Crystal Fundamentals: A List of the 8 Best Crystals for Beginners

So, you’ve decided to embark on a journey of self-awareness and personal growth, to take command of your life and realize your dreams. And, you’ve come to know that including the powerful energy of will bring added dimension and meaning into this process. Each crystal carries its own unique set of features and characteristics, tailored to a specific purpose to help you gain clarity on your intentions and manifest your goals. There are so many different ways crystals can be incorporated into our lives and our lifestyles. But, where to begin?

This process is sure to be enlightening, but it can also be daunting. Mother Earth offers a bounty of natural power and energy, with thousands of different types of stones and crystals – seemingly one for every human emotion and condition. Fear not, as with everything, we will start at the beginning with a list of the . I wish someone would have saved me a little time and given me an easy-to-understand short cut to the best beginner crystals back when I was getting started. They didn’t then, but I will now! I’m happy to share with you the experience and insights I’ve gained over the last 30 years working with crystals.  Here is my guide to what I believe are the eight best foundational crystals and their meaning for beginners.

An Introduction to Beginner Crystals – Your Must-Have List 

If you are new to the wide and wonderful world of crystals and looking to start your own collection, here are the eight best crystals for beginners. This list will provide you with a solid foundation as you start your personal journey, helping you work toward setting clear goals, shielding and uplifting your energy, attracting love and abundance, elevating your inner knowing, and staying positive and resilient as you explore and embrace all aspects of your life.    

1. : The Neutralizer

Shungite helps to neutralize the harmful effects of Electro Magnetic Frequencies (EMFs) that are emitted from all the technology that saturates our daily lives – everything from cell phones and computers to machinery and televisions. Over time, our human bodies absorb this frenetic energy – like static drowning out our thoughts and gremlins mucking up our systems. Placing a in high-tech areas with elevated levels of EMFs can neutralize the impact, helping you feel better, think more clearly and stay motivated. The pyramid shape is important, with the bottom of the pyramid serving as a solid, Earthly foundation and its tip representing a reach toward higher realms of consciousness.

2. : The Purifier

Selenite is for cleansing and clarity, not only for a particular space or environment, but for your own personal energy as well. If you are feeling discouraged, lethargic or just stuck, Selenite can help clear away the cobwebs to reset and reenergize, and brighten your spirits. Its high vibrations will keep a room or area uplifted by directly combating any source of low or negative energy (even ghosts or spirits).  Not only do I start every day by meditating with a , I place it in every room of my home –  on a windowsill, under a couch, on a nightstand or in a drawer. One of my favorite things to do is place a piece of Selenite somewhere I have recently purged items and reorganized (like a pantry or closet) as a reminder to keep things clean, simple and uncluttered.

3. : The Confidence-Booster

Pyrite is the stone of wealth and abundance. It can help resolve and remove anything that might be preventing you from realizing your true value and potential. We often can’t attract the things we seek because we are trapped in a cycle of defeatism and negativity, held back by thoughts that we are unworthy and undeserving. The glittering gold strands imbedded in Pyrite remind us that streaks of gold reside within us all – that we have the power to shift our thinking to reprogram our mindset from pessimism to optimism, to turn every little glimmer of hope into a ray of sunshine, and make every opportunity a golden opportunity. Connect with a to elevate your confidence, to know your worth, and know you’re worthy.  

4. : The Elevator

Get in touch with your inner knowing. Interestingly, Amethyst is often the first crystal most beginners are drawn to. Its purple color is the color of royalty, of higher learning, of an elevated spirit. We work with Amethyst when we want to evolve to a higher place, indulge in a curiosity of spirit, to see with our third eye, listen to our gut instinct and raise our intuition. The cluster formations of amethyst bring a high and potent resonance, allowing us to filter out confusion and the things that no longer serve us so we can pursue our goals with clarity, intention and peace of mind. is an absolute must for any crystal collection. 

5. : The Problem-Solver

Aragonite is the perfect stone when you are faced with an obstacle and need a break-through. Its formation of star-shaped clusters and bursts of movement help expand the mind, opening pathways to see things through a different lens or from a new perspective. We all encounter roadblocks or deterrents in our lives that must be overcome, but we know there is growth in the struggle. This is how we evolve, adapt, get better and become stronger. Tapping the power of an gives us the confidence to persist and endure, knowing there is always a way through, a way around, or a way up and over.

6. : The Protector

Think of Black Tourmaline as a soldier standing guard, always at the ready to shield and protect against any dark and negative energy. It is black in color and just looks like a formidable presence. I like to place a piece of Black Tourmaline outside my front door, like a watch dog for my home. You can also use this stone for protection when undergoing health issues or during moments when you are feeling especially vulnerable. Take a piece of with you when you travel through crowded places to protect against any unwelcome energy from others, or when you need to keep your mood positive and uplifted against negative forces.

7. : The Love Magnet

Rose Quartz is a love magnet – it helps attract love, keep love, show love, and elevate yourself to a place of love. Channel its soft nurturing pink energy to be motivated by love in everything you do. Love is the most powerful and ubiquitous force on Earth. Let a be your guide and inspiration. Be intentional about how you incorporate love in all aspects of your life – how you talk to people, how you talk to yourself, how you engage with the ones you love, how you support and empathize with others, how you embrace life and actively work to see the beauty in everything that surrounds you. If you can emit and project this kind of love out into the universe, you will attract this same love back…and then some!   

8. : The Manifester

Clear Quartz shines a bright light on your visions and purpose. It has powerful qualities that can help clarify and crystalize what it is you want in life, and from life. It represents purity, patience and perseverance. It is one of the most versatile and powerful of all the crystals, whether it’s used to help stay focused and clear-headed on a particular task, or as an integral part of a more profound spiritual journey. It can even boost the energy of other crystals it is paired with. Use the healing energy of a to point a beam of light toward your dreams and then make them happen – unhindered, clear in mind, intentional in purpose and pure in spirit.

We all seek to be the best versions of ourselves, to fulfill our potential and lead well-rounded, rewarding lives. I hope you find this list helpful and provides a powerful grouping of crystals to get you started on a life-long journey of self-realization and spiritual well-being.