Ordering Mineral Specimens
To order specimens, please click the "Order Now" button located on the specific specimen page. This automatically sends us an order with information on that mineral specimen and any contact information you've provided. You'll also receive an e-mail confirmation with details on the specimen so you know we have received your message.
For quicker ordering, please create a log in (purple button in the top right corner) so your address and contact information is automatically filled in.
We do not collect payment until we have located the piece and confirmed condition. Occasionally specimens are packed to go to a show and inaccessible for a week or two, or they might be on loan to museums or specially curated exhibits. We don't want to charge you for pieces until they are actually available to ship.
If you have found pieces online that you would like to order, we are happy to arrange safe and reliable shipping or allow you to come by the gallery to pick up your specimens personally if you are in the area. To order a specimen, please click on the "Order Now" button on the specimen page or gallery page and fill out the contact form.
If you have additional questions, please contact us with the inventory numbers or links where you found the item, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Once availability is confirmed and you provide a shipping address, we will contact you with a shipping estimate and arrange payment.
Payment Options
To assist clients in "stretching" to higher-value specimens, we are happy to work with you on payment plans for orders over $1000 (and occasionally for specimens over $500, depending on circumstances.) Full payment must be made within the calendar year.
PO Box 830460
Shipping
Domestic Shipping
Shipping within the US is via insured US Priority Mail unless otherwise specified. To help customers save on shipping costs, we calculate rates on a per-order basis. Shipping rates vary based on destination and weight, but for single small specimens, shipping generally is between $12-20 depending on destination and item value. We ship signature required unless other arrangements are made. Heavier specimens or packages will incur higher charges depending on weight and size.
We are also happy to work with you if you would prefer FedEx or Express Mail.
Since we ship signature required, packages can be re-routed to USPS facilities if clients are not home to receive them. If packages are returned to us due to client failure to retrieve packages from postal centers, clients will be responsible for paying shipping fees to resend the item.
International Shipping
For orders under $500, international shipping is done by First Class unless otherwise requested. We cannot be responsible for delay, loss, or damage en route.
For orders over $500, international shipping is handled via FedEx or International Priority Mail. FedEx packages typically clear customs and are delivered easily within 2-7 days and courier service agents are on hand in customs to ensure that mineral specimens are not stolen or lost if a package is opened. We recommend this service as it is well worth the premium. If you prefer international priority mail, expect delivery 6-10 business days after payment clears.
We assume responsibility for loss or damage en route for couriered, tracked shipments only, but not for First Class (Airmail). If concerned about tracking and safety, we encourage customers to pay the extra cost for FedEx shipping.
Note: If you live in England/Singapore, please strongly consider FedEx as these countries tend to experience the greatest number of delays and theft.
Return Policy
If you receive a specimen and it is not the right fit for your collection, we're happy to work with you on returns. Please contact us first within 14 days of receiving your specimen so we know to expect a return. We will refund less shipping costs in the same method as your initial payment once we receive the specimen and confirm it is in the same condition as when it was mailed, or we can keep credit on file for future purchases.
Due to the nature of auctions, returns will be accepted only on items that were, for some reason, not described accurately. In that case, we will cover the return shipping cost, with apologies. Bidding on items is considered a binding purchase. Please be sure you want the item before bidding on it.
Trade-ins and Buy-Backs
A collector's tastes change and mature over time, so we want to help you always have the collection you want. Therefore, we will always trade back a lesser specimen of the same species purchased from The Arkenstone in trade against a more expensive specimen of the same species.
Size Classifications
Many collectors choose to focus on a certain size of mineral. While the size classifications can vary a bit based on gut feeling, we generally stick with the following:
Thumbnail - Maximum 3.0 cm
Toenail - A "gut feeling" but often overlaps between a large thumbnail and a small miniature
Miniature - Maximum 5.0 cm
Small Cabinet - Maximum 9.4 cm
Cabinet - Maximum 18.0 cm
Large Cabinet - Over 18.0 cm