Wholesale Rough Mineral Specimens

Buying guide

Selling mineral specimens

A specimen is a natural piece of mineral kept as it was found, not cut or shaped. Collectors buy them for crystal form, colour and the rock they grew on (the matrix). Shops sell them to collectors, students, gift buyers and anyone who prefers a natural piece to a polished one.

Crystal form: sharp, complete crystals are worth more than broken ones.
Matrix: crystals still on their host rock show how they grew.
Locality: where a specimen came from matters to collectors; it is in the listing when we know it.

Care

Many specimens are fragile and some dislike water. Dust them with a soft brush, handle them by the matrix, and keep pyrite and other sulphides dry.

Questions

Mineral Specimens FAQ

What does "on matrix" mean?

The crystals are still attached to the rock they grew on. Specimens on matrix show how the mineral formed and are popular with collectors.

Can I wash mineral specimens?

Not as a rule. Many minerals are soft, water-soluble or rust-prone. Dust them with a soft brush instead.

Are specimens one of a kind?

Numbered specimens are, and each is photographed on its own. Size-numbered listings are chosen from a lot of similar pieces.

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Selling mineral specimens

What to look at

Care

Mineral Specimens FAQ

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