Purchasing Crystals?

[sleepingcat]

Where do you find your cystals? I'd like to expirment with them, but I havent found anyplace at all in my area that sells them (am I looking in the wrong place? What kind of store should I be looking for?) and I was hoping for some tips on how to procure some rocks and minerals.

I've read it's better to select them by hand then buy them online? How much of a diffrence will this make?

And what are some good cystals for noobs?

Thanks, guys!
-Sair

[Kahlie]

Don't know about your area, but often you can find crystals and minerals in Metaphysical shops, Jewelry Stores and Crystal&Mineral shops.

The best Crystals? Those are the one you fall in love with and you just to have. Regardless if you think the properties match what you need or whatever! =)

I prefer seeing my stones, but I also bought stones of the Internet, and I've been always very pleased with my purchases!

Kahlie

[sleepingcat]

I think my area is weird, Cincinnati is a city known for having everything but keeping so quiet you'd have to know it was there before you'd find it o.0;

Thank you for your help, glad to hear I can order online!

Now I have a question about pricing- why are the prices so all over the place?! What's "normal" to pay? Why is one specimen of quartz $30-$40 and another over $300?

Are the 30-40 ones "real"? Or just unfit for anyone but geologists? *finding lower prices on geology-oriented sites and the higher prices at healing/psychic-oriented sites*

Confusing x.x;

[Sophie]

Go for the geology stones. They are good value, and in terms of energy and healing value, exactly the same. The most expensive stones are the gem quality ones, which are snapped up by jewellers. Then there are some metaphysical sellers (not all) that cash in on the New Age craze, and overprice. But unless you want to make jewellery out of them, or unless you want some special shape that only metaphysical healers use (e.g. the merkaba or the wand), geologists/mineralogists are the best value for rough stones. You might also find some geology club near you that can sell (or even give!) you some stones.

Some stones shouldn't be used rough though - don't buy rough malachite, for instance, because the dust is toxic. Find out which stones are best bought polished or tumbled.

[Jols84]

I for the first time ever, was able to find a crystal/mineral shop. I originally come from a small-Iowa town, and up there metaphysical things are virtually non-existant. Perhaps in the larger towns, but where I was from...nope. I have one site that I frequent a lot to purchase crystals, if you'd like I can send the link to you via pm.
I like either/or personally...I've had great success with the one website, am always happy with what I get. It IS very fun tho to go into a store and see all the shiney stones, crystals, etc. looking up at you ^_^ It was like I was a kid walking into a giant candy-store!

[wizzle]

If you buy crystals from a metaphysical shop, you can be sure are paying top price. This isn't a slam on those shops, but merely a reflection on the reality that they need to make a profit.

In terms of price, you can do far better at gem shows.

http://www.jewelrymall.com/gemshows.html
http://www.intergem.com/index.cfm

Gem shows are great because you can get yourself acquainted with the stones that appeal to you. However, once you know that, the web may produce even better prices. I buy most of my stones/gems online now. My fav dealers are

http://www.phoenixorion.com/
http://rainbowcrystal.com/
http://www.mysticgemcreations.com/

These folks have given me great service and I think their prices are very competitive.

p.s. I used to live in Los Angeles which has a great jewelry district plus oodles of wonderful gem shows.

[sleepingcat]

*nods* thank you guys!!

And thank you Wizzle- seems I just missed two shows close by *sigh* but those sites look really great, I think I'll give ordering a shot pretty soon. ^_^

[Rin]

Alot of the stones I have lying around everywhere.. I find on the ground. Usually at beaches, or in one case, at the edge of a glacier.