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eclectical456 · ‎06-09-2018

I have an 11" long flat crystal, ranging from 2 1/2" -6" wide. It is mostly clear with some milky white areas. I've searched online but can't find anyone who appraises items like this.

Attaching two photos - any ideas of how to determine value?

reallynicestamps · ‎06-09-2018

You can't get a valid appraisal from a photograph.

I would suggest phoning local jewellers and asking if they appraise similar items.

If the jeweller is an accredited gemologist, he can give you an expert and accurate answer in minutes.

He will charge for this.

He will want you to be present during the appraisal. This is for his protection, not yours.

A free appraisal is worth every penny you pay for it.

BTW- if you lick it, does it taste salty?

eclectical456 · ‎06-09-2018

Not salty.

ted_200 · ‎06-09-2018

@eclectical456 wrote:
I have an 11" long flat crystal, ranging from 2 1/2" -6" wide. It is mostly clear with some milky white areas. I've searched online but can't find anyone who appraises items like this.
Attaching two photos - any ideas of how to determine value?

They're quartz crystals, at that size I'd anticipate being able to buy it for about $30 or so at a rock and gem show, maybe 2x to 3x that at a place in the mall that would offer such a thing.

The best thing it has going for it is no apparent damage on the crystal tips. It would be useful if you knew where it came from, but I'd guess locality at Arkansas first, maybe Mexico after that, but these can be found in many localities.

The Floggings Will Continue Until Morale Improves.

ted_200 · ‎06-09-2018

Anyhow, for a formal appraisal, most jewelers are going to be pretty useless. An established mineral specimen dealer will be better suited to determining the value, and where the piece was mined. I'll ballpark my own accuracy at half to twice my estimate, and it is defnitely quartz. I'm not sure the cost of a formal appraisal wouldn't exceed the specimen's value, quartz specimens are not at all rare, unless it's from some unique and scarce locality, and even then it won't have crazy high value.

The Floggings Will Continue Until Morale Improves.

reallynicestamps · ‎06-09-2018

Not salty.

So you know it isn't salt.

. An established mineral specimen dealer will be better suited to determining the value, and where the piece was mined.

Thanks. I wasn't sure if such dealers did formal appraisals. Not that a cash value appraisal* isn't just as valid as an estate appraisal** or an insurance appraisal***.

Jewellers are more likely to have the formal training. Good point.

*I'll give you $XX.xx for it right now.

** What the piece is likely to get at auction.

*** What it would cost to replace the piece.