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Mineral of the Week
News and CommentsThis year in Tucson I saw many jaw-dropping surprises. Most notable was topsy-turvy pricing on minerals. At one dealer were two similar-sized large cabinet specimens, one a nice bi-colored yellow-purple zoned fluorite specimen from Illinois, the other a cluster of lustrous blue prismatic azurite crystals to 50 mm from the Tsumeb Mine, Namibia. The specimens were the same size, placed one shelf apart in the dealers display. But the Illinois fluorite was priced at $9500 and the large azurite from Tsumeb was priced at $4500. An Illinois fluorite is worth more than a Tsumeb azurite with 50 mm crystals???!!! If the azurite crystals were small, then the relatively low price may be appropriate. If there was damage on the azurite crystals, then I could understand the price being too low. Conversely, if the Illinois fluorite was high transparency blue-yellow combination then I could understand the high price. But it was just another fluorite, with typical edge damage. Twenty years ago it probably sold for $200. The azurite was correctly priced. The Illinois fluorite should have been priced around $2500. Why? Prices are controlled by supply and demand. The supply of Tsumeb azurite specimens with distinct 50 mm crystals is highly limited. And demand will always be high because collectors are always looking for great Tsumeb specimens. After all, there is a Tsumeb Collectors group on Facebook, but there is not an Illinois Fluorite Collectors group. The Illinois fluorite was average, had damage to the crystal edges, and there were no shortage of Illinois fluorite specimens being offered by many dealers throughout Tucson. This is just one example of inexperienced dealers pricing minerals. I am certain the Illinois fluorite will end up in the discount bin next year, but even at 50% off it will still be overpriced. John Betts, 2/19/2019 Click here to read past news and commentaries...
Customer Comments:"Just a note to thank you for the turquoise which arrived yesterday. Less than a week from placing the order, to receiving this specimen here in England - that's quick service! It's an attractive stone; accurately described and superbly photographed on your website. The old labels and historic mine info are an added bonus, so I'm very pleased with my purchase. By all means quote me if you wish, as a satisfied customer who will probably be back with more orders in the future." Alan P. "Last year we asked if you could obtain a specimen of Papagoite, an extremely difficult mineral to get, and you suggested Tucson would be the best bet. You came up with a magnificent specimen as we knew you would and added to it a specimen of the almost as rare Stringhamite. I don't know how you do it, but we can't thank you enough for these Specimens.) " "I am really pleased with the gifts my family members are getting for me from your site. I tell them what I want and in a few days they are mine and also thank you for the beautiful cards you send with the personal message on them. I love it. " T. Valenti Click here to see other comments about this site by customers. Also add your feedback...
Pledge to My Customers:Customer satisfaction is my primary goal. I pledge:
John H. Betts, owner
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