9 Best Crystals For Beginners to Keep at Your Desk
Photo courtesy of Ted Emmons
Crystal collections grow fast. What starts with a humble piece of rose quartz or two can turn into drawers full of amethyst, blue lace agate, citrine, and lapis lazuli in no time. And Heather Askinosie has no problem with that. She founded her company, Energy Muse, in 2001, along with her longtime friend Timmi Jandro, after falling in love with what she sees as the subtle magic of crystals.
Crystals possess a layered appeal: There is the beauty of the stones, which speaks for itself, but then there is also the crystals’ composition. And this is where lore and intuition come in. Depending on the crystal you choose, “crystal shamans,” like Askinosie, say that you might attract anything from love to financial gain. And they say you should trust your gut when looking for a crystal. But it helps to have a little background information. For beginners, to start: nine crystals that do the work for you. Askinosie says to keep one of these stones nearby if you have career goals in mind; whether that means manifesting a little more money or breaking through writer’s block is up to you.
From Heather Askinosie
Heather Askinosie is a crystal and feng shui expert. In 2000, she cofounded Energy Muse with business partner Timmi Jandro to provide tools of inspiration in the form of crystals and jewelry.
Clear Quartz
When distractions arise, we like clear quartz to help stay focused. This clear crystal reminds you to clear your mind and zero in on your priorities.
Intention: Before placing it in your space, hold a piece of clear quartz in your hands and say, “I program this clear quartz for mental focus.” Make a to-do list and place your clear quartz crystal on top to remind you to stay on track with your priorities.
Amethyst
For those unavoidably stressful situations, use amethyst to help you begin to get back to a place of calm and relaxation. It may guide you away from tense thoughts.
Intention: Hold a piece of amethyst in your hands and say, “I program this amethyst to calm my mind.” Then place it on your desk or workspace. Whenever you feel stressed, use it as a visual reminder to reconnect to a calmer state of mind.
Rose Quartz
The soft and gentle energy of a rose quartz crystal helps you remember to be compassionate and kind to yourself and others. Whether you’ve made a mistake or found another reason to be disappointed with or harsh on yourself or someone else, rose quartz reminds to you approach all relationships from a place of love and compassion.
Intention: Before placing it in your space, hold a piece of rose quartz in your hands and say, “I program this rose quartz for kindness.” Whenever you notice yourself being judgmental or critical, squeeze it to connect to your heart space.
Pyrite
The golden shimmer and abundant energy of pyrite crystal is associated with attracting money and wealth into your life. When you are looking to strike gold, work with pyrite to help you focus on bringing opportunities to fruition.
Intention: Hold a piece of pyrite in your hands and say, “I program this pyrite for financial success.” Then place it on top of a business card, a proposal, or some other document related to a project you are working on.
Tourmalinated Quartz
If you’re feeling stuck, use tourmalinated quartz to help break through writer’s block. Meditate briefly on the protective energy of black tourmaline and the clarity of clear quartz to help clear your mind and release the negativity that is holding you back.
Intention: Hold your piece of tourmalinated quartz and say, “I program this tourmalinated quartz for a mental breakthrough.” Then hold it over your forehead until you feel ready to write. Once you are finished, place it near your computer or journal.
Chrysoprase
When fostering relationships and making connections, use chrysoprase to help focus on heightening your social skills. Chrysoprase is associated with opening your heart, strengthening your authenticity, and supporting heartfelt communication so you can connect on a deeper level with those around you.
Intention: Before placing it in your space, hold a piece of chrysoprase in your hands and say, “I program this chrysoprase for developing connections.” I also like to keep this crystal with me on the go—put it in your purse, pocket, or bra.
Black Tourmaline
The ultimate stone for protection, black tourmaline may be used to support your energetic boundaries and prevent the energy of other people from entering your energy field. Think of it as an energetic bodyguard, keeping energy vampires and other negative influences at bay.
Intention: Hold a piece of black tourmaline in your hands and say, “I program this black tourmaline as a protective shield against negative energy.” Place a piece in each of the four corners of your office, home, or another room. You can also place one chunk near the front door of your home or the door to your office so that every time you see it, you’ll know that you don’t have to let bad vibes in.
Shungite
For anyone working with or near technology, crystal shamans recommend the energy from shungite as a reminder to balance technology with nature.
Intention: Hold the shungite in your hands and say, “I program this shungite as an energetic shield around electromagnetic fields.” Place it underneath your device (cell phone, computer, laptop). And hold your shungite crystal in the morning to help restore your energy.
Chrysocolla
At the beginning of a new project, use the excitement and motivation associated with chrysocolla to kick-start your endeavor. The lore is that this crystal inspires a fresh perspective and stimulates ideas so you can take a concept and run with it.
Intention: Before placing it in your space, hold a piece of chrysocolla in your hands and say, “I program this chrysocolla for a fresh start.” Then place it in your creative space or workspace.
