Mineral collectors collect crystals and minerals because they like them. Nearly all collectors are attracted to the extraordinarily beautiful colors and dramatic shapes in the mineral world. Most love the fact that they are natural objects that have been dug from the earth. Some appreciate their scientific and geological significance, while others are drawn to their metaphysical qualities. Whatever the reason, it is inherent that collectors want to exhibit their collection in their homes to share with family and friends. And it makes sense that a collection that you have invested your time and money in should be shown to best advantage.

I started collecting minerals when I was 8 years old, then quit when I discovered girls at age 13. Later in life, my interest was re-kindled when my son Dan was playing in the field behind our house and found a chunk of glacial quartz with a vug containing crystals. My original goal was to share this wonderful hobby with my three children, especially the part about going out in the woods and finding buried treasure. Gradually, this goal evolved, and I ended up being bitten hard by the mineral collecting “bug” (some would call it an addiction). As my passion grew, I plunged in head first, and began building a mineral collection. As I proceeded, I made a series of blunders, the results of which still plague me today when I open one of the drawers containing my old collection. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a mentor – someone who could have steered me in the right direction, so that I could avoid the pitfalls which, in retrospect, seem so obvious today. So, here’s the advice I have learned through hard experience, and that I wish someone had given me along the way. I hope it helps you to build a collection of fine minerals and gem crystals that you will be proud of today, and that will still be a source of happiness and wonder in years to come.

You've probably heard people talk about the "Golden Age of Mineral Collecting," perhaps referring to the 1800s in England, or the period from 1860-1910 in the U.S., or to some other time and place. Typically these were times when outstanding mineral specimens from classic localities (almost invariably now closed) were abundant and very affordable. For example, in the U.S. in the late 1880s, newly opened mines in the lead-zinc region of Missouri, the Bisbee copper mines in Arizona, the copper mines in Michigan, and the Franklin, New Jersey zinc mines were all producing an abundance of superb specimens.

Mineral dealers are constantly looking for new, fresh, high quality mineral specimens to offer to their customers. A dealer's new specimens can be either new to the market, or are recycled from old collections. Here are the ways dealers find new specimens to sell: from old collections; collected by the dealer; purchased direct from the mine owner; purchased from a wholesale dealer; and purchased at shows.

Odd as it may sound, we don't really want to sell you a mineral specimen. You see, we are in the business of building relationships with our customers, because we hope you will become a valued friend. Our mission is to earn your trust by providing you high-quality specimens for sale at sensible prices with excellent customer service. When we succeed at doing this, people come back to buy from us again and again. We love helping our friends build valuable mineral collections that they will take pleasure in, cherish, and be proud to own for years to come.