Geodes are the type of rock geologists and collectors love to find. While they may look quite ordinary on the outside; when you crack them open the beauty inside is indescribable. Such is the case with amethyst geodes. These extraordinary rocks are so popular with collectors; it helps to know a little about them.
Here is a brief summary of how amethyst crystal and amethyst geodes are formed: read more…
As a retailer selling gemstones, crystals and fossils, you will find that your customer base is quite diverse. You will see some children shopping with their parents to start a rock collection, amateur gemologists doing research, jewelry-makers looking for raw materials, and metaphysical crystal enthusiasts.
When dealing with those customers who are searching for metaphysical crystals, you will find it helps to know as much as possible about the unique properties of the metaphysical gemstones and crystals you sell.
Here is a brief summary of what metaphysical crystal enthusiasts already know: read more…
Buying bulk ammonite fossil pieces is a smart idea for any rock shop retailer, but it helps to know what you’re buying. This way, when your customers ask about a certain type of ammonite fossil you will have all the information they need.
The ribbed, spiral formed shells of ammonites are a very attractive collector’s item. Did you know that these creatures lived under the sea about 250 million years ago? It’s hard to believe you can hold something in your hand that is a tactile record of a sea creature from that long ago. According to paleontologists, ammonites went away around the same time as the dinosaurs.
Because some of these fossils resemble a ram’s horn, they are aptly named. The word ammonite comes from the Greek “ram-horned” god called Ammon. Biologically, ammonites are cephalopods, a group of predators related to squid, nautilus and octopus.
Ammonite fossils are a geological record a species that flourished during the Triassic Period, an era that ended 206 million years ago. They also were found in the Jurassic Period, and some even lived during the Cretaceous Period. Scientific evidence suggests that these creatures lived on plankton and grew very rapidly, with female ammonites often growing to be four times larger than males. As the animal grew, new protective chambers were formed, each of which allowed the ammonite to maintain or regulate its buoyancy.
The patterns often seen on ammonite fossils are known as Sutures. These mark where the outer wall of the shell meets the septum, and they are very useful to collectors in determining the exact species of the ammonite.
Buying bulk ammonite fossils will allow you to get a wide selection of collector’s fossils at a much more competitive price. The wider the selection in your retail rock shop or store, the more ammonite fossils you will sell.
Brazilian minerals are a perennial favorite among rock collectors and crystal enthusiasts, as well as jewelry makers. If you plan purchasing Brazilian bulk rocks, Brazilian agate, banded agate or other Brazilian stones, it makes sense to know as much as possible about your customers’ desires.
For customers who want to interact with crystals in a metaphysical way, Brazilian minerals such as Brazilian Agate are known for balancing the four energies: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It does this by cleansing and stabilizing the “aura”. The net result is improved strength, courage, pragmatism, calmness and critical thinking ability, as well as better concentration, more confidence and an overall feeling of composure.
If your clientele is into a type of new age holistic healthcare techniques that utilizes crystals, expect to sell a lot of Brazilian agate for stress relief, as it is also known to alleviate tension, bitterness, anger and distractions. Physically, it has been known to improve digestion, blood circulation and help with bruises, muscle spasms, headaches, gastric ulcers and even childbirth. read more…
Amethyst jewelry is more than just the birthstone for people born in February. It is one of the most sought-after stones for jewelry, crystals and geodes as well. As a retailer selling amethyst crystal and jewelry, learning more about this popular stone will help you serve your customers better.
The most precious form of amethyst jewelry is the dark violet varieties, especially those that show flashes of crimson red when viewed under an incandescent bulb. The least expensive amethyst geodes are in shades of pale lavender.
Customers looking for February birthstone jewelry might consider an amethyst ring or an amethyst necklace. It is also associated with the zodiac sign of Aquarius, and is the traditional gift for a sixth wedding anniversary. read more…
As a retailer selling metaphysical gemstones and crystals, you will hear your customers talking a lot about chakras, and how the crystals they buy relate to specific parts of the body. In case you are not already an expert on energy healing and metaphysical products in general, here is a brief overview of the seven major Chakras of the body, their associated colors, and which crystals are used to interact with them. read more…
If you are reading this article, chances are you are either a rock shop owner, or you are looking to start your own business selling lapidary supplies.
Anyone who is new to this business soon learns that “rockhounds” are very devoted to their hobby, and usually very specific in what they are looking to buy. Today’s rockhounds are mostly people who collect rocks and mineral specimens for fun, but early rockhounds searched for valuable minerals and gemstones as a way to make a living. read more…
Before you become a retail resource for metaphysical gemstones and start purchasing metaphysical crystals wholesale, it helps to be somewhat familiar with specific quartzes, and how they are used in mediation and healing. read more…
Bulk ammonite fossils are a popular selection among rock shop retailers because of their interesting geological history. If you are a planning to purchase bulk fossils, bulk fossil fish, or bulk fossil rocks, it makes sense to become familiar with what makes each of these fossils unique. read more…
As the prices of diamonds and precious metals rise, gem retailers expect to see more interest from buyers in semi-precious stones like amethyst. Amethyst rings, amethyst necklaces, and amethyst earrings are a popular gift this time of the year. Not only do they make an excellent holiday gift, in only a few months they will be purchased as the birthstone for those who celebrate their birthdays in February. read more…