Tumbled Stones What Grade to Buy
Tumbled Stones, Different Grades
Collecting tumbled stones is a great way to build a large and varied collection of crystals without taking up too much space.Although sometimes called tumbled gemstones, this term is misleading. The grade of material used for tumbling is rarely gem-grade. Gem-grade rocks and minerals tend to be used for gemstones.
The grading system for tumbled stones varies depending on where they’ve been produced. Triple A (AAA) is often used to describe the finest-grade stones. It's a higher grade than AA, which is higher than A.
Many businesses prefer to grade tumbled stones simply as A, B, C, or D. I sometimes use the term 'AAA grade' if a stone is exceptional, but otherwise, I find A, B, C, or D is adequate.
Rocks and minerals are graded according to richness or uniformity of colour, and the presence of impurities and inclusions. In translucent or transparent stones, clarity is also taken into consideration.
A tumbled stone with a lower grade is not necessarily any less beautiful than a AAA-grade stone. It may just have a different appearance. Sometimes, the characteristic that causes a stone to be a lower grade can make it even more striking.
Our grade A prehnite tumbled stones are virtually inclusion-free, while our grade B prehnite is heavily included. Although the grade A stones have amazing colour, the inclusions in the grade B stones are particularly striking and make every piece unique.
A tumbled stone could be classed as grade D because it's heavily included, because of its colour, or because of another natural imperfection.
In some cases, it may contain more of the rock matrix than pure mineral. The rock matrix is the surrounding material or host rock in which the mineral formed.
Some stones, such as rutilated and tourmalinated quartz and star rubies and sapphires, are graded according to the quality of their inclusions. Tumbled stones with minimal inclusions are likely to be a lower grade.
Inclusions and anomalies in rock and minerals offer a glimpse into their journey through time. A distinctive mark or different colour is a good indication of the presence of another mineral or substance.Internal fractures and surface-reaching fissures often occur during the crystal's early formation.
Many crystal websites only sell the finest-grade tumbled stones. The problem with this is that some mineral varieties, such as sugilite, will be considerably more expensive. Therefore, they may not be within everyone's budget. Beauty is subjective, so what one person finds beautiful, another may not.
There's a common misconception, especially amongst those who use crystals for healing, that the finest-grade tumbled stones have stronger energy. If a rock or mineral is being used for its metaphysical properties, grade is irrelevant.
The late Judy Hall, author of the Crystal Bible books, says a broken or damaged crystal will often be even more powerful.
Never be put off by the grade of a tumbled stone. All rocks and minerals are unique and have their own charm and geological significance.
Buy a stone because you like it, are drawn to it or because it's suitable for your needs. Don't choose a higher grade or more expensive piece simply because you believe its energy will be stronger.
Part of the beauty of rocks and minerals, and nature in general, is that nothing is the same, and nothing is perfect. Embrace the diversity and appreciate the nuances.
