Well, this is one of the reasons why I want to look into other books, as well. Will I see actual images, will I see things that I need to discern, or will I see nothing at all. There seems to be so much involved with it, depending on who you read. I highly recommend people reading books and searching on the internet before even trying this. It isn't like we can all sit down one day and say "hey, this is what I saw, what did you see?" It isn't that easy. My understanding it that it takes a long time. You need to devote yourself to caring and bonding with your crystal ball. You need to get to know it inside and out. Know how to train your mind for gazing and getting into a trance-like condition.
Most say night is the best time (or the dark) which can also mean late afternoon and evening, in the fall, here in New England. One candle behind the ball, so that it is illuminated from behind. Low lighting, but obviously enough so you can actually make out things. I am just as new as this, or newer, than anyone else, so right now I am just reading and reading as much as I can so I will have an idea as to what on earth I am doing staring at a crystal ball. And it does take time....months and months, usually, to see anything. In the meantime, read, get to know your crystal ball, read some more, name it, bond with it, care gently for it. Ted Andrews said "it is your child". Give it a name. Say good morning and good night to it. Get it know its personality. Know every plane and rainbow it has. Etc. And be very patient. It isn't going to happen overnight!