Writing Great Descriptions
Photos get the click; the description closes the sale. Five sentences, in order, answer everything a serious collector wants to know.
Last updated
Anatomy of a description that sells
A real-world example, one sentence per job — the five parts are numbered, and explained below.
Example listing description
1A vibrant, gemmy fluorite from the Elmwood Mine — saturated purple phantoms under glassy luster.
2The main cube measures 2.8 cm on edge, transparent at the corners, with mirror-bright faces and sharp purple zoning toward the core.
3Collected at the Elmwood Mine, Smith County, Tennessee — the classic locality for fluorite on sphalerite.
4From the personal collection of a Tennessee field collector; acquired at the 2009 Tucson show.
5No repairs or restoration. A 2 mm ding on one rear corner is shown in photo 6; the matrix is trimmed flat so it stands without a base.
- 1
Open strong. Lead with what makes this piece worth a second look.
- 2
Get detailed. Color, clarity, luster, habit, matrix — the facts collectors compare.
- 3
Name the origin. Locality is value. Be as specific as the mine, not the country.
- 4
Share the story. A notable dig, collection, or show makes the piece memorable.
- 5
Be transparent. Disclose repairs, damage, and trimming before anyone has to ask.
Say it like a collector
Specific language signals expertise — and expertise is what lets a buyer trust a price. Terms like matrix, association, habit, and termination aren't jargon here; they're the shared vocabulary.
Vague
Specific
"Nice crystal"
"Gemmy, well-terminated crystal with excellent luster"
"Big specimen"
"Cabinet size: 12.5 × 9 × 6 cm, 980 g"
"From Brazil"
"Corinto, Minas Gerais, Brazil"
"Some wear"
"Two chipped terminations on the back side, photo 5"
Never leave these out
- Measurements (length × width × height) and weight
- Color, luster, and crystal habit
- Specific locality, down to the mine where known
- Associated minerals and matrix
- Any repairs, treatments, or damage
- What's included: stand, label, original box
The transparency rule of thumb
If you'd mention it when handing the specimen to a friend, put it in the description. Buyers forgive flaws; they don't forgive surprises.
Common questions
What should I include in a mineral specimen description?
Open with the specimen's standout features, then provide specific details (color, clarity, luster, matrix, crystal habit), measurements (length × width × height) and weight, exact locality, any treatments or repairs, and historical context if available. Use precise collector terminology rather than vague language.
What's the difference between a vague and a great specimen description?
A vague description says 'nice crystal.' A great description says 'gemmy, well-terminated crystal with excellent luster.' Specific collector terminology (matrix, association, habit, luster) demonstrates expertise and helps serious buyers understand exactly what they're getting.
Do I have to disclose damage and repairs in my description?
Yes. Honest disclosure of damage, repairs, treatments, or modifications is essential for trust and buyer protection. Hidden issues lead to returns, negative reviews, and damaged seller reputation. Transparency consistently outperforms in long-term seller success.