We hope these will answer any questions you have, if not please visit out Contact Us Page and fill out our comment / question form.

Do you ever give discounts on minerals?
No, I do not provide discounts on individual mineral specimens. I try my best to price the minerals fairly. Unlike other dealers, I do not add 20% to the asking price, so that I can give a discount to every customer.

How do you derive the price of your minerals?
I start with the purchase price of the mineral. I add my overhead costs, interest costs, incoming shipping cost, my time finding, boxing, labeling, cleaning, etc. Then add my small profit margin. In the four years the business has been in operation I have yet made a profit. This is a labor of love and a commitment to the hobby. I expect to make a profit one day, maybe next year as I am getting closer to break even in volume…….

How do I know if a mineral is still available?
Assume that if the mineral is pictured in the mineral galleries that it is still available. Upon receipt of your order you will be emailed a confirmation, usually within 24 hours.

If I request a mineral that is already sold, will you send a substitute?
No. Each mineral specimen is unique. I will never ship a substitute. However, I some times have multiple specimens from the same location, you may request to see pictures of these additional items. Please e-mail me if the item you want is sold to see if there are others available.

Email is easier, do I have to use your online order form?
Yes, The order form is instantaneous and email can take 10 minutes to arrive, so it is wise to use the order form as items are sold based on time the order is received. Also, the order form ensures all the required information is provided, it generates the paperwork to process your order, calculates taxes and shipping costs and it expedites shipping. The web site was built around this software to make it easy to use by both the customer and owner.

How are the minerals shipped?
Via UPS. All packages are insured for full value. If you require faster delivery, email me to make special arrangements.

Do you ship minerals internationally?
Yes.

Who pays for shipping?
The customer pays for shipping. When you receive your email confirmation the shipping and insurance charges will be itemized. If you want to avoid shipping charges you may arrange to pick up the specimens at one of the mineral shows I attend.

Do you have a store I can visit?
No. The mineral business has changed over the years, and a store requires too much overhead cost to make the business profitable. I sell at approximately 6 mineral shows per year and over the Internet.

There are so many minerals to choose from, do you make recommendations?
Yes, I am happy to help and advise you when selecting minerals. Every specimen is unique and I can help judge relative quality or rarity. If you are looking for a gift, I can point you towards some unique specimens or work within your price range. My goal is to help you build the best collection possible in your price range and size.

I do not see what I am looking for, do you have other mineral specimens available?
I have approximately 5000 minerals in my stock. All specimens are cataloged in my database making searches and queries easy to handle. Send me your request, and I will respond with a custom listing.

Do you take returns?
Yes, no questions ask. The specimen must be returned in the same condition with all papers that was sent with it for a refund. This includes historical labels as they are part of the value of the mineral Refunds will be made with in ten business days of receipt of the returned item. See section on return policies.

Can I trade up?
I will take a specimen back in partial payment for a mineral of at least 50% greater price. The item must be returned with the original label and if possible the invoice to validate what was paid for the item. Shipping does not count as part of the value of the specimen.