Buying
Olemina is a curator of fine mineral specimens. The Journal collects what we’ve learned about provenance, care and the localities that define each species — written to help you buy, keep and live with them.
Citrine Specimens: Natural, Heated and How to Tell the Difference
Most citrine specimens on the market are heat-treated amethyst rather than natural citrine. Here is how to read the colour zoning, internal fractures and locality evidence that separate…
How Fine Mineral Specimens Are Packed and Shipped Worldwide
Shipping fragile mineral specimens safely means value-graded protective packing, tracked and insured carriers, and a defined inspection window. Buyers should film the unboxing and check terminations in good…
How Mineral Specimens Are Graded (Condition, Damage and Repair)
How mineral specimens are graded comes down to condition: damage, completeness, repair and restoration, and aesthetics. Honest grading discloses every chip, repair and treatment, so Fine or Exhibition…
Buying Mineral Specimens Online: How to Avoid Fakes and Overpaying
Buy from sellers who disclose mine-level locality and treatment, show real multi-angle photos and honest condition notes, and insure tracked shipping. Vague origins and prices that seem too…
Treated or Natural? How to Tell If a Mineral Specimen Has Been Enhanced
Heating, irradiation, dyeing, coating and stabilising are the common mineral treatments. None of them is automatically a problem, but undisclosed treatment is — here is how to tell,…