What price is that crystals? There are no exacting standards to determine the value of minerals. An experienced person can guess a specimens price range by gathering certain information about the specimen. Certain unique properties will set it aside from other specimens of the same type. The important properties are: Colour and intensity of colour Transparency Lustre Formation of crystals Size Anomalies Presence of a matrix Rarity Colour and Intensity Intense or bright colours stand out over duller ones and are more interesting for the collector. Transparency As long as the specimen is not opaque, transparency creates a different view of the mineral. Generally the greater the transparency, the more attractive the specimen becomes, and so the greater its value. Formation of Crystals Well-formed or unique crystals will raise the value of the specimen, especially of large crystals. This is because so few crystals are actually perfect or even, good. Size Basically, if there are two specimens of similar quality, then the larger one will be more expensive. However if a small crystal is priced higher than a larger one it will be because it has something extra in its favour. Lustre Although minerals of the same variety share the same type of lustre, occasionally one will exhibit a more powerful sheen and this will add to its value. Anomalies Specimens that exhibit unique, abnormal properties or are intrinsically different than normal specimens of the variety may have greater value. These include properties such as unusual colour, pseudo-morphs, twinning, and bizarre crystal formations. Presence of a Matrix Generally, crystals on a matrix are preferred over those that are freestanding because the matrix shows and enhances the original uniqueness of the mineral. Rarity Rare mineral specimens are priced higher than a specimen of similar size and quality of a common mineral and the rarer the specimen, the higher the price. Something to be mindful of is that some of the above properties can be produced artificially. For example specimens may be: Dyed or heated to intensify colour Roasted and oiled to eliminate flaws and increase transparency Cut to imitate well-shaped crystals Glossed with substances to enhance lustre Glued to a matrix Deliberately labelled incorrectly Glued together from a broken fragment Look out for any of these things when you are purchasing a specimen. Here at balance Crystals we will never sell a crystal or mineral that has been enhanced without this being made clear.