personal talisman, wear Smoky Quartz jewellery to protect yourself from other people's negativity whilst out with friends or in toxic work environments
- Rich coffee tones that add depth and life to monochrome decor schemes, the balancing and calming energy is just the right vibe for your Living Space
5. Selenite - A crystal for uplifting, aligning chakras and cleaning other crystals
This crystal superstar is also known as satin spar or Liquid Light. It got its name from the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene, and it’s easy to see why as white light dances across its surface.
Selenite is one of those must have crystals for your collection, useful not only for cleansing you and your home but also other crystals. It is often shaped into flat plates or bars to use as charging plates for smaller crystals. With it's uplifting and cleansing energetic vibrations, Selenite is best placed in your hallway to encourage positivity into your home, or in the Living Room to create a positive environment.
A selenite tumblestone or stick is a useful addition to your meditation toolkit too. It is a high vibration crystal, that connects to the crown chakra. Used in meditation it will supercharge the connection to your higher spiritual self and speed up your journey of personal transformation. If you're looking to improve your holistic wellbeing practices, then try meditating with a selenite stick on your chest pointing upwards to help realign and balance all chakras.
Selenite is made up of the mineral Gypsum and can be found in a number of formations, like satin spar or desert roses. It scores very low on the Mohs hardness scale and is dissolvable in water - so it must be treated with care so you don't damage it. You can literally scratch it with your fingernail.
Some of the largest crystals ever found in the world are selenite, with the largest specimen found in the Naica Mine's Cave of the Crystals, Mexico. The formations are 12 metres long and weigh 55 tons. Can you imagine the energy in this Selenite cave?
Why you need Selenite Crystal
-
Selenite is an interesting looking crystal as it doesn’t have the points or sparkle you expect to see in a crystal. It forms in a stunning silky tabular or wand like form and usually has a beautiful transparent sheen
-
Selenite is named after the Greek goddess Selene, who is the goddess of the moon. It’s can also be called Satin Spar, Maria Glass or Desert Rose depending on the formation it takes
-
The most powerful cleansing crystal, Selenite has the ability to clear, protect and shield your energy body and space
-
Put crystal jewellery, smaller crystals or tumble stones on top of Selenite to give them a really good cleanse
Best healing crystals to start your collection
So there you have it, clear quartz, amethyst, rose quartz, smoky quartz and selenite are my top five foundational crystals to start your collection. I hope you feel like you known these beauties a bit better and that you could confidently add them into your collection to benefit from their healing energies. If you are inspired to start or add to your collection with these amazing stones, then check out our Crystals for Beginners Collection to find your perfect crystal ally.
If you don't feel drawn to any of these crystals, don't worry, I don’t think you can go wrong selecting a crystal from a reputable seller. The best way is to choose what you are most drawn to, without even reading the description. The body knows what it needs and so often when you discover the benefits of your chosen stone you realise they are exactly what you need! You can browse our whole collection of crystals to see what crystals call to you.
As you embark on your journey of discovery with healing crystals and minerals, I also highly recommend you invest in a few good crystal guide books or explore our blog to learn more.
Anything by Judy Hall is a good starting point, especially her Crystal Bible series. Or start with her Crystal for Beginners card deck or The Little Book of Crystals by Judy Hall.
Keep Growing with our Crystal 101 Blog Posts
More about us
Rock + Realm is an ethical spiritual retailer, specialising in crystals, incense, jewellery, spiritual wellness and more.
As an independent, female-owned UK business we care deeply about supporting women to be their best selves.
Loved our Crystals 101: Five Essential Crystals to Start Your Crystal Collection?
💬 If you have any other questions about how to get started with crystal healing, crystal and mineral collecting or how to choose and care for your crystals, we’d love to help in the comments below.
Pin this article to refer back to or share the learning with others.
