Top 5 Beginner Crystals (that won't break the bank)

 For many people who are curious about crystals, going to a metaphysical store or looking in online shops at all the variety of specimens can be overwhelming. There's so many beautiful stones it can be hard to know what to get. Below I've listed my top 5 starter crystals that won't blow the budget. I've picked 5 versatile crystals - one for each element, to help you get your collection started with balanced energy.

1. Selenite (spirit) - The large pale white crystal in the middle is Selenite. Often found in wand like pieces as shown above, it can also be found in spheres, smaller chunks and even shaped into beautiful unicorn horns. This crystal has associations with the moon, and cleanses and balances energy. It is self clearing, meaning you do not have to cleanse its energy like you do with other crystals. This stone can be used to clear your energies and keep them balanced, and promote peace and calm. You can also place it with your other crystals to keep them cleansed and charged. 

2. Rose Quartz (water) - This pale pink stone, (upper left) is a variety of quartz, that is often sold tumbled into a smooth form. You can also get raw pieces like the one above, or get it in spheres or heart shapes and it is also popular in jewelry. It is used to promote love and harmony, and encourage friendship and romance. Place it in a pocket or bra, to encourage loving energies, or by your bedside for gently romantic nights.

3. Carnelian (fire) - A member of the agate family, this orange stone is the most popular and widely available of this crystal family. It is most commonly found tumbled, but can be gotten raw as well. This stone's colours can range from pale orange, to bright orange, to a more brown burnt orange colour. This stone gives courage and creative energy. Its a great one to wear if you are going for an interview or into a situation where you need confidence. It also can be placed in a studio, or on your desk when working on creative projects.

4. Amethyst (air) - This purple stone is another variety of quartz. It's colour ranges from pale purple, to a deep rich dark purple. Its one of the most commonly found stones in metaphysical shops, and can be found tumbled, raw, in spheres and as jewelry. Amethyst encourages psychic insights, opens up the intuition and access to higher wisdom. Place by your bedside to increase dream recall, or on your person to help you access your intuition throughout the day.

5. Black Tourmaline (earth) - This black, ridged stone looks plain and unassuming, but it is a powerful crystal spirit. Black tourmaline is a strong protector and wards off negative energy. While other black crystals like onyx, or jet absorb negative energy, tourmaline actively repels it. I recommend carrying one on your person, or placing one in your purse for protecting your energetic field, as well as placing them at the four corners of your home to guard your space against bad vibes.

I hope this gives you a place to start that is inexpensive. These five stones give a good balance of energy and will help you find which types of elemental energies you are most drawn to.