Welcome friends, spirit seekers and crystal enthusiasts! I'm Mama Jan and as a yoga teacher, natural psychic and global wanderer, I've spent my lifetime exploring the captivating world of healing crystals, from kid collecting found treasures to scouring the globe for beautiful gems. I've shared their profound energies in our Bliss Crystals business in Temecula, California and dedicated myself to understanding the unique properties and benefits of these natural wonders.
My First Crystals
I was born in Minnesota and have always been drawn to and fascinated with local stones. My first crystals were all found within my home state on family vacations. I loved the beautiful red Pipestone (Catlinite) used by the Dakota and Sioux native American tribes for ceremonial pipes. As kids we searched along the shorelines for Lake Superior Agates, used throughout the Great Lakes region as personal adornment and as a form of trade currency by First Peoples. I also collected mussels and clam shells, mesmerized by their mother-of-pearl interior with iridescent hues. I was also inspired by the artistic crafting of our local tribes in patterns of beading in clothing or leatherwork and porcupine quill embroidery of baskets using local found materials. It was the natural world and its abundance that led me to my college studies of geology, geography, archeology and art history. All a wonderful foundation for building a business around the crystal kingdom.Over the years, my journey has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative impact these stones can have on our lives. So, whether you’re looking to calm your mind, enhance your spirit, or simply bring a touch of natural beauty into your home, it is my pleasure to share my knowledge and passion for these extraordinary crystals with you. Here are my top ten stand out recommendations for crystals that can truly make a meaningful difference in your wellbeing. I chase them not only for their utility but also budget friendly availability.
My Top 10 Must Have Crystals
Amethyst - Known as the stone of tranquility, Amethyst promotes calmness and clarity. Found primarily in Brazil, Uruguay, and Russia, this purple crystal varies from light lavender to deep violet and ranks 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Tip: Place Amethyst in your bedroom or meditation space to enhance peace and spiritual growth. Learn more here.Rose Quartz - The stone of universal love, Rose Quartz nurtures affection and compassion. It is commonly sourced from Brazil, India, and Madagascar, displaying a delicate pink hue with a glassy luster, and ranks 7 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Carry Rose Quartz with you to help heal and open your heart to new relationships. Learn more here.
Clear Quartz - Often called the "Master Healer," Clear Quartz amplifies energies and thoughts. This crystal is found worldwide, featuring a clear, icy appearance and is a solid 7 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Use Clear Quartz to amplify the energies of other crystals or to reset your emotional environment. Learn more here.
Black Tourmaline - A powerful grounding stone, Black Tourmaline provides protection against negative energy. It is typically mined in Brazil, Pakistan, and Africa, appears as a solid black or deep brown, and ranks 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Place Black Tourmaline near your entrance to shield your home from negative external influences. Learn more here.
Citrine - Known as the stone of prosperity, Citrine attracts wealth and success. Found mostly in Brazil, this golden, transparent crystal is a variety of quartz, rating a 7 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Place Citrine in your wallet or purse to attract financial abundance and opportunities. Learn more here.
Tiger's Eye - A stone of protection, Tiger's Eye offers insight and enhances personal clarity. It is usually mined in South Africa and Australia, presenting a mesmerizing golden to red-brown color, with a silky luster, and a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Wear Tiger's Eye as a bracelet or ring to help ground your energy and promote courage in challenging situations. Learn more here.
Lapis Lazuli - This deep blue stone enhances intellectual abilities and desire for knowledge. Lapis Lazuli is primarily found in Afghanistan and Russia, marked by its rich blue color with flecks of pyrite and registers 5-5.5 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Use Lapis Lazuli during study or research to deepen focus and understanding. Learn more here.
Selenite - Named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selenite promotes peace and mental clarity. This translucent, creamy-white crystal primarily comes from Mexico and has a fragile hardness of just 2 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Place Selenite in your living or workspace to cleanse the area of negative energies and enhance mental clarity. Learn more here.
Jade - Attracting good luck and friendship, Jade promotes balance and wisdom. Typically sourced from China and Myanmar, this stone ranges in color from green to white and ranks between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Keep a piece of Jade in your garden to enhance the vitality and growth of your plants. Learn more here.
Hematite - Known for its grounding and protective properties, Hematite balances the body, mind, and spirit. It is mainly found in Brazil, Venezuela, and Canada, showing a metallic gray to black appearance and is quite solid at 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Tip: Use Hematite during meditation to ground your energy and connect deeper with the Earth. Learn more here.
Getting Started
People ask me all the time how to get started with crystals. My advice is to be curious and find out about crystal energies by reading and research and most importantly personal experience. Don’t be intimidated by your newness and lack of experience. That will all come in time and the journey is so full of happy surprises and learning. Begin building your own collection of crystals and start experimenting with them to learn first-hand about their properties. Use them during meditation, place them in different areas of your home, or carry them with you throughout the day. Note any changes in your feelings, mood, or environment. Keeping a journal of your experiences can help you track patterns and insights, deepening your personal connection and understanding of each crystal's impact.
So whether you're looking to enhance your spiritual practice, improve your emotional wellbeing, or simply add a touch of nature's beauty to your daily life, these crystals offer a perfect starting point. Remember to cleanse and set intentions for your crystals to maximize their healing properties.
See my blogs here to help you get started
How to Safely and Easily Cleanse Your Crystals
5 Ways to Use your Crystals and Stones
Learn About Crystal Colors and Their Meaning
FAQs about Crystals for Beginners
Bliss Blogs on All Things Crystals
