Crystals are natures most beautiful gift...they have been collected and used for many years and are fairly easy to come by.
The best way to start any hobby is by buying a book...the most popular Crystal book (and a good starting guide) is The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall. This tells you how to identify the Crystals and what uses they have in healing. Another good book and more on the spiritual side is The Illustrated Directory Of Healing Crystals by Cassandra Eason. This book also tells you how to use Crystals on children and pets which is very different from most books I have read so far. There is another, slightly older book but still very useful by Michael Gienger called Crystal Power, Crystal Healing.
Crystals can cost as little as £1 for a Tumblestone...so it is a fairly inexpensive hobby. My collection was started out by my Grandmother, who used to buy me them as gifts during times of stress or illness. Over time my collection grew and recently has exploded as I became more involved in the subject. I have about 50 specimens both large and small as well as the gemstone jewellery. It is always exciting when you find a slightly rarer stone and especially if it is one you don't already own.
I hope you will find the subject as interesting as I do and even if you don't wish to use them for healing they still make a very attractive collection.
Crystals and many other types of alternative therapies should be used in conjunction with your existing medication and regime.
Always seek the advice of your Doctor.
Crystals are a gentle way to boost the body and mind and should never be thought of as the only means of treatment...think of them as an extra suppliment.
Never swap conventional healing for alternative healing unless your Doctor advises this.