Anyone who has ever walked into a metaphysical shop, crystal shop, or anything of the sort can tell you that there is a dizzying array of crystals to choose from. Some you’ve seen dozens of times, others may be totally new to you. If you're anything like me you could easily rack up a bill in the low $120s (remember, this is a judgement-free zone). To make the search a wee bit less stressful, and to keep you on budget, I've compiled the following list of the “essentials” for anyone planning to start working with crystals.

Clear Quartz - plays well with others. This crystal can be used to level up the energy of any other crystal.
Rose Quartz - the love stone. This crystal supports the quest for every type of love imaginable.
Amethyst - helps you tune into your intuition and the power of your dreams. I rarely dream these days, but I've found that keeping an amethyst point close to me as I sleep has helped me drift off easier on most nights.
Carnelian - a personal favorite. Work with this crystal on days where you really need to get those creative juices flowing.
Black Tourmaline - another favorite. Working with this crystal can help you keep negative thoughts and emotions at bay.

None of these crystals are absolute must-haves, but they're the best ones to start with on your journey. Happy clearing!