Build Your First Mineral Collection
Become a mineral collector
Mineral collecting is a hobby that draws in people from all walks of life and lasts for decades to entire lifetimes. The crystal specimens you see on this site take tens to thousands of years to form in the ground and some are millions of years old. No wonder these treasures have been attracting people since the earliest civilizations.
And yet in the 21st century getting started with collecting mineral crystals is still surprisingly hard and this is why we built EarthWonders. We want to guide new collectors through the challenges of choosing their first items and straight to the joy of owning their first crystal or small collection.
Hand-Picked Items and Editor Notes
Our team has carefully reviewed all specimens listed on the site (yes, all 13,000+ of them!) and picked a few paths to help you start your collection. You will find editor notes on items hand-picked by us that will help you find your first items.
There are thousands of beautiful specimens for sale on EarthWonders for you to explore at your own pace. If you don't even know where to start, look for inspiration in our collectors' gallery or check our editors' picks below.
Decide On Your Budget
Who doesn't wish they owned a world-class specimen? Just look at our most expensive items - the appeal is obvious! Few people wake up in the morning, think: "I'm going to buy a $500,000 crystal today!" and go to look for one online. And while these items are the best source of inspiration and ambition for any collector, everyone has a their own budget and it is possible to build a collection you will love without spending thousands.
Dealers and collectors have varying opinions on how to choose your first item. Many will say "choose a budget and buy the one best you can get for that money". Some of us prefer to explore: buy multiple more affordable specimens, learn and enjoy the variety. Everyone agrees on one thing - you must decide on your budget. It is easy to be carried away, especially at a mineral show, spend more than you should and ruin the joy of collecting with financial stress. You can build a lovely starter collection well under $1000 but you need to have a clear idea how much you are happy to spend on the hobby. Overspend - and you will obviously not be happy. Buy items too cheap for your taste - and you will be disappointed and craving a better one too soon.
Finally, leave room for changing your mind. Collecting minerals, especially for new collectors, is more similar to dating than shopping. Even after holding their new treasure in their hand, collectors often realise they are "not that into it" or it doesn't fit their collection or they have found a new love and no longer love green fluorite. The less you know about the crystal you're buying and your feelings about it, the more careful you need to be with how much you spend.
See the items we have picked from under $100 which give you a taste of what a collectible mineral specimen is without risking too much even with our sellers' generous return policies.
Natural Gems - Not Cut, Not Polished, Perfect
When we hear the word "gem", we usually think about a precious or semi-precious stone expertly cut into one of the standard shapes, polished and used in jewelry. Mineral collectors however value and admire natural gems in their original and often unique shape. When you walk by a jewelry display and look at a ring with a tanzanite jewel, you wouldn't think that you can buy a raw tanzanite the size of a fist with perfect glassy faces and sharp edges, as if cut and polished.
Raw gemmy specimens are hugely popular with collectors and highly valuable as they directly compete with jewellers to get the same most perfect, best colour gemmy crystals except collectors will keep them in one piece and original shape. And while collecting giant gems can become an expensive hobby, it doesn't have to and we can help you find one of a kind gems at all levels.
Stars Can't Shine Without Darkness - Contrast Makes Good Collectibles
When it comes to mineral specimens, contrast is what catches the eye. Just like stars need darkness to be seen, minerals often look their best when different colors appear together. This is why collectors prize specimens where light and dark minerals grow together, or when bright crystals sit on a contrasting background rock.
The good news for new collectors is that contrasting specimens can be found in all sizes, color and luster combinations and different price points. Even common minerals like pyrite (gold-colored) on a dull grey slate, or white quartz with black tourmaline can create stunning visual effects that make wonderful starter pieces. As you explore the world of mineral collecting, keep an eye out for these natural contrasts - they'll help you build an eye-catching collection right from the start. We have selected many different examples for you to get inspiration or start your collection with a contrasting piece.
Get Inspired - Look At What We Picked For You
Ready to start building your collection? Browse all our editor's picks below - we've selected specimens that showcase nature's artistic talent and can be appreciated without all the knowledge and experience of a seasoned collector. Some items includes our editor's notes explaining exactly what makes them worth your attention and explained some of the terms you may not know. We've included options at various price points, so whether you're looking for your first specimen or adding to an existing collection, you'll find something that catches your eye.
Don't wait too long though - unique mineral specimens sell quickly, and nature never makes the same piece twice! If you need help shopping or want to know more about the piece - message us in the chat and we'll be happy to help.
