Beginning your journey with crystals...
- Nat
- Aug 14
- 19 min read
Updated: Aug 19
If you are new to working with crystals it can be a bit over whelming knowing where to start. Even a small local crystal shop can have over 50 different stones to pick from! Don't worry- I'm going to help you navigate this so you'll be confident before you even walk in the door.
There is a photo gallery at the bottom of the page to show you different examples of the stones talked about.
Understanding the basics
Having a bit of a foundation is going to help you on your crystal journey, expanding your knowledge on how these things work is going to make it a lot easier as you begin.
First of all; what is a crystal? Isn't it just a fancy word for a rock?
While most people would simply lump crystals in the same category as, "just a rock" that isn't exactly accurate. Crystals are specific types of minerals which often form geometric shapes with repeating atomic structures and are highly ordered. While stones or rocks are also naturally occurring they are solid masses made of one or more minerals which can contain crystals.
Crystals have a uniqueness about them since they are made up of geometric shapes and have order to them. This is what gives crystals their "magic." Have you ever heard of sacred geometry? The shapes in which microscopically give crystals their structure is based on the same principals and shapes as sacred geometry. We will get into sacred geometry in a more detailed post in the future. While rocks are still special they are solid masses and aren't made up of this orderly geometric pattern.
Now that we have a better understanding of what a crystal is let's talk about how to categorize them. Much like herbs and plants there are thousands of types of crystals. Knowing how crystals are classified will help you when you begin getting into more advanced energy work. If you are looking for a crystal to help you with anxiety you'll easily find over 100 different ones that fall into that wheelhouse. Knowing the classification and the properties of a family of crystals will help you narrow down the kind of energy you work best with or if you do energy work for other people you can also use this knowledge to help narrow down the crystals to use for clients based on their personal energy.
You may feel some of this information isn't needed or necessary and while I agree; you can skip all of this and go straight to the shop to pick out a stone and wear it to receive some instant benefits . I can also promise you that you will have a better experience if you expand your knowledge and really build a relationship with the crystals you are working with. It is the same with herbs. Sure, you can go purchase some hibiscus tea on Amazon and I'm sure it will lower your blood pressure without you needing to know anything about the plant. What I focus on isn't instant gratification or a quick fix- I focus on helping you understand the connection between you and what you are working with and how to build that deep life force energy with the things you incorporate into your life and spiritual practice. The courses I am putting together are meant to help you build your intuition and go beyond the surface level; something that is lost in today's time. With that said let's continue and learn how crystals are classified.
There are 7 crystal systems- these are based on the crystals internal structure (the highly ordered atoms we mentioned in the beginning) as well as their chemical/physical properties.
The 7 systems are:
-Cubic (Isometric)
-Tetragonal
-Hexagonal
-Trigonal
-Orthorhombic
-Monoclinic
-Triclinic
We will go into more details about the 7 systems and how to work with them as we get into other detailed crystal classes. Right now we are focusing on the simple basics to build our foundation.
The next way crystals are categorized is by their physical/chemical properties.
-Insulators
-Semiconductors
-Metals
-Molecular solids
-Ionic crystals
-Covalent crystals
- Metallic crystals
These different aspects will have a large role to play when you really get into working with crystals on a deeper level. For now I only want you to hear the categories and later in the more advanced class we will learn more about this and how to work with this knowledge in our practice.
Another way crystals are categorized is by their appearance/state they are "processed" in. This is what I recommend learning first because most shops both in person and online will group their crystals based on these different aspects. Knowing the difference in these forms will be important when you start building your collection. You will have a better experience and feel more confident if you know these terms before you begin purchasing.
-Raw or natural: This one to me is super important. As with most things there are imitations in the crystal world as well. Many shops (online and in person) have man made stones. While these can still be used in certain situations it is best to be aware of what you are purchasing. I will be doing a small class on this in the future to help you be able to tell the difference as well as when it would be a good idea to use a man made stone. Just because it isn't 100% natural doesn't make it completely useless. Raw and natural stones are found in nature and are not made in a lab. These are uncut, unpolished, and are in their natural state the way they were found.
Tumbled or polished: These are natural stones that have been polished or tumbled in a crystal tumbler to make them appear more flawless. While I personally enjoy working with raw crystals it is still beneficial to have tumbled/polished ones as well. It really depends on what you are doing with it. If you are wearing a rose quartz pendant for example it would be best to have it tumbled for aesthetic reasons plus durability. The energy may be a little different with tumbled vs raw and we will go over that in one of the more advanced classes.
Gem Grade / Jewel Grade: This is where you get into the higher end class of crystals. This won't be too big of a factor in the beginning for most people but as you grow your collection and get deeper into your practice this will be knowledge that can be useful. Maybe you would like a really high end piece of jewelry using your favorite stone; that is when the gem grade will be important to know. We will get into that in a future class as well.
Organic VS inorganic gems: In this case organic means something living was involved. Examples would be coral, fossils, amber, jet, ivory, and shell to give a few examples. This is important for some people because they prefer to find these types of crystals on their own vs purchasing to ensure no harm was done. Some people in the vegan community also would like to understand this information because they may choose to not work with this type of organic material at all in their practice. It depends on your individual preferences and what you prefer to do.
HOW DO CRYSTALS WORK?
First of all crystals aren't a one-fix solution to life's troubles, but a tool to help aid us when we need a little extra boost. We also don't have to use crystals, we are already enough and everything we need is inside of us. While I love crystals and working with them I won't ever imply that you must have them in order to heal or to do certain things. Your own mind and your own energy is all you really need for the majority of things but working with the natural elements and resources that have been gifted to us by the Universe is always special and exciting. It can help us deepen our connection when we have something physical to hold and to have in our presence.
There are people that believe in energy and then there are people that don't understand it. Not understanding it doesn't make it non-existent. Keep that in mind when you are moving along on your journey. Some may discourage you and act like what you are doing is silly or non-sense or maybe even say it is make believe. Let them believe what they want to but their lack of understanding doesn't make your experience, feelings, or beliefs untrue. You get to decide for yourself what feels accurate and what doesn't.
While there isn't scientific evidence to back up the healing properties of stones there is definitely proof in frequencies and energy.
It's a known fact that everything- including our own bodies- is made up of energy vibrating at different frequencies.
Our words, thoughts, music, food, drinks, the things we watch, the people we are around, the things we see, the things we touch, seriously every single thing is either raising our vibration or lowering it.
It is believed that the higher we raise our vibration the more in tune we are with positive energies, higher consciousness, and spiritual awareness. The higher those things are the greater we experience personal power, clarity, peace, love, and life as a whole.
This is where crystals come in.
The average person has a frequency of 7.5 Hz while clear quartz for example is typically at 32 Hz or higher.
When we are within a certain radius of crystals or wear them as jewelry we can tap into that energy and therefore raise our own vibration.
The other cool thing is that each type of stone or crystal
has its own metaphysical properties too!
If you are wanting to ease anxiety and stress the energy of purple stones, especially amethyst can help.
If you are wanting to bring in more money and luck then green or gold stones can help.
If you are needing more grounding and protection from negativity try incorporating the energy of black stones.
We will go further into which crystals are recommended for specific things as more classes/courses are created and added to the website.
SELECTING YOUR FIRST CRYSTALS
Some people prefer to purchase their crystals in person, this allows them to feel the energy of the stones. While others are capable of feeling the energy from a distance and can shop online.
Either way is fine, whatever you are most comfortable with is best.
Finding a reliable source that you trust and are happy with is most important.
You don't want your first experiences to be negative ones.
Whether it is an in person shop or an online source I would make sure you enjoy the experience. If you get a weird vibe from a shop online or in person then don't feel obligated to purchase from them. There are so many options and places to choose from that you don't have to settle. We will be opening our online crystal shop soon if you would like to purchase from us. I also have recommendations for in person shopping I'll be posting soon.
Remember we already talked about the different classifications of crystals, but as a beginner I would say the main thing to remember is the difference between raw and tumbled. This will be the first decision you will make once you decide on the crystal you are interested in.
Do you want to work with it in its raw or polished form?
Raw- A crystal in its natural state.
Tumbled- A crystal that has been polished.
Which is better?
It really depends on your preference and what you like best.
Sometimes the raw version can be a little more fragile and more prone to breaking. In my experience the energy is more individualized based on the raw crystal more so than when they are polished. It seems like polished ones have a similar tamed or calmer energy compared to the same variety in raw form. This is from my own experience; you may feel differently.
Depending on how you will be working with that particular crystal the most will determine which form you should go with. If you aren't too sure you can wait and decide on tumbled or raw when you are making a purchase and use your intuition to get the feeling from the stones. If your budget allows I would say get one of each forms because having both options is always a great benefit. This isn't always a financial option though.
Let's get started!
Based on my experience working in a crystal shop I have found that a simple way to begin working with crystals is to start with no more than four.
Four gives you a variety while not being too expensive or too much to work with.
Let's go over the four I recommend when first starting out.
YOUR INTUITION
For your first crystal I highly recommend you use your intuition to guide you.
Most of the time the things we are drawn to are the things we need in that moment. Don't worry about the purpose of any of the stones at this time. Simply look at them, hold them (if you are in person), and do your best to connect with their energy without over thinking. See if you feel an energetic pull, a little tingle, or a nudge in your gut saying, "this one!"
DON'T OVER THINK OR FORCE ANYTHING!
It may take some time, especially if you don't have a lot of confidence in your own intuition or if you are a naturally indecisive person.
We can work on this over time, so no need to stress. If you don't feel that, "I have to get this one!" type of feeling, then simply go to the next crystal on the list. When the time is right you'll come across the one that is meant for you in that moment.
The following are included in the top 25 I recommend for building a crystal collection and are great for beginners or people that have been working with crystals for years.
SELENITE
I'm recommending Selenite for the second crystal because it's known for its purifying properties and is used for cleansing and charging other crystals. This stone has an outstandingly high vibration while allowing the user to feel grounded, centered, and calm.
Selenite is named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene.
Here is another really cool fact, Selenite is the crystal with the slowest growth!
It forms at an incredibly slow rate, equivalent to the thickness of one hair every 100 years!
WAYS TO BEGIN WORKING WITH SELENITE
You can use Selenite to:
-Cleanse and charge your crystals
-Cleanse your aura
-Balance your chakras
-Boost affirmations and for manifestation
-Assist with meditation
-It can also be used to help release old emotional beliefs that can hold us back.
-Selenite is great for energy healers who would like to direct positive energy into the body.
It can help fill the body with a pure high vibration energy.
-This stone is extremely protective, it can help you make better decisions when it comes to your health on all levels.
Things to keep in mind:
This stone is delicate and will break down if exposed to moisture!
CLEAR QUARTZ:
For the third crystal, I'm recommending clear quartz.
It is known to be one of the most essential stones to have. Clear quartz is known as, "the master healer."
It is also known to amplify energy as well as the potency of other crystals. Whatever intentions you pour into your clear quartz typically will come out tenfold.
Clear Quartz Comes from the Greek word for ice!
Another little tidbit:
Quartz crystals are used in electronics to transfer mechanical energy into an electrical sign or digital electrical signal into mechanical movement, like watches and clocks!
WAYS TO BEGIN WORKING WITH CLEAR QUARTZ.
-Clear Quartz can assist in healing any condition.
It aims to provide higher energy levels, boost the immune system, and balance the body as a whole.
-They are strong for protection & are believed to shield against spiritual/energetic negativity.
-Used to amplify the energy of your other stones.
-Raise your frequency and can help you to connect to your higher self.
-Often used to filter out distractions & help with focus.
-Known to regulate the release of energy and bring you back to a sense of balance.
-Clear Quartz can be used to aid with memory recall.
Things to keep in mind:
Beware quartz can be used as a magnifier and if left in the sun has the potential to start a fire; especially if you have a clear quartz sphere.
A CRYSTAL FOR YOUR CURRENT NEEDS:
For the fourth crystal I am going to recommend you select from the list below based off the specific energy that crystal has and what the stone assists with. These are the most common reasons people came into other shop looking for a crystal and these are great stones to begin working with. Their energy is strong but isn't overwhelming.
AMETHYST:
Helps release stress, anxiety, and fear.
It also can ease insomnia and sleep disorders.
ROSE QUARTZ:
Unconditional love, self love, caring, kindness, and friendships.
CITRINE:
Helps pull out negative energy and is beneficial at alleviating a chaotic head space. It is also used to help with finances.
Of course these crystals can help with many other things but this is a good way to get started. We will build our connection deeper in upcoming classes.
CARING FOR YOUR CRYSTALS
Yay, you picked out your first set of crystals!
Like I said previously there are endless ways to do things. Trust your own intuition and do what feels best for you.
When working in the spiritual or metaphysical world the majority of it comes down to your own inner guidance.
Building trust within yourself is key. I personally like to cater things to the energy of my stones.
With Selenite for example- it loves the energy of the moon therefore I try to incorporate the moon as much as possible when it comes to working with my Selenite pieces.
Rose quartz on the other hand is associated with love. For my rose quartz pieces I like to take a bowl of pink sea salt and crushed dried rose petals to incorporate into cleansing and charging. You can customize things to make it more fun. I feel the more elements and details we infuse into a specific task the stronger the results will be.
Of course sometimes we don't have the patience or time to do those things and a quick method will be effective too. The main thing is to enjoy what you are doing. This is all about intentions and energy so getting stressed out by making things too complicated is going to end up defeating the purpose.
CLEANSE YOUR CRYSTALS
Crystals are said to have the ability to transmit, store, and absorb energy; because of this it is best to cleanse them frequently, especially when you first purchase them.
There are several ways to do this.
Here are a few methods.
SELENITE:
One of the reasons I list Selenite as one of the top four crystals for beginners is because it is one of the few that has the ability to cleanse itself, other crystals, people, spaces, or any other tools.
You can use a Selenite plate, wand, a few tumbled pieces, or any other form that you would like.
Simply place the crystals you would like to cleanse in a position so that they are touching the Selenite and leave them in a safe place for up to twenty four hours.
SOUND:
You can use the smoke from incense or smudges to cleanse your stones.
Simply light the incense of your choice or the smudge bundle you would like to use.
Hold the crystal in your non dominant hand, with the other hand move the incense or smudge stick in the clockwise direction around the crystal.
Do this for at least 30 seconds or until you feel it has been cleansed.
Clockwise represents negativity clearing.
Counterclockwise can charge your crystal.
VISUALIZATION:
Keep in mind you also have energy. Remember at the very beginning when we talked about how even our thoughts have a vibration or frequency? We can use that same energy to cleanse our crystals.
Get yourself centered and grounded then pick up the stone or stones you are wanting to cleanse. Imagine a bright pure white light surrounding the stones. Imagine the light getting brighter and brighter as it cleanses and removes any unwanted energy.
THE SUN OR THE MOON:
If you have stones that work well with the energy of the sun or the moon you can leave them outside or on a windowsill to cleanse. From 1 to 12 hours depending if they are outside or inside.
SUN: You could put the stones out on the day of the week that corresponds with that stone.
MOON:
Use the energy of the full moon for cleansing.
Keep in mind most stones will fade if exposed to the sunlight for too long, extended exposure to moisture can cause your stones to dissolve, and harsh temperatures can also cause the crystals to crack. Take those things into consideration to determine which method you use and the length of exposure.
SEA SALT:
Sea salt is amazing at absorbing unwanted energy.
Fill a bowl halfway with sea salt or enough to cover your crystals.
Let the crystals stay buried in the salt for 3 to 12 hours.
After you remove the crystals wipe clean with a wet cloth then pat dry.
You could add dried herbs that correspond with your stone for an extra magical boost!
Keep in mind salt draws out moisture- don't leave your crystals longer than 12 hours or it may cause damage. This method shouldn't be used on softer crystals.
THE EARTH OR DIRT:
Dirt is wonderful at taking unwanted energy and recycling it back to the earth to be used again.
Fill a bowl halfway with dirt or enough to cover your crystals.
You could also bury your crystals in your yard, just don't forget where you put them.
Let the crystals stay buried in the dirt for 3 to 12 hours. After you remove the crystals wipe clean with a wet cloth then pat dry. This works really well for stones that correspond with the Earth element.
Keep in mind dirt can hold moisture- don't leave your crystals longer than 12 hours or it may cause damage. This method shouldn't be used on softer crystals
WHEN TO CLEANSE CRYSTALS?
It is best to cleanse your crystals
-After first purchasing them.
-At least once a month even if you aren't actively using them. Their energy can become stagnant when they are left in storage.
(The full moon is the perfect time each month to do this)
-Once a week if you are wearing them or carrying them on you daily.
-After each specific use.
(energy work, spell work, crystal grids, meditation, etc)
-Anytime you feel the nudge that a crystal needs to be cleansed.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CRYSTALS
A great way to begin working with crystals is to get to know them and build a working relationship. They will have more impact in your life if you
understand them individually and connect with their energy. I say the same thing about herbs and anything else we hold sacred and spiritual.
-A great way to do this is by reading about them.
Starting a crystal notebook will also help especially when you begin to accumulate more and more crystals into your collection. It can be a challenge to remember everything off the top of your mind. You can keep a physical notebook or a digital one.
I like to include a photo of the crystal and the following information:
-A brief history along with any interesting facts
-The astrological sign associated with the stone
-The element associated to it (Fire, Water, Air, or Earth)
This information will be beneficial when you start to cleanse your crystals because you can incorporate those elements into the process
-What are the benefits of the crystal
-How to use the crystal
-Which chakras the crystal helps and how it helps
-Is the stone safe to water or sun exposure.
Some crystals break down if they are exposed to moisture for too long and will dissolve.
Most crystals will fade in color if left in the sun for extended periods of time.
Of course make your notebook your own and have fun!
This is your journey and it should be special and specific to you.
CONNECTING WITH YOUR CRYSTALS
Now that you have knowledge about your crystal let's connect with them.
Clear your mind as much as you can and hold your crystal in the palm of your hand.
Don't grip it, just let it sit on your open palm.
Close your eyes and in your mind ask your crystal to connect with you.
I know this may sound silly if it is your first time,
but with some practice and patience you will start to feel the energy of the crystal.
It can happen immediately or it can take several times over the course of days or weeks to really feel anything.
Your crystal may come to you in a dream, it may come to you in a random thought about how it wants to be used later,
or it may not do anything until you are in need of that particular energy.
Try this with each of your crystals.
You can even sleep with one under your pillow or wear it for a while to really connect.
When first starting off I recommend doing this with each crystal individually.
If you do it with all of them at one time you won't be able to determine what information is coming from which stone.
SETTING INTENTIONS AND CHARGING YOUR CRYSTALS
When you begin working with your crystals imagine them as having a blank slate. They need to know what you are wanting to have assistance with. If you don't set specific intentions and put that energy into then your results will be a little random or unnoticeable.
This will be easier to understand if we use an example. Let's say you are having a hard time with anxiety. In this case a great crystal to work with would be amethyst. To program the crystal- select the amethyst you are going to work with and hold it in your left hand.
While holding the crystal, think of the intentions you would like to put into it.
Instead of thinking about easing anxiety and stress, think of the feelings of being calm and balanced.
Remember our thoughts help to create our reality. Focus on the positive outcome and not the negative part of the situation.
You will have more success if you are putting your thoughts on what you want and not the thing you are trying to lessen.
While holding the stone, take a moment to quiet your mind and focus on what you are doing, then say out loud or in your head think,
"I am setting the intention for this stone to assist me with feeling more at ease, peace, and calmness."
There are other methods for programming or charging your crystals, this is the one that I find easiest when first starting out.
Imagine your crystals like a battery.
The more you use them the more their energy drains.
To keep your crystals at their highest frequency it is a good idea to charge them.
To do this you can use the same method you did to cleanse them only instead of putting the intentions to remove unwanted energy use the intentions for adding energy along with the intentions of what you are wanting to use the crystal for.
USING YOUR CRYSTALS
Carry the crystal with you in your pocket or wear it as jewelry.
For some crystals set with intentions that are meant for dream work or better sleep you can have them under your pillow or beside your bed.
For crystals used to help with protection you can keep in certain places of the home, vehicle, or office.
Keep in mind crystals won't solve life's troubles entirely, they are meant to be used as a tool to amplify specific energy.
It will still take some action on your side to make any changes in your life. Look at them as if they are a friend; they help you but they
aren't going to do everything on their own. Don't forget to regularly cleanse the stone you are working with and set the intentions again afterwards.
This will help to keep the energy at the highest frequency and from becoming stagnant.
Most of all try to not stress too much and use your intuition as much as possible.
You can keep things as simple or as complex as you would like.
This is your relationship with the universe and it should bring you excitement and joy!
LAST THOUGHTS:
Keep in mind crystals give off energy; when we are working with a crystal the energy is often absorbed by us. This is how we raise our frequency and use the healing properties from the stones. Sometimes you will feel this happening. It is normal and common to experience a small headache, a bit light-headed, tingling sensation, or a strange feeling that you haven't felt before. This will become less frequent as your body becomes more in tune with the frequency of the stones you are around. I can't tell you how many times someone would come to the crystal shop and talk about the effects the energy had on them. Sometimes those strange feelings aren't a negative thing, it is just your body acclimating. This is also why you may want to take caution when it comes to crystals in the bed room; too many or the wrong combination could keep you from sleeping calmly. It is trial and error because everyone is going to be different. Like always listen to your intuition and let it guide you.
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