I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked, “How do you price your crystals?” Or, just as often, people assume, “It’s by weight, right?” Well… yes and no. “It’s about rarity then?” Again—yes and no.

Without giving away all of my secrets (let’s face it, I’ve been doing this most of my life!), Crystal pricing is based on a variety of factors, and personal experience definitely plays a role. So here’s a behind-the-scenes look at some of the scenarios I’ve come across along the way.

Let’s Take Labradorite, For Example

Back in the pre-1990s, Labradorite was pretty hard to get your hands on—especially in New Zealand. It wasn’t a common crystal on the market here. Slowly but surely though, it started turning up. Those in the know—like Kiwi wholesalers who travelled to overseas gem shows, or subscribed to gem magazines—began bringing it back home. And wow, did it capture attention! Labradorite is one of those stones that really puts on a show with its flashes of blue, green, gold, and sometimes even pink.

At first, it was reasonably pricey and very sought after. Then, as more deposits opened up, and China began to expand its manufacturing (especially in carving and polishing), the price began to drop. With increased supply came more accessibility. But that didn’t last forever…

Then we’re told that supply from Madagascar is drying up. Boom—the price rises. Then the Madagascan government adds tariffs to exports. Up goes the price again. The US dollar drops? That makes it cheaper for some wholesalers to import, and prices ease off again. Then another country starts stockpiling Labradorite and suddenly it’s dirt cheap—until it’s not.

So Many Factors Affect Crystal Pricing

It’s a constant cycle. Prices go up… then down… then up again. It’s like riding a rollercoaster with no clear track. Here are just some of the things that affect what you end up paying for a crystal:

• Location of the deposit – Is it hard to access? Is it a well-known mine?

• Supply and demand – If a crystal becomes trendy (hello TikTok!), the demand skyrockets.

• Government regulations – Export laws, taxes, and labour standards can all affect price.

• Shipping costs – Yes, these fluctuate too!

• Global events – Pandemics, financial crashes, political instability… they all play a part.

• Grading and quality – Sunset Labradorite? Rare colour flashes? Top-grade polish? These matter.

• Processing and craftsmanship – Machine-cut vs. hand-finished makes a difference.

• Currency exchange rates – Especially with the US dollar.

Now multiply all of that by every type of stone on the market. You can see how pricing becomes a bit of an art form. One stone might go through dozens of price changes over just a few years, all for different reasons.

A Note About Location, Specimens, and “Investment Pieces”

If you ever buy a crystal or mineral that comes with a known location or a mineralogical label—keep the tag! Especially if it's a well-formed specimen or from a rare location. That information can really matter down the track.

For example, a well-formed Amethyst cluster from the South Island of New Zealand is incredibly rare—far rarer than one from Brazil. If you're ever lucky enough to find one (let alone own one), it’s likely going to be worth a lot more due to its scarcity and location. That’s something collectors really look for.

And while we’re here… next time someone says, “Oh, I’m buying this as an investment,” Or a crystal seller says it's an investment piece, take a moment to think it through. Most true investment-grade mineral specimens never make it to the general public—they’re snapped up by private collectors or end up in places like the Smithsonian before they ever hit a shop shelf.

So if you're going to buy a crystal or mineral, buy it because you love it. Let it speak to you. Let it be something you cherish, not just something you hope will increase in value.

The Final Word

So, is crystal pricing based on weight? Sometimes. Is it about rarity? Often, yes. But it’s also about timing, sourcing, market trends, and real-world events. There’s no perfect formula. Each crystal comes with its own story—and its own journey to your hands.

Next time you’re browsing and wondering why is that one more expensive than the other?, remember: there’s usually a good reason. And a whole lot of history behind the scenes.

Wishing you many blissful things on your crystal journey,
Kristy 🩷