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 about a specimen, please click on the "ask a question" link below the "order now" button on the specimen.
Once availability is confirmed and you provide a shipping address, we will contact you with a shipping estimate and arrange payment.
Quick Links
Payment Options
The Arkenstone accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, some cryptocurrencies, and checks. Once shipping details have been confirmed and agreed upon, we will issue an invoice with payment options. Specimens will ship once payment has been received.
Credit Cards: Help us keep your information safe! Please do not send credit card details via e-mail. Once an invoice is issued, you will receive an e-mail with a payment link to a secure online credit card process.
Cryptocurrency: The Arkenstone is pleased to accept select cryptocurrency payments. Please contact us for more information on this process.
PayPal: We are happy to accept PayPal payments. These can be handled on an individual basis at the time of purchasing.
Checks: The Arkenstone accepts personal checks from known and trusted buyers. Once checks clear, items will be cleared for shipping.
You can mail checks to:
The Arkenstone
PO Box 830460
Richardson, TX 75083
Payment Plans
To assist clients in "stretching" to higher-value specimens, we are happy to work with you on payment plans for orders over $500. Full payment must be made within the calendar year. In most cases, we request payment is completed within 3-4 months, though longer terms can sometimes be granted for larger purchases.
Payment plans are not applicable for items that are discounted or on sale.
1. A 20% NON-REFUNDABLE down payment is required to initiate the payment plan and reserve the item(s), due immediately upon receipt of the first invoice. This 20% will be of the total purchase price including shipping and taxes (if applicable). If you'd like to put down more than 20%, we can adjust the remaining payments accordingly.
2. The remaining 80% (or less, if more than 20% was paid initially) will be divided into monthly payments of equal amounts to be completed within the calendar year. The number of payments is subject to discussion with a member of staff who will work closely with clients to custom tailor payment plans. In most cases, we request payment is completed within 3-4 months, with additional time consideration for larger purchases.
3. Clients will receive an invoice to initiate payment - subsequent payments can be made using this same invoice link. Failure to pay invoices with a lapse of 5 days will result in cancellation of the payment plan and forfeiture of the item and 20% non-refundable deposit. Any amount paid in excess of the non-refundable deposit would be refunded via the method of payment used.
4. There is no penalty for early payment. At any time, clients may reach out to a sales team member to pay the remaining balance in full.
5. Upon completion of the payment plan in full, the specimen(s) will be shipped to the client.
6. Items purchased via payment plan are subject to a no-refund policy. Items may be returned at the expense of the buyer for credit equal to the item price (minus taxes and shipping costs) to be applied to any other item in inventory. Unused credit will not be refunded in these cases.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to a member of the sales team!
Shipping Policy
SHIPPING CHANGES DUE TO COVID-19
Due to an increase in delayed or returned packages using USPS to ship internationally during COVID-19, we are modifying our shipping processes until further notice. Going forward, we will only be shipping using FedEx for packages going to Europe, as well as any packages over $1000 to other international destinations, with the exception of Canada and Australia. As always, we can upgrade packages to FedEx shipping for any other orders as well.
We are also happy to hold purchased specimens for later shipping, if you would prefer delaying shipment to combine orders while we continue to evaluate the situation.
Please note that, for tax reasons, we cannot hold shipments in Texas longer than 90 days without special arrangement, in writing, to extend a hold for shipment or delivery. Maximum holding time must be 180 days at which time any held items must be shipped.
Domestic Shipping
Shipping within the US for packages valued below $1000 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.
For domestic packages valued at or above $1000, we will ship via Fedex (typically two or three day shipping). For orders of this value, we cannot ship to a P.O. Box address.
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.
Combining Shipping
We can hold items to combine for saving cost of shipment. With full payment at time of sale, we are limited to 90 days maximum holding time after which shipment must be completed. We are also happy to combine shipping with orders from MineralAuctions.com.
Return Policy
iRocks.com Gallery 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. Specimens are expected to be returned within 7 days unless other arrangements have been made. 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.
MineralAuctions.com Return Policy
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.
There are particular items that we are always happy to reacquire if they are exceptional or "hot" in the marketplace, but circumstances might not always allow us to buy back pieces. However, should you wish to part with a specimen you purchased from us, please let us know as we may have had another customer in line for it to begin with, and therefore be able to buy it back from you or give credit for the return. The Arkenstone prides itself on cooperating with collectors to help with conveniently upgrading or modifying collections.
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