A definitive guide to crystals for beginners (and 10 healing stones to add to your collection)

It’s no surprise that there’s been an almost gravitational pull towards alternative methods of healing our mind, body, and spirit over the last number of years. Since the pandemic, many have been seeking a way to harness a sense of calm, a feeling of being grounded and free from anxiety and stress. From plant power and natural remedies to steadily building crystal collections, we try our hand at trusting in nature, and hoping that a celestial being or higher power will guide us through those rougher patches.

Crystal healing is an ancient tradition that takes a holistic approach to restoring our wellbeing, connecting mind, body and spirit with a view to raising our energy vibrations to a higher plane. An integral aspect of our self-care process, crystals speak to our collective quest to find deeper meaning.

Whether you’ve somehow amassed a collection of crystals you’re not quite sure what to do with, or you want to challenge your inner cynic, we got the lowdown from resident Green Witch Fiona Gorman — the manage of Amber Gift Shop in Galway city — who describes herself as someone who finds solace in nature and the energy of the universe.

An expert in crystals and Oracle cards, Fiona furnished us with a definitive guide to crystals for beginners. From knowing what to do with your crystal palm stones and pendants, tumbled stones and towers, to the top ten crystals every collection needs, welcome to Crystals 101…

Crystal healing is an alternative medicine technique that employs stones and crystals. Many methods involve the practitioner placing crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to chakras; or else the practitioner places crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an energy grid, which is purported to surround the client with healing energy.

Fiona describes crystals as an integral part of the earth, so she finds connection there. A few of her favourite crystals would be Labradorite, a beautiful dark rainbow that aids intuition, meditation and energy protection; Moss Agate, for tranquillity and emotional balance; and Celestite, for inner peace and higher consciousness.

“Whether you believe in the power of crystals or not,” Fiona says. “They can be a great physical aid in times of need. Whether you are going through grief, change or trying to reach a goal, it’s nice to be able to hold something beautiful and be kind to yourself.”

Here’s her advice…

• Keep the crystal near you to get the most of its healing benefits. You can do this by wearing them as jewellery, keeping them in your pocket or purse, or by sleeping with one under your pillow at night.
• By keeping them in rooms of your home, this ensures that the room and the house will receive the crystals’ benefits. Having a large Amethyst or Rose Quartz piece in your communal areas will help keep peace in the home.
• To ensure you continue to get the healing effects of the crystal, you will need to cleanse and recharge them from time to time. Generally, the more the crystals are used, the more cleansing it requires. Daily crystals that you wear as jewellery would need to be cleansed a lot more than crystals you meditate with casually.
• You can clean them with white sage smoke, sunlight, moonlight, water and soil. Always double check on Google or in crystal guides which crystals can be cleaned in particular ways, as some crumble in water or fade in sunlight.
• You can recharge your crystals on the night of the Full Moon and New Moon which are always two weeks after each other every month.

TOP TEN CRYSTALS

Amethyst

Known as “the all purpose stone”, Amethyst is a protective stone that helps to relieve stress and anxiety in your life. Amethyst is used for spiritual healing, calmness, and wisdom.

Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz is known as the master healer of crystals. Clear Quartz helps promote a clear, calm mind. It can help with emotional stability, and is popular in meditation and restorative work. One of the best things about the crystal is that it can be combined with almost every crystal to help amplify its power.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is known as the crystal of unconditional love. It makes for a great gift to anyone who you love, as it fosters romance, friendship, and familial love. It’s also perfect for some who needs self-love in their life. Rose Quartz can also help to comfort in times of grief

Selenite

Selenite is typically used for clearing heavy, blocked energy both on people and in rooms. For this reason you can often find it in polished forms like wands and rods. Selenite also vibrates so highly that it doesn’t retain negative energies. Therefore it doesn’t need to be cleansed by sage or moonlight.

Citrine

Citrine is associated with positivity and optimism. Citrine is a great crystal to help manifest the life that you want, as well as mental clarity and happiness. Citrine is often called a sunshine crystal due to its positive effects.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a crystal that connects to the lower chakras, which means it can offer stability and confidence. Carnelian can enhance self-esteem and creativity and combat feelings of inadequacy. It is a great crystal for supporting relationships and pairs well with Rose Quartz.

Tiger’s Eye

Tiger’s Eye is an energising crystal that helps muster inner strength and increases willpower. It is also linked with confidence and self-esteem. Many ancient cultures believed that Tiger’s Eye was great for good fortune and material wealth.

Pyrite

Pyrite is most commonly known as Fool’s Gold. Traditionally, Pyrite is known as a crystal of luck, helping to attract abundance, wealth and prosperity. It can also be a protective stone while still allowing positivity to come in.

Labradorite

Labradorite is an excellent crystal for helping you to tap into your own intuition. Because of this, it is also helpful in promoting your imaginations and creativity. It is also said to bring out the best in people and to promote friendliness.

Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline is one of the most popular crystals for protection. Many people use Black Tourmaline to keep negative energies from other people at bay. It is also known for its ability to keep you grounded and in your body if you are an over thinker.

Amber Gift Shop is located at 18 Mary Street, Galway. They’ve got two other locations in Westport and Drogheda. You can also order online from their website.

Featured image via Edz Norton on Unsplash. Individual crystal imagery provided by Amber.

This article was originally published in March 2023