While talking to a friend's six-year-old son, he excitedly handed me a rock and asked, “How much is this worth?” Clearly, he thought he’d found something special, so I asked, “Where did you find it?”
“In a local river,” he replied.
I smiled, knowing that many people find crystals and rocks, particularly over the summer, when exploring New Zealand and asking the same question. 

This is a common scenario for me—people want to know what their crystals are worth. Over the years, I’ve been asked to identify many crystals, and often, people want to know how much their find is worth. Ideally, getting someone to see your treasure in person is better. However, this is not always possible, so communicating via email or some other digital platform is a lot easier. Here are three key tips to help get an accurate crystal ID if you are going to ask me, whether in a crystal collecting group or via other digital methods.

1. Good Photos in Natural Light

It’s essential to photograph crystals in natural light to show their true colours. Avoid indoor lighting, use the best natural light available, and take multiple angles of the crystal. Use “Macro” mode if your camera has one, and ensure the photos are clear and focused.

2. Location of Discovery

If found in NZ, Knowing where you found the crystal helps with identification, particularly if you ask a seasoned rockhound, as they may know the area where you found it. Or the rock may not have come from there and might have an interesting story behind it. For example, obsidian found in an unexpected place may have been traded in the area in pre-European times, adding to the story.

3. Measurements and Weight

Size and weight can provide clues for identification. For example, Rhodonite may be heavier than Rose Quartz, which is the same size. Include a ruler or measuring tape in your photos to provide scale. If you’re in New Zealand, use millimeters and grams.

The Reality of Crystal Identification

While good photos, location details, and measurements help, nothing beats physically examining the crystal. Many people confuse similar stones, like Jade and Serpentine, which require expert evaluation for accurate identification.

Amazing treasures are found in Aotearoa. From Shipwrecks on 90-mile beach to massive logs in the mud of the Hauraki Golf, not to mention Gold Nuggets in the South Island. For every rare find, there are hundreds of other discoveries that are not worth so much money or have no historical value. But don't be disappointed if your special find is one of these. :-).

The boy, still eager, wanted to know how much his rock was worth. I told him it was probably worth just a couple of dollars but emphasized that the real treasure was the memory of his family adventure.

I remembered my childhood rock-hunting experience—finding a quartz geode in a Coromandel river. At the time, I wondered, "How much is it worth?" Perhaps it is not the best species of Kiwi Quartz, but it's mine, and I found it. I know the true value of discoveries lies not in their price but in the memories and experiences they hold. 

Happy discoveries, big and small!
Kristy, Blissful Things

(Photo of my first discovery that I still treasure today)