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NEWSLETTER

Ruri Rocks and $1.25M+ in Mineral Sales at Sotheby's | EarthWonders Newsletter #17

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Naveen Dhanapal8 minutes
Published: 01.08.2025
EarthWonders Newsletter #17

Since the last newsletter we have made many improvements to the site in response to EarthWonders member feedback. We are thankful to those who submit feedback and encourage you to follow all site updates.

  • New Relevance Score system for specimens based on the like and comments on the specimen.

  • Private listing options for sellers.

  • Enhanced UI for Sales data

If you missed the previous issue of the newsletter - you can read it checkout.

Relevance Score

We've implemented a relevance score for each specimen. Your specimen's score increases with every comment and like it receives. Specimens with higher relevance scores appear first in search results, helping us showcase the most popular and relevant pieces to the users on Earthwonders.

Private Listings


Exciting news for sellers! You can now create private listings for your specimens. Simply check the "private listing" box when are posting your specimen for sale, and your specimen will only be accessible to buyers through a specific link. This feature is perfect for running exclusive deals in your store.

Private listings Image
Private listings Image
Fluorite (Alien Eye)
Fluorite (Alien Eye)
Fluorite and Pyrite
Fluorite and Pyrite
Japan Law Twin Quartz
Japan Law Twin Quartz

New Anime just released based on Mineral Collecting!


Anime geode
Anime geode

"Ruri Rocks," a new anime series about minerals and mineral collecting, has recently begun airing. Four episodes in, this fantastic show educates viewers about various aspects of mineralogy, from pegmatite deposits to pyrite formation, with stunning visuals. It's perfect for watching with children and grandchildren to spark their interest in minerals.

Anime crystal
Anime crystal

Sotheby’s Auction Highlights

As mentioned in our last newsletter, the Sotheby's Natural History auction mineral section presented 30 lots, reaching combined sales over $1,250,000. The standout pieces included:

Two remarkable Tourmalines from Aricanga Mine, Brazil selling for $279,400 and $120,650 respectively. A spectacular Aquamarine on matrix from Gon Mine, Pakistan achieved $95,250. These top three pieces represented one third of the total mineral sales.

Additional notable auction results from other categories:

  • A Mounted Juvenile Ceratosaurus Skeleton brought $30,510,000

  • The largest known Mars meteorite realized $5,296,000

  • A rare Neanderthal tool set fetched $57,150

The mineral market demonstrates strong potential, particularly when compared to our previous newsletter's mention of the anonymous $30M mineral collector. As mineral collecting attracts more enthusiasts, generates record sales, and gains media attention through channels like anime, we anticipate continued growth and success in the coming years.

Email or Instagram us your favourite stories about minerals to get featured on EarthWonders blog and newsletter. Sen us some inside scoops about localities too.