This guide is for those who are looking to get the most value for your money.  I will focus on amethyst from South america because that is what I sell on ebay.  I've sold it on ebay for over 6 years.

First thing you need to know about amethyst:

Amethyst can be found all over the world.  It is sold by color.  The lighter the amethyst the more inexpensive it is.  The darker it is the more expensive it is.  The two most common mining districts are found in Brazil and Uruguay.  The biggest difference between the two is that amethyst from Uruguay has a much deeper darker purple color and normally brings a lot more money per specimen.  Am I saying Uruguay amethyst is the best?  NO, certainly not.  Only you will be able to make those opinions.

Buying on ebay:  The biggest tip I can give you is buy more than one item and save on shipping from same vendor.  Ask about Flat rate box shipping.  That's how I sell most of my amethyst specimens.  Don't spend 6.99x5 times on shipping.  that's crazy.  Ask for discounts.  Ask Ask Ask, if you don't ask you'll never know.  Ask about discounts on dollars spent, lbs bought, or if they have free shipping if you hit a certain dollar amount.

Types of Amethyst.

I will list some of the most common types of specimens available on ebay.  This is not a complete list but will help you whe making selections for what you want to buy.  Or what you may want to add as an additional specimen to your collection.

Cathedral- Commonly referred to as a large Geode that has been mined, and cut open to reveal a beautiul cavern of crystals and sometimes other minerals. These specimens can weigh anywhere from 5kilos to 500kilos+.  Take kilo x 2.2 and you have pounds.  Very few Cathedrals will stand on their own.  Miners will add cement to bottom of Cathedral and paint it green to blend in with natural rhine or outer shell of the Amethyst.  So you want to look at the cathedrals and say to yourself.  "Am I buying a lot of base cement material or am I buying mostly Amethyst.  Many people aren't aware that this is done.  Almost every cathedral I've ever seen had this done to it so it could stand properly.  Amethyst will be sold by the pound, just make sure you are not spending too much on cement base.

Points- Found in many shapes and sizes.  Single points, clusters, double terminated, etc, etc.  Always sold by color and usually the bigger and more clear they are the more they will bring.

Clusters-My personal favorite.  Sometimes called Drusy or Druzy amethyst.  These are pieces broken off of larger pieces.  Ranging from only a few ounces to hundreds of pounds.  Crystal size, color, shape can differ even on a single cluster.  You will find these sold by the piece, in flats of several pieces, on wood bases, etc.  Be picky when you buy clusters.  Mineral dealers are buying them by color.  Lighter material is much less expensive to buy from Brazil then Deep Dark Amethyst.   In my opinion get the deepest colored specimen you can and the largest you can for the money.

This is a very small overview of amethyst.  I will now go into some tips, tricks, hints, cleaning techniqes, and things I see on ebay I don't like from people selling amethyst.  Once again, this is my opinion, not fact.  Each is entitled to their own opinions.

Cleaning- windex and a tooth brush will do wonders.

Buy it now auctions are great.  Look for auctions ending soonest and bid what you think would be your honest best bid and bid last minute of auction.  Most standard auctions really don't get moving until the last minute.  You and 4 others are probably ready to cast that last and final bid during the last 10 seconds.  This can drive price higher than the value of the amethyst.  I sell my clusters buy it now.  That way people can compare apples with apples. 

Don't believe "Retail Price".  Mineral Specimens have no real written in stone retail price.  I've seen too many dealers selling Amethyst cathedrals with huge inflated retail prices.  Ebay is saturated with Cathedrals.  Be very very picky!  You can afford to be.  It's a buyers market. Getting a 20lb cathedral for 100.00 or less I'd consider a very good value.  Rocks are worth what people are willing to pay.  Sure there are going rates for rough by the pound.  Mineral specimens have a rough estimated value.  They are worth what the person who wants it the most is willing to pay. 

Color, Color, Color.  The Deeper the Purple the more the miners charge. I hope this has helped even a little with your amethyst buying needs.

-Joe  

joesrockshop