10 Best Crystals for Beginners – A Basic Guide to the Essential Healing Stones

By Mary Ancillette |

If you’re interested in crystal healing but not sure where to start, I don’t blame you!

As a beginner to using crystals for energy healing, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the hundreds of crystals. And that’s before we talk about crystal shapes, advanced techniques, and how each stone interacts with your seven Chakras.

To help you get started, I’ve picked my ten favourite crystals for beginners. Use them to help manifest your intentions and as a starting point for your crystal journey.

But before we look at my top picks, let’s briefly talk about how to choose, cleanse, and use your first crystal.

Note: It’s important to understand what healing means in this context. The goal of crystal healing is to bring harmony to the spirit, mind and body, which helps restore a natural balance. It doesn’t mean a cure or permanent resolution to a medical problem.

A Quick Crystal Healing Tutorial

A guide to the best crystals for beginners

With talk of energy fields, chemical structures and vibrational frequencies, crystal healing can often seem a complicated therapy. My goal with this article is to make it more accessible, so you can reap the wonderful benefits as soon as possible.

So, what exactly is crystal healing?

We all have an energy field that can become blocked or unbalanced. Crystal healers believe this causes a wide range problems, from a lack of motivation to a sense of anxiety.

Crystals each have a unique colour and vibrational frequency that connects to our energy field. By doing so, crystals can resolve blockages, balance our chakras, transform negative energy into positive, and a variety of other healing powers.

According to crystal healers, just being near a crystal with the right energetic properties can potentially solve a problem you’re experiencing. Whether you’re feeling anxious, down on luck, lacking creativity or having trouble sleeping, there are crystals that may help. Crystals can also strengthen our intentions and amplify positive thought patterns.

Step 1: Choosing a Crystal

A collection of tumbled crystals in a bowl

There’s no right or wrong option when choosing a crystal. While certain crystals are aligned with specific goals or Chakras, always choose one that you feel has a positive energy.

With that said, it makes sense to choose a crystal with energetic properties that match your intentions and goals. I’ve listed ten of the best beginner crystals further down the page, and these are a great place to start. If you feel drawn to a different type of crystal, that’s fine too!

I’ve also written an in-depth guide to choosing the right crystal, which you can read by clicking here.

Once you know the type of crystal you want, the next decision is which form to buy. While a crystal always has the same spiritual, energetic and healing properties, your experience can vary depending on how it’s physically prepared.

The three most common options are:

  • Raw Crystals – A raw crystal is one that hasn’t been tumbled, cut or polished. They are often cheaper, but many people prefer the natural appearance. Raw crystals are also available in a wide range of sizes.
  • Cut Crystals – Crystals are often cut into shapes, such as points, wands, cubes, pyramids or hearts. The shape doesn’t change the fundamental properties of a crystal, but may affect how it feels to you. Spheres, for example, create a gentle energy that radiates in all directions. In contrast, pyramids focus a “beam” of energy.
  • Tumbled Crystals – Tumbled crystals are a small and polished alternative to cut crystals, making them great for carrying in a pocket or bag. They are often cheaper than cut crystals and are perfect for getting started.

Step 2: Cleansing Your Crystal

Once you’ve chosen your crystal, cleansing is the next step. This removes existing energies and gives you a clean slate to work with.

Salt water is the best way to cleanse a stone. Either let the crystal soak in the sea or mix salt with water, and leave for anywhere between 1-24 hours.

If you prefer not to immerse your crystal in water, place it in a glass bowl that’s buried in salt or rice to protect it from direct contact. Amethyst geodes are another effective method, as placing your crystal inside one for 24-48 hours will cleanse it.

After cleansing, you should ensure that your crystal is safely stored. I’ve written a full guide to this here.

Note: Some crystals shouldn’t get wet. Make sure you check whether your crystal can be submerged, and use the glass bowl or Amethyst geode methods if it’s not suitable for water.

Step 3: Programming & Setting Intentions

Setting intentions with a crystal

Programming is ‘informing’ the crystal of your intention or desire. This makes it more powerful and effective.

To program a crystal, hold it in your left hand (or right if you are left-handed) and quieten your mind. Ensure your intention is for the highest good, and clearly state your specific purpose.

It’s advisable to keep the crystal with you for a few days to help strengthen and remind you of the focus.

Step 4: Gain the Benefits!

You’ve now chosen a crystal that matches your goals or problems, cleansed it of negative energies, and programmed it with your intentions. It’s time to gain the wonderful benefits of your new crystal.

While some people prefer to physically touch a crystal, this isn’t necessary for it to interact with your energy field. You can place it in your house or office, wear it as jewellery, or carry it in your bag, depending on your intentions. Many people also use crystals during meditation or yoga.

Step 5: Storing and Recharging Your Crystal

Recharging a crystal is important

If you’re buying polished stones, it’s a good idea to prevent them rubbing and damaging the exterior. One way to protect their energies is to wrap them in a silk cloth or place in drawstring bags.

For more fragile or expensive stones, I prefer a little wooden trinket box or small set of drawers. This also protects the crystals from fading in sunlight.

It’s also important to periodically recharge your crystal. There’s no set time for this, so recharge your crystal whenever you feel it’s necessary.

The best way to charge your crystal is by using sun or moon light. Place it in direct light for at least 24 hours to re-fill with positive energy.

You can also charge a crystal by surrounding it with a circle of other crystals, again for 24 hours. If you wish to charge with earth energy, place your crystal in the soil for a similar length of time.

Now you know how to use crystals, here my top 10 crystal recommendations for beginners.

Which are the Best Stones & Crystals for Beginners?

Smoky quartz untumbled

1. Smoky Quartz (Stone of Cooperation)

Colour: Light to Dark Smokey Grey/Brown
Chakra: Root Chakra
Origin: Worldwide

Smoky Quartz is a powerful grounding stone that’s a great choice for beginners. It has a strong stabilising energy that brings your awareness into the “now,” while releasing feelings of insecurity and negative emotions.

It also balances your first chakra. So, by keeping you firmly rooted, it encourages you to let go of unhelpful thoughts.

If you need to keep a clear head, let go of negativity, or just want to feel more comfortable in a situation, Smoky Quartz is an excellent first crystal.

Note: Smoky Quartz can also cleanse the environment from electromagnetic stress and is useful during a detox.

Tip for Using Smoky Quartz: Wear Smoky Quartz in your jewellery to protect from negative energies throughout the day.

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Carnelian

2. Carnelian (Stone of Creativity, Motivation, Endurance, Leadership and Courage)

Colour: Orange, Red
Chakra: Sacral, Root
Origin: India, Romania, USA, Peru, Britain, Czech Republic, Iceland, Slovakia, Brazil

Carnelian is a wonderful crystal for encouraging self-expression. It heals and boosts the second chakra and allows your creative passions to flow, so it’s great for artistic pursuits.

It can also motivate you to move forward with a project, even when you’re feeling a little timid, by inspiring you with confidence and trust.

If you’re feeling fearful or your emotions are running amok, Carnelian, with its warm hues of sunset, will calm you.

Note: Carnelian is also useful for fertility and sexual confidence.

Tip for Using Carnelian: Place Carnelian on your chest to reignite passion into your love life.

Citrine jewel

3. Citrine (The Lucky Merchants Stone)

Colour: Yellow, ranging from pale to honey or even brown.
Chakra: Solar Plexus, but also activates the Crown Chakra
Origin: Brazil, Russia, France, Madagascar, UK, USA

Citrine is a “must have” beginner’s crystal, as it reflects positive energy into your environment for an all-round boost to emotions and thoughts. It also doesn’t accumulate negative energy, so Citrine is a brilliant stone whether you’re promoting a new business or working on personal development.

Additionally, this is a powerful stone for abundance and luck as it teaches how to attract success. Just be sure you know what you’re buying, as the more common Amethyst is often sold in place of natural Citrine.

Note: Citrine is often used for raising self-esteem and is believed to be helpful for overcoming depression, anxiety and phobias.

Tip for Using Citrine: Wear Citrine in jewellery on your fingers or near your throat.

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Rose Quartz

4. Rose Quartz (Stone of Unconditional Love)

Colour: Pink
Chakra: Heart
Origin: USA, Japan, India, Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, Argentina, Mexico

Rose Quartz is the ultimate crystal for love. Whether you wish to attract a romantic partner, strengthen an existing relationship, or instil a sense of self-love, it’s a powerful crystal for beginners.

You can amplify this romantic energy by having a piece of Rose Quartz in the shape of a heart. It’s a lovely gift for friends or a romantic partner.

Note: The strong feminine energy of Rose Quartz can be used when working on forgiveness, compassion and resolving negative emotions.

Tip for Using Rose Quartz: Place a piece of Rose Quartz near your heart when meditating for an extra boost in self-love.

Lapis Lazuli

5. Lapis Lazuli (Stone of Friendship, Truth and Total Awareness)

Colour: Deep Blue
Chakra: Throat
Origin: Afghanistan, Russia, USA, Chile, Egypt, Middle East

Lapis Lazuli’s rich blue colour opens the 5th chakra and looks particularly lovely in jewellery. It encourages you to take control of your life and improves judgement.

As a stone of truth, Lapis Lazuli helps you express your feelings, while teaching you to trust your intuition. This makes it a lovely stone for boosting creativity.

Note: Lapis Lazuli is a popular stone for empaths and used to awaken your divine purpose.

Tip for Using Lapis Lazuli: As Lapis Lazuli supports and balances the throat chakra, wear it in a necklace to maximise its effects.

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Amethyst

6. Amethyst (Stone of Spirituality, Contentment and Meditation)

Colour: Purple to Lavender
Chakra: Crown and Third Eye
Origin: USA, Mexico, Canada, Russia, India, Sri Lanka, Britain, Brazil, Uruguay, Siberia, Africa

Most people are familiar with Amethyst, but don’t be misled into thinking this is just a stone for decoration.

Amethyst supports both the 6th and 7th chakra, and vibrates at a high frequency. This contributes to its remarkable energy healing properties. It also connects with your subconscious while you’re sleeping, to promote intuition whilst protecting your energy field.

It’s a very spiritual gemstone and is wonderful to use when meditating. It’s both calming and gentle and will help reveal your uniqueness.

Note: Amethyst has been used for healing for centuries, and is particularly popular for treating anxiety, stress and headaches. It’s also good for boosting psychic ability.

Tip for Using Amethyst: Amethyst worn as jewellery is most effective, so look for pendants, rings and bracelets.

Quartz

7. Clear Quartz (The Master Healer)

Colour: Clear
Chakra: Crown
Origin: Worldwide

If you’re only going to have one crystal, it has to be Clear Quartz. It’s arguably the most adaptable crystal, as it can be programmed for any purpose. Clear Quartz also has powerful healing and energy amplifying properties.

This is a great stone for setting clear intentions. Remember to cleanse it as its very absorbent.

Note: Clear Quartz is a perfect accompaniment when connecting with angels and working to expand consciousness. It’s also a brilliant crystal for balancing all of your Chakras.

Tip for Using Clear Quartz: Hold a piece of Clear Quartz in your hand when setting an intention.

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Tiger's Eye

8. Tiger’s Eye (Stone of the Mind)

Colour: Brown, Yellow, Red
Chakra: Solar Plexus, Sacral, Root
Origin: Mexico, USA, South Africa, Australia, India, Brazil

Tiger’s Eye is another popular stone due to its striking appearance. The name is appropriate, as it gives you courage to move forward and achieve targets. Many people also find Tiger’s Eye healing properties to have a calming effect during hectic moments.

By supporting the lower three Chakras, Tiger’s Eye is good for grounding. It connects you with the strong earth energies, boosts self-confidence and encourages growth.

It’s also a fabulous crystal for amplifying the energies of other stones, making it a good addition to any beginner crystal collection.

Note: Tiger’s Eye can be used to regain focus after astral travelling.

Tip for Using Tiger’s Eye: Hold Tiger’s Eye when meditating or wear it in jewellery.

Green Jade

9. Green Jade (The Lucky Charm and Sovereign for Harmony)

Colour: Green
Chakra: Heart
Origin: Mexico, Russia, Guatemala, Myanmar, USA, China

Green Jade is a heart-centred stone that many people find brings a sense of serenity to a stressful modern world. It’s also thought to encourage prosperity and happiness.

These characteristics, combined with Green Jade’s ability to create stability in your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self, make it an excellent all-round balancer.

It’s also an amulet for friendship, works to dispel negativity and is thought to bring luck when travelling. So, make sure you bring Green Jade on your next trip.

Note: Green Jade is used as a ‘dream stone’ and for creating magic.

Tip for Using Green Jade: Wear Green Jade as a pendant to energise your heart centre.

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Hematite stone

10. Hematite (Stone for the Mind)

Colour: Silver, Black, Red With Metallic Sheen
Chakra: Root
Origin: Italy, Britain, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Brazil

I have included Hematite as a stone for beginners, as it’s important to remain emotionally stable when working with crystals.

Hematite absorbs toxic emotions like stress and worry. This helps you maintain mental clarity, boosts willpower and soothes negative thought patterns.

It’s also one of the strongest stones for grounding and will help you remain positive when around negatively draining people (especially those who may find your interest in crystals threatening.)

Note: Due to its strength, Hematite is often believed to be useful when overcoming addictions. It’s also great when jetlagged.

Tip for Using Hematite: Wear Hematite in jewellery that’s in contact with your skin. Make sure you cleanse it regularly though.

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Person holding a crystal

Other Tips for Getting The Most Out of Crystals & Stones

I briefly discussed how to use crystals earlier in this article, but there are many other techniques and tips to try. Here are some examples:

  • Crystals are beautiful to look at, so place them around your home to benefit everyone who lives there.
  • Carry your chosen healing stone in your pocket to maintain the positive benefits wherever you go. If you know you’re going to spend time with negative people, for example, then a tumble stone with a strong protective energy would be perfect.
  • When wearing crystal jewellery, keep it close to its primary Chakra or near your heart centre.
  • Crystal elixirs, made using spring water, can elicit a different type of response to a particular crystal.
  • Meditating with your chosen crystal will deepen your practice. Either hold it in your hand or place it near you during the session.
  • If you place a crystal under your pillow when you go to bed at night, or place it on your bedside table, you can benefit from its energy whilst you sleep.
  • Use crystals wands to remove negativity from your aura.
  • Make a crystal grid to boost vibrational energies. Grids are a powerful technique that everyone should try once they’ve learned the basics.
  • Ornaments carved out of crystals can magnify their energy. These are more expensive, but can also make wonderful decorations.
Angel Grotto Angel Icon

Which Angels are Associated With Learning Crystal Healing?

Time and patience are required when learning any new skill. The Angels know this and will support and guide us. The Angels I invoke are:

  • Archangel Metatron – for new beginnings
  • Archangel Gabriel – to develop powers of intuition
  • Archangel Ariel – for manifesting and psychic skills
  • Archangel Haniel – The Grace of God

Summary

I’ve chosen the ten crystals above because they are easy to work with, widely available and provide a good cross section of energies. They also balance and support each of the seven Chakras, so there should be a good option whatever your goals.

Most importantly, trust your intuition and start slowly. No matter how big or small a crystal is, the vibrational energy will be felt. You can’t use a crystal wrong, so do what feels right.

Surround yourself with their uplifting energy and embrace the experience!

My favourite crystal when I was starting out was Rose Quartz. It has such a wonderfully gentle energy that it made me fall in love with using crystals for healing. For an all-purpose crystal, you can’t go wrong with Clear Quartz.

Mary Ancillette

About the Author: Mary Ancillette

Mary is a spiritual teacher, published author and crystal healing expert from the UK. With over 15 years of crystal healing experience, she’s passionate about helping others improve their lives by harnessing the power of crystals and spirituality.

6 thoughts on “10 Best Crystals for Beginners – A Basic Guide to the Essential Healing Stones”

  1. If you were to wear several different Crystal jewelry would they effect each other and their healing properties ? Or will it effect your energy?

    Reply
    • Hi Tasia, thank you for your comment.

      You can use different crystals together. They each vibrate at their own energy, and don’t negate the healing effect of one another. The key is to choose ones that align with your intention.

      If you’re drawn more to one or two specific crystal, listen to this. If you find a combination of crystals energies are getting a little overpowering, you can always lessen the effect by removing some.

      Reply
  2. Thanks for outlining the importance of choosing a crystal with energetic properties that match your intentions and goals. I have been feeling pretty out of it the last couple of weeks and I’ve been looking for ways to improve my mood and heal my energy. I will be sure to look for a good crystal retail shop near me so that I can start my journey towards energy healing.

    Reply
    • Hi Raid, thank you so much for your comment. Yamani agate is also known as Yemini, or akik (aqeeq). It has a beautiful warm energy and absorbs the suns rays. This crystal is wonderful for bringing joy to your Heart, lifting sadness and depression. It also improves concentration and inspires creative talents. This is a lovely stone for giving a sense of security. Love and blessings, Mary

      Reply

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