Crystals make beautiful additions to any home or spiritual practice, yet as their market and popularity increase, so too have the risks of purchasing fake or misrepresented crystals.

There are steps you can take to make sure that the crystals you purchase online are authentic. Read on for tips on avoiding common fraudulent practices when buying crystals:

Do Your Research

Online buyers have access to an abundance of crystals not offered in physical metaphysical stores. Furthermore, they have the power to compare prices across vendors which makes budgeting simpler when expanding collections.

Be wary when shopping for crystals if the prices seem unusually low – this could be an indication that counterfeit or unethical sourcing practices have occurred. Keep in mind that authentic, handcrafted crystals require both time and resources for production.

Shipping mishaps can make your precious crystals vulnerable to damage during delivery, while returning or exchanging online purchases is time consuming and inconvenient. Therefore, purchasing crystals in person offers more of an immersive experience with expert guidance, sensory engagement, energetic assessment, networking with fellow enthusiasts in person as well as expanding crystal knowledge – yet many crystal enthusiasts find their intuition guides them towards the appropriate stone regardless of buying method.

Check for a Detailed Description

Building a crystal collection is a personal journey that requires patience and an attentive eye. While buying crystals online may seem risky, especially as you cannot physically inspect pieces before purchase, Earth Family Crystals has long been trusted as an acclaimed retailer of rare minerals, crystals and fossil specimens from across the world since 2011.

Be wary of sellers listing “Crystal” products without clear images and descriptions. Additionally, be wary of those using photos that appear overly stylized or filtered.

Look for crystals that exhibit natural features such as lines, inclusions and cloudy patches. Genuine crystals should feel cool to the touch and have weight that feels substantial when held. Lastly, ask where these crystals were mined from; if a seller answers with an ATM PIN number this could be an indicator.

Check for a Reputable Vendor

When purchasing crystals online, it’s crucial that you do so from a trustworthy vendor. A simple way of doing this is checking their customer reviews and reputation – this will allow you to avoid purchasing low-grade products or receiving poor service.

Moonrise Crystals is an esteemed crystal seller known for their expansive inventory of stones in bulk. As part of their commitment to ethical sourcing, they abide by eight guidelines which include tracking every stone back to its source as well as maintaining a “do not buy” list for problematic regions. Furthermore, they support local mining and reforestation efforts.

Spirit Nectar Gems is another reputable crystal seller that sources their inventory from Madagascar and elsewhere, carefully curating it to include stones that aid healing and manifestation as well as beginner starter sets that provide an introduction into crystal use. Furthermore, they have earned B-corp status to demonstrate their dedication to social justice and sustainability – their team provides educational resources as well as workshops about their benefits for customers.

Compare Prices

There are various factors that influence the cost of crystals. First and foremost is rarity – rarer minerals tend to form less frequently, making them more desirable and commanding higher prices. Color is another consideration – generally speaking, clear and vibrant hues tend to fetch higher prices, while murki or zoned hues typically warrant reduced pricing.

Finally, quality affects its price; high-grade specimens with natural inclusions tend to cost more than polished and cleaned crystals.

Shopping online for crystals can be an exciting way to discover beautiful stones, but it is essential that you shop mindfully. By following these tips, you will be able to locate high-quality genuine crystals at fair prices – remembering always to trust your instinct! Visit Sage Goddess to explore a wide variety of rare and global varieties – supporting our work while purchasing. Or try our subscription service and receive regular shipments of your desired stones!