For me, crystal shopping is a destination activity. I make a day of it, and I love poking through shops and finding crystals that appeal to me. Here are my top tips for buying crystals in person:

1. Ground yourself before you go. Many people find that the energy in crystal shops can feel disorienting. Before you enter the crystal shop, close your eyes and visualize roots growing from your feet into the Earth. If you feel lightheaded while in the shop, pick up a black stone and hold it until the feeling ceases.

2. Ask questions : If you go to a gem show, a gem fair, or a shop that specializes in crystals, chances are there are experts available to help you find the right crystal. Most of them love it when you ask questions, and it's a great way to educate yourself. Make use of this valuable resource.

3. Go where you are drawn : Pay attention, and if you feel drawn to a certain location within the shop, go there. Then see which crystal draws you. It's a great way to bring the intuitive process into your crystal shopping.

4. Touch the crystals : When in a crystal shop, always hold crystals before you buy them, to see how they make you feel. If the shop won't allow you to touch or hold crystals before buying, find a different place to shop.

5. Check a seller's reputation. Do a little research before you buy. For brick-and-mortar stores, check sites like Yelp or ask for recommen-dations. Online, check the seller's reputation by reading the reviews.

6. Don't buy the first thing you see : When surrounded by shiny objects, it's easy to get overwhelmed or overly excited and grab the first pretty, sparkly thing that catches your eye. I get it! Shop around.

This is especially true at gem and mineral shows. Compare prices from vendor to vendor to find the best price for the crystal that most appeals to you.

7. Don't be conned by trademarked crystals: If you don't recognize a crystal name, ask the vendor if it's trademarked. If it is, seek the generic version. Look it up online or on your smartphone to get more information about it.