For thousands of years, people have found meaning and purpose in beautiful and enchanting stones brought up from the earth. Ancient Egyptians fitted cuts of turquoise and emerald to their amulets to evoke good health and protection, and China has long since been infatuated with the seemingly boundless healing properties of jade. The Greek coveted amethyst amulets as a cure-all for hangovers and other minor ailments, and early bishops saw agate as a way to make themselves more agreeable in the ways of God.

Across time, space, cultures and contexts, people have found ways to utilize the natural power of the earth through the stones it creates. Today, crystals present a fun and easy way to bring peace and happiness into the life of their holder. However just like people, every crystal is unique, and the sheer quantity of their applications can be daunting to any beginner enthusiast.

However, fear not! Here is a list of 5 easily obtainable crystals, and the best ways to bring out the unique healing powers of each.

1. Clear Quartz

Quartz is perhaps the easiest (and certainly the cheapest) crystal to get your hands on. While natural quartz can appear in a variety of different colors, shapes, and sizes; clear or "pure" quartz is one of the post popular and widely distributed crystals today. Dazzling and glass-like, clear quartz is known as the "master healer" of all crystals due to its wide range of enhancive and spiritual properties. Said to boost the power of any other crystal it comes in contact with, clear quartz is at the core of many spells and rituals stretching from ancient times all the way into the present.

While clear quartz is often used alongside other crystals, it can be a powerful force on its own as well. Historically, quartz is said to grant protection and enhanced psychic abilities to its possessor, and is also a popular choice for aiding in concentration.

Care:

Unlike some other kinds of crystals, quartz is relatively easy to cleanse and care for. It doesn't require any charging cycles (though they can still be used) to do its job, and can go a long time without really needing any special attention. However, like most crystals, clear quartz should be occasionally smudged or otherwise cleansed to clear out any negative energy the stone may have acquired through use. You can read more about smudging and other cleansing techniques here.

2. Amethyst

Since ancient times, amethyst has garnered a reputation as a stone of mental clarity and courage. Once shown off as a symbol of wealth and luxury in the world of ancient Greece and Rome, it now represents the protection of the mind, staving off negative thoughts and cultivating positive ones. It is also said to amplify connection to the brow, crown, and etheric chakras, and as such is often used to enhance meditation sessions. Amethyst can also be used to help alleviate stress or anxiety, and has a history of assisting with difficulties in communication.

Beyond that, Amethyst (specifically the variety Ametrine) is a common talisman to see in the creative arts, assisting in amplifying endeavors of art, composition, invention, and painting.

Care:

Amethyst is also a type of quartz, and like its clear cousin does not require much special attention to keep up use. It is recommended to keep amethyst crystals out of direct sunlight in order to preserve color, but other then that, an occasional smudging or rice bath will usually keep them looking great and working great too!

3. Jade

Jade is one of my personal favorite crystals due to it's long and colorful history in ancient cultures across the world. From tools used by primitive peoples in the British Isles, to offerings for water spirits by indigenous tribes of Mexico, and to of course it's esteemed stature in Chinese history, Jade has been an object of wonder to people around the world for thousands of years.

Often called the ultimate "Dream Stone", Jade is said to quite literally bless anything it touches. It heals feelings of guilt and defeat and encourages traits of individualism in its holder. Jade is also popular in travel, and is often brought along on trips to prevent illness and offer protection. Green Jade (Nephrite) in particular harmonizes with the heart chakra, and aids in the promotion of emotional and physical well being.

Care:

Jade is extraordinarily hard to damage, and can handle most (if not all) care and cleansing rituals. If you are worried about your Jade's color, you can avoid rituals that use direct sunlight, but it is still unlikely that a bit of sun will harm your stone if you wish to use it this way.

4. Agate

Agates are one of the most versatile stones in the crystal world, coming in a stunning array of colors anywhere from orange and blue to black and white. Most agates can be identified by their tell-tale banding and translucent structure, and have been a favorite find of amateur treasure hunters for ages. In fact, if you've ever picked up a pretty stone off the beach or while walking in the forest, you may have stumbled upon an agate without even knowing it!

The historical uses of agate are somewhat tangled. Many ancient Islamic cultures believed it held the power to dispel evil energies and ward off tragedy, as did ancient Babylonians. However, in ancient Egypt, the stone was thought to protect against natural disaster as well as grant enhanced powers of speech, and ancient China saw the crystal as something that granted spiritual protection.

Today, agates are known for their gentle, "lower frequency" vibrations that provide slow and steady protection and encourage growth. It can also generally be utilized in times of imbalance in order to encourage the return of stability and equilibrium. Blue Lace Agate, in particular, is good for speaking one's mind and is connected to the element of water, while Moss Agate is associated with long-lasting endurance and the element of earth.

Care:

Agates are tough little stones and don't require much special treatment to preserve their abilities. Like with most stones, smudging is a great way to clear negative energy without risking damage to the color or stone integrity. However, agate will not easily fade in sunlight and can be given salt baths without too much cause for concern on either end.

5. Desert Rose

Desert Rose is a stone of strange beauty and enhanced spiritual properties, created by exposure to the elements in dry, arid desert regions such as those Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Mexico, and Arizona.

Many cultures have mythology tied to these curious stones. Some native Moroccans claim unique spirit guardians live within them, allowing their holder to bring out one's inner truth while also offering a strong sense of protection.

Desert Rose is known to be a stone of mental clarity and increased self-awareness, and is helpful for initiating motivation in pursuing dreams and goals. It is also said to help with addiction, allowing one to chart a slow but steady course towards bringing balance back into their life.

Care:

Due to the porous nature of Desert Rose, it is best to avoid submerging them in any kind of water-based ritual, especially salt. However, spritzing them with fresh water from a spray bottle is a quick and easy alternative far less likely to cause any damage to your stone. Unlike many other crystals which can fade over time, Desert Rose is great in sunlight and can be charged or cleansed in beams of light without any need to worry about the stone's integrity. Besides avoiding soaking and salt baths, most other cleansing rituals, including smudging and rice, are safe to engage in.

Remember: All Crystals Are Unique!

Never be afraid to follow your instincts when it comes to using a crystal. There is no way to do it wrong, and no consequences for not getting something perfect on the first try. As long as you are willing to take care of a crystal, it will most certainly work its magic on you in return.