With the solar eclipse coming our way on Tuesday, April 8, some people are traveling far and wide to the parts of the country that will be in the path of totality. Here at home, we'll see a maximum partial eclipse that peaks around 3 p.m., meaning it won't get fully dark, but the sun will briefly become a smaller sliver. It's a great reason to take a moment to pause, evaluate and pay respect to nature.

One great way to heighten your eclipse experience is with crystals, and there is no better place to find them than at The Crystal Cave on Fruitville Road in downtown Sarasota. Owner Susan Moen has filled each room with crystals, rock specimens, tumbles, spheres—you name it. She's knowledgeable about the geology of anything you pick up as well as the metaphysical implications for each stone.

"When it comes to any kind of space stuff, I use silver-grey moonstone," she says. "I know it’s connected to the moon and this is a solar eclipse, but the moon is still very much involved."

She's right. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, momentarily blocking out the sun's light.

"And then, of course, sunstone," she continues. "I’d also reach for something black and something white or clear, like obsidian and quartz. Those stones, together, create balance. Selenite is good too."

She says there is no need for protective stones during the solar eclipse, but that it's a good time to charge your crystals as well.

"Any solar activity is good for charging. Some people wait for certain moon cycles, but I use the sun," Moen says. "You don’t have to put them all outside or anything like that.".

But if you only have the space or budget for one crystal, Moen says quartz is the way to go. "Not just because it’s super cool, but it has the highest amount of electromagnetic energy that it emits compared to other minerals," she says. "Also, it’s the most common mineral on the planet."

The Crystal Cave is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, at 1899B Fruitville Road, Sarasota. For more information call (941) 346-6203 or click here.