How to Start a Collection of Polished Crystals
Amassing a collection of polished crystals doesn’t have to be a space-consuming endeavor. It’s possible to amass a slender but varied collection of these pretty geological specimens. You could get a few of these polished specimens, which can go by the misleading name “tumbled gemstones,” and you might not even notice any discernable difference from the gem-quality specimens you see in jewelry—except that you’re less likely to pay $4,000 for what cost $4 in the lapidary. But how do you distinguish between these highly polished versions of Earth’s geological innards? There’s a grading system for these babies, and it goes something like this: AAA, AA, A.
Grading Systems for Tumbled Stones
Numerous companies that sell tumbled stones simply grade their products from A to D or A to C. If I happen to be using the tumbled stones for either creative or educational purposes, I may feel free to use descriptive terms like ‘superb’ or ‘fantastic’ when referring to some of the finer examples. Still, most buyers of tumbled stones overseas—as well as many domestic buyers—have no idea what those terms mean. Consequently, foreign and domestic buyers alike are safer sticking to a grading scale that’s already in use.
How Inclusions Can Affect the Appearance of Stones
On occasion, the very reason a stone is deemed to be a lower grade is what makes it more eye-catching. For instance, when comparing them, our almost inclusion-free grade A prehnite tumbled stones are no match for the limited but impactful inclusion found in our grade B tumbled prehnite. While we could debate the “truth” of these two paths and which is more “correct” or “natural,” the reality is that “grade” is a human classification that tries to make sense of appearance and impact but does so with a natural visual art bias.
The Role of Rock Matrix and Inclusions in Gemstones
Certain gemstones may hold more of the surrounding rock than the actual precious mineral itself. The rock matrix is what envelops the formed mineral and is usually not of gem quality. Some stones have a “graded” quality based on their inclusions—that is, what is apparently inside the stone. Rutilated and tourmalinated quartz, star sapphires and rubies, and other such stones are reputed to be better or higher quality if their inclusions are minimal. Still, the inclusion and even anomalies of minerals within minerals are what make a person stop and look. Indeed, to a budding geologist or mineralogist, these are said to be a “good view” or even a “money shot.”
The Misleading Nature of High-Grade Tumbled Stones
During the early stages of crystal formation, internal cracks and surface-reaching fissures often develop. Many crystal retailers market only the highest-grade tumbled stones. This practice, however, is misleading because certain minerals and crystals that have these fissures and cracks are actually much less expensive than their perfect counterparts. We shouldn’t automatically equate “perfect” with “better” or even “more powerful.” And yet, that’s exactly what many retailers cater to when they sell only high-grade specimens and crystals, which most of us can’t afford.
The Power of Tumbled Stones for Metaphysical Purposes
When using a rock or mineral for metaphysical purposes, one need not concern oneself with grading. According to the late Judy Hall, author of the “Crystal Bible” series, a whole crystal is wonderful, but it can be eclipsed in power by a crystal that is broken or damaged. A tumbled stone may not be graded or classified in the way that a faceted gemstone might be (and that’s what we might think of when we think of “grade”). Nevertheless, its use for divination (as is often the case for tumbled stones) or in ceremonies makes a tumbled stone no less powerful or worthy than any other sort of crystal.
Embracing the Diversity of Crystals and Stones
Resist the temptation to select a higher-quality or pricier piece simply because you think it has more powerful energy. Part of the beauty of rocks and minerals—and nature in general—is that nothing is the same and nothing is perfect. Soak in the diversity, and revel in the subtleties.