You may have heard quite a bit about crystals lately. Currently having a moment on social media (and being frequently mentioned on television, in books and in magazines), crystals are not only beautiful to look at, they also possess a host of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits.

Whether you’re looking to start or add to your current crystal collection, here are our top picks of some essential rocks everyone needs to have.

Where can I buy crystals? Crystals are widely available via online shops and in local holistic/health food shops in Ireland. When buying crystals it’s so important to choose stones that are ethically sourced in order to protect the planet.

1. AMETHYST
This beautiful purple stone has long been used for decorative purposes in jewellery, but did you know that it’s fantastic for adding a soothing, peaceful energy to your bedroom? A place of amethyst on your bedside locker can help to ward off bad dreams and promote deep feelings of relaxation, aiding a good night’s sleep. Likewise, if you’re prone to feelings of anxiety, simply spend a few moments practicing deep breathing while holding a piece of amethyst. The calming, nurturing energy of this stone should help you to feel a little better.

2. ROSE QUARTZ
Known as the ‘love’ stone, rose quartz is a fantastic option for anyone healing from heart break or looking to open themselves up to new love. This gentle crystal helps to melt away any pain from past (or difficult) relationships and promotes a solid sense of self-love, which is so essential. A great stone to carry on you at all times either as a piece of jewellery or in your pocket or handbag. Rose quartz is also a fantastic crystal to place (in a safe spot!) in a child’s bedroom to fill the room with a loving energy allowing a child to relax and feel completely safe and protected.

3. ANGELITE
This stone can be a little trickier to find, but if you are a big believer in angels then it is a must for your home. Known as the stone of angels, a piece of angelite in the heart of your home (wherever you spend the most time) attracts angel blessings and lets them know that they’re welcome in your house. This has a beautiful energy and is fantastic for ‘lifting’ the energy of any room that it’s placed in. When popped in the heart of your home, this deeply spiritual stone ensures harmonious conversations, love and gentle connection with others (and with the angelic realm).

4. SELENITE
Named after the moon goddess Selena, this milky white stone is a powerful cleanser. In fact, it has the ability to cleanse and charge up other crystals that are placed on top of it (think of your crystals like batteries – every so often you need to charge them up and cleanse them). It’s also wonderful at keeping a home safe and protected and is brilliant for warding off bad luck. Place a piece of it by your front door to effectively ‘cleanse’ anyone who enters your threshold, ensuring they leave any negative or ‘heavy’ energy firmly outside.

5. GREEN AVENTURINE
Also know as the gambler’s stone, this green crystal is sometimes mistaken for jade but is fantastic at bringing luck to your home (or your wallet). Place it in the Feng Shui abundance corner of your home to ensure a steady flow of cash or, even better, carry a tiny piece in your wallet or purse (or place it anywhere you keep money to help it multiply). Want to enhance the energy of this stone further? It works really well with citrine. When paired together they ensure abundance flows.