If you are a first-time buyer or just starting your mineral collection, there are a few important things to consider before purchasing a specimen from us (or anyone else) to avoid disappointment.
Lighting
Most of our photos and videos are taken using high-end cameras and professional studio lighting. Please keep in mind that the color, brightness, and luster (the shiny appearance) of the minerals may look different in natural daylight.
To replicate the same visual effect at home, we recommend purchasing or building a well-lit display case for your collection.
Apparent size
Minerals can often appear larger in photos than they are in reality. We always provide the dimensions of each specimen, so be sure to check them to get an accurate sense of the mineral's size. Some pieces may be only a few millimeters in size, even though the photos may make them appear much bigger.
Photo: Standalone image of the mineral without size reference, versus a photo showing size comparison with a coin.
Sensitive minerals
Some minerals are sensitive to light, temperature, or humidity. For example, Vivianite can lose its deep green color when exposed to light, and Realgar may completely disintegrate over time.
We include care instructions and highlight sensitivities on the product detail page.
If you're just starting out, we recommend avoiding these sensitive minerals, as they require special care to preserve their appearance and integrity.