Here are some of our customers’ favorite semi-precious stones. Interestingly, all of these stones begin with the letter “A”. 

Aventurine

When it comes to tumbled semi-precious stones, aventurine is a perennial favorite.  It can be very translucent or opaque and is considered microcrystalline quartz.  Some specimens include shiny minerals like mica and hematite, which can give the stone added sparkle.  This is known as “aventurescence”. Colors range from creamy green to brown, blue and peach, and this stone is often used in an ornamental fashion.  Most aventurine is found in India, Spain, Austria, Russia, and Brazil.

Amazonite

This is one of my best selling bulk semi-precious stones, probably because of its unique mineral grain and lustrous appearance.  It is often polished and sold as a cabochon because of its iridescence of the stone’s crystal structure.  Amazonite is found in the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Russia, and is usually light green to bluish green with some light striations.

Aquamarine

For centuries, this pale blue and green gemstone has been used for some very ornate jewelry.  A member of the beryl family, its color comes from small amounts of iron, which become embedded in the stone’s crystalline structure. Like other beryls, it has been a valued gemstone for thousands of years, and is even mentioned in the Bible. The name suggests that it was closely associated with water in the ancient world, which may explain why the stone is still highly valued by sailors as a good luck charm.

Tumbled stones in bags are an excellent way to present these semi precious stones in your retail environment.  Check out the unparalleled selection of bulk semi precious stones by visiting the online catalog at Pikes Peak Rock Shop.

Amethysts Gemstones

Rock shop owners and retailers who sell gemstones of any kind are often surprised at how many amethysts they sell. Whether it is in the form of jewelry or as rough-cut amethyst geodes, these violet-colored stones practically fly off the shelves.  For this reason, it is important to have a reliable source for “all things amethyst”, whether you need bulk amethysts gemstones or wholesale amethyst necklace, amethyst geodes or amethyst crystals.

So what is it about the amethyst that makes it a perennial best seller?

The color of amethysts is unique and seductive.  In fact, almost anything purple is known to be extravagant and regal, but amethyst has been mentioned specifically as far back as Moses’ time, when amethysts described it as the symbol of the Spirit of God.  And while there is no known proof that Catherine the Great herself wore an amethyst necklace, we do know she sent miners in to the Ural Mountains to search for these violet gemstones.

Amethysts is known to have secret powers. According to the Greek, the word “amethystos” means “not intoxicated”, which is not surprising when you consider that people throughout the ages have believed amethyst protects against drunkenness.  This may explain why amethysts is the birthstone for those born in the month of February, when many festive carnivals take place.  Other cultures have ascribed miraculous powers to the amethyst stone, including good fortune during wartime and protection against pestilence.  Amethyst crystals have also been known to stimulate the intellect, soothe the stomach, beautify the skin, and drive out evil spirits. Even before the Pope started wearing a cross, amethysts was the stone chosen for the 15th century Papal ring, as well as the jewelry worn by bishops and cardinals.

Brazilian amethyst and other South American amethysts deposits were not discovered until the 19th century, and this brought down the price of bulk amethyst significantly.  However, there is a wide range of quality among amethysts, and immaculate stones of a deep purple hue can still fetch high prices among collectors.

Most collectors of amethyst geodes and amethyst jewelry are looking for a variety of colors and shapes, from lightest violet Brazilian geodes to the deepest purple amethysts from Uruguay.  In order to please these customers, plan on expanding your inventory by purchasing bulk amethyst from Pikes Peak Rock.

Totem Power Stones

For any rock shop retailer looking to attract a regular stream of new customers, adding Totem Power Stones to your inventory is a very smart move.  Also known as Spirit Stones, the collectible Totem Power stones add an interesting new dimension to your store’s retail rock and mineral offerings, and Totem Power stones can drive repeat business as well.  Whether they are called totem stones or spirit stones, these colorful semi-precious natural stones are deeply carved with “power” figures, each of which has its own intrinsic meaning.  Interestingly, the meaning behind the images is blended with the metaphysical make-up of each stone to create a powerful “totem.”

Why would your customers want to collect Totem Power Stones, or buy them as gifts?

While most Americans associate the word “totem” with Native American beliefs, “totemistic” ideologies extend far beyond this to include societies throughout much of the world, including Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe.  Even though most of the original tribal religions are no longer practiced, many individuals have chosen to adopt their own personal spirit helper from the animal world. The animal, or totem, that an individual chooses is usually one that bears a special meaning to them, and this practice has become a very important part of the New Age and some Metaphysical movements.

Add Totem Spirit Stones to your inventory

Approximately 1 ½ “around, the beautiful Totem Power Stones are made in a variety of textures and colors, including Brazilian agate, jasper, quartz and other semi-precious stones.  For the most part, they feature animal species from the natural world, who many believe are messengers sent by the Spirit to inform our daily lives, impart knowledge and heal the mind, body and soul.

A selection of Totem Power Stones can be purchased in a Spirit Stone Display Package, which includes a wooden countertop display case and 120 stones and description cards that tell buyers the unique meaning of each stone.

Some favorites include the Alligator, which stands for aggression, survival and adaptability, and the Moose, which means “headstrong, unstoppable, longevity.” Some people collect several totem power stones, or give them as gifts to loved ones.  They make a great addition to your rock shop’s inventory!

Black Tourmaline on a Wood Base

Specialty retailers and rock shops selling semi-precious stones are always looking for wholesale rock merchandise to meet the needs of their customers.  And in many cases, rock shop customers are buying metaphysical or “new age” stones.  New Age stones come in many shapes, sizes and varieties; each of which plays a unique role in the new age or metaphysical arts and religious beliefs.

Learning about the special properties of each mineral and stone can be a challenge for any rock shop retailer, but it could be the key to increasing your sales.  In addition to the most common crystals, like rose quartz and amethyst, new age customers will also be looking for smoky quartz, black tourmaline, hematite, poppy jasper, gypsum, labradorite, citrine and selenite.   Shapes include obelisks, massage wands, pyramids, buddhas, points and spheres.  Below is a summary of some popular New Age stone items.

• Selenite Lamps from Morocco are made from white selenite, mounted on an Orthoceras fossil, with a hole drilled into the bottom to let light shine through.
• Black Tourmaline, mounted on a custom wood base, is a unique and sculptural three-sided prism.  It is used to ward off negative energy and promote groundedness.
• Labradorite produces a colorful play of light known as labradorescence, with intense colors. Depending on the thickness of the layers, colors can range from blue-violet to yellow, green and orange.  It is known to attract success and provide mental clarity.
• Polychromatic Jasper is a beautiful multi-colored stone that was found in Madagascar in 2006.  It is used to increase the expression of love and bring the positive aspects of life into focus.

Your customers will appreciate a wide selection of metaphysical and New Age stones.  Explore the many types of New Age stones and minerals available by visiting our online catalog at Pikes Peak Rock Shop.

Natural Stone Puffed Hearts

Rock shop retailers and souvenir shops are always looking for the latest “impulse buy” item to display near the cash register.  With the summer tourism season upon us, it is time once again to stock up on some inexpensive yet attractive items that will increase your average sales receipt.

Also known as Natural Stone Hearts, Puffed Hearts are made from a variety of polished semi-precious stones and shaped into three dimensional hearts that are 1 ½” w by 1 ½” l .  Some customers may already collect Puffed Hearts and will be looking for specific stones to add to their collection. 

The easiest way to add Natural Stone Hearts to your store’s inventory is by purchasing a Puffed Heart Display Package, which consists of 24 bins, already filled with a wide variety of hearts.  This display fits perfectly onto a counter, since it is only 16” wide, 16” high and 10 ½” deep.  This rock display case comes with a retail header and a chart that helps retailers identify the stones.  Puffed Hearts may also be ordered in assortments of 10 stones each.  Some of the more expensive stones, such as amethyst, quartz, tiger’s eye and fluorite are not included in the package but can be ordered separately.

Customers who already collect these polished heart stones will be happy to learn about some new ones that have recently been added.  These include Opalite, Polychromatic Jasper and Crazy Lace Agate.

• Opalite is a milky and delicate iridescent stone that is known to alleviate depression and relieve anxiety.
• Polychromatic Jasper is a beautiful multi-colored stone from Madagascar that gets its unique coloring from volcanic activity and is known for encouraging the positive aspects of relaxation and love into the home or workplace.
• Crazy Lace Agate is white opaque cryptocrystalline quartz that has patterns reminiscent of paisley cloth and is known for providing a well-balanced mental attitude while enhancing vitality.

Puffed Hearts make a great addition to your inventory and will certainly be a favorite for tourists and families.  You can shop and buy Puffed Hearts in our Metaphysical Center.

Nature’s Spirit Stones are small, flat, colorful stones with totem images of animals, birds, fish and selected symbols.  The stones are designed to unite the healing properties of each stone with the inherent symbolism of each image.

Here is an example of some popular Spirit Stones, and their meanings:

• Dog – courage and unconditional love
• Hawk – truth seeker, clear vision
• Frog – emotional healing, cleansing,
• Cougar – cunning, wit
• Hummingbird – tireless joy, beauty, agility
• Bear paw – strength and mobility
• Eagle – spiritual enlightenment, transcendence

Similar to Spirit Stones, Word Stones have a word carved into each gemstone.  Customers can select the word or words they like best and start a collection of these stones.  They also make a thoughtful and inexpensive gift.   Both types of stones are approximately 1 1/3 inches across, and include a variety of popular gemstones, like sodalite and rose quartz.

As you prepare your store’s inventory for the summer tourist season, including Spirit Stones and Word Stones is a great way to boost sales.  Position this display box right by the register and you will find a lot of customers adding a unique Spirit Stone or Word Stone to their order.

Boji Stones

As a rock shop retailer, you may be getting several requests for Boji Stones.  These unique rocks, also known as Pop Rocks,  are becoming widely known and are in high demand, so it helps to know how these stones will be used your customers.  Boji stones are used to balance the body’s meridian points and for metaphysical healing.  They are quickly becoming a popular alternative to acupuncture and acupressure.

According the ancient masters of alchemy, the Boji is the “philosopher” stone.  Normally used in pairs, practitioners use a “male” stone on the left side of the body, and a “female” stone on the right.  While not actually magnetic, the two Boji stones are known to cause a push/pull sensation when facing each other, which explains their use in balancing the body’s meridians.

In the metaphysical healing arts, Boji stones are commonly used to relieve pain and speed healing, but one doesn’t need to believe in their power for them to work.  For people suffering from chronic or acute pain, Boji stones are quickly becoming a widespread alternative to painkillers and physical therapy.  They have even been known to relieve toothache pain and help people heal faster after surgery.

These small, round, nondescript rocks are found in Colorado and are a composite of pyrite and palladium.  They are generally no larger than a silver dollar, and they are available in male, female, and androgynous forms. Male stones usually have several protrusions, while female stones are generally smooth.  Boji stones are known to transfer energy into and throughout the body and fill voids in the aura through clockwise rotation between the crown and the root chakras.

Pikes Peak Rock is now selling now selling wholesale Boji Stones in our online store.  We offer Kansas Pop Rocks to rock shop retailers and gift shops.  They are mined in the state of Kansas.

Whether your customers are experienced gemologists or amateur rock collectors, it helps to know which lapidary supplies to recommend.

In addition, many rock shop customers will be looking for books on gem cutting and lapidary.  One such book is “Introduction to Lapidary” by Pansy D. Kraus.  She offers an authoritative look at every aspect of lapidary, including the supplies,  equipment, tools and processes involved.  As editor of Lapidary Journal for over two decades, Ms. Kraus knows a lot about rock tumbling, cabochons, gem carving materials, bead-making, faceting and polishing.  She also knows which tools will work for your customers to get them the best results.

Selling books alongside lapidary supplies and bulk minerals may help spur your customers’ interest in pursuing gem-cutting and polishing as a hobby.  And once they get started, these same customers will rely on your store continuously for bulk geodes and minerals, bulk Brazilian agate, and bulk amethyst.

Many rock shops find that they need to start buying more rock display fixtures and stands for the various rocks and minerals they sell.  Stone and jewelry displays made from clear acrylic are usually the best way to hold specimens.

If you’re looking to turn your casual customers into die-hard rock collectors and lapidary artists, sell them the books and supplies they need to get started.

What many collectors don’t know is that Brazilian agate is a form of chalcedony, which is a cryptocrystalline form of silica.  This type of specimen consists of very fine grains of quartz and moganite minerals, both of which are forms of silica. Quartz is a trigonal crystal structure, while moganite is monoclinic.  The waxy luster of chalcedony can be either translucent or semitransparent.  Brazilian agate is less transparent, but it can be exceptionally iridescent when light shines through it.  Most agate is multi-colored, with bands of curved or angular contrasting shades

Other forms of chalcedony that are popular among rock collectors include aventurine, cornelian, mtorolite and onyx.  Each of these groups includes a wide variety of specimens that are often found in retail rock shops.

Brazilian minerals, Brazilian stones and Brazilian agate can be purchased in a wide variety of colors, sizes and shapes.  Many collectors look for agate geodes, bookends, paperweights and geode slices in an assortment of textures.

Brazilian agate geodes are known for being larger in size and consisting of many layered nodules.  The brown tones of the agate are layered in with gray and white, but when quartz forms within the nodules, it makes for a striking specimen. These geodes are especially beautiful when to show the layers of growth.  Agate slices and tumbled Brazilian stones are often colored to make them even more ornamental.

Getting to know your customers – and learning how to attract new ones – is the key to success for selling rocks and minerals of any kind.   But before you stock up on bulk fossil fish and bulk fossil rock, or order bulk fossil shark tooth in large quantities, it helps to have a plan in mind to serve a every type of fossil collector.

Many fossil collectors are only interested in a very specific type of fossil.  Children are one of the largest groups of fossil collectors, but they are more interested in owning specimens that look a fish or insect.  If your collectors are mostly kids, then stock up on bulk fossil rock that looks like the real thing.   Look for larger trilobite specimens with lots of detail.

For more serious collectors, consider stocking a wider variety of large and small specimens from different eras and geographic regions.  Look for quality over quantity, as these fossils tend to be more expensive and take longer to sell.

If your store gets a lot of tourist traffic, then be sure to include bulk fossil shark tooth along with your bulk fossil rock order.  These inexpensive fossils tend to sell very well, even to people who generally do not collect fossils.

The longer you sell fossil rocks, the more you will notice that fossil collections are as different as collectors themselves.  As you begin to notice an interest in a particular fossil family, or phylum, it will become much easier to determine the type of inventory you need to be selling.  It is best to align yourself with a reputable wholesale fossil dealer that knows the current marketplace.