Caring for your mineral specimens
Simple habits for displaying, cleaning and storing crystals so they keep their lustre for years.
Every specimen in our collection formed over a very long time, and a little care keeps it looking the way it did on the day it arrived.
Light: some minerals, including rose quartz, amethyst and certain tourmalines, can fade in strong direct sunlight. Display them away from south-facing windows.
Dust: a soft, dry brush such as a clean make-up brush removes most dust. Avoid cloths that can snag on fine crystal points.
Water: many common specimens tolerate a quick rinse in lukewarm water, but some minerals are soft, porous or water-soluble. If you are unsure, keep it dry and ask us. We are happy to advise on any piece we sell.
Storage: wrap each piece separately in tissue or keep it in a padded box so harder minerals cannot scratch softer ones.
Handling: lift a specimen by its matrix (the host rock), not by its crystals.