Service, selection, and value... this review will be easy, if these are the only three sections I…read morehave to cover in this transaction. So we'll start with service;
Mellissa heads this line. Always a feeling of being one on one with her. She's focused, confident, and obviously loves what she's doing. Though she says she's new to the industry, it certainly doesn't show. Rocks and minerals are such a huge genre, yet she knows her niche. And her selection is unique and exquisite. What she was willing to share with a Rookie like me, was such an unexpected surprise. A beautiful, hourglass Stilbite specimen. With spears and buttons. Not to mention, one of the pinkest Zeolites I've ever seen. Moreover, was what I would call... on the larger side of 8lbs of pure crystals. Almost unheard of in this part of the world. Easily the size of a catchers mit. Found mostly in India, this valued and sought after silicate, has been used as a natural filtration product since minors found large veins throughout the hills and canyons of Cambodia. They develop within basalt volcanoes. Is starts as hot Silica-rich fluids percolating throughout the cavities in the rock. Then, when cooling, it all comes together, and a chemical reaction occurs. It distinct "sheaf-like" or "bow tie" crystal clusters, are the result of this chemical compilation. Along with certain minerals come certain colors. And this is one is the highly sought after pink. Which means the initial listed price for this specimen was easily within reason. Then after showing my rather geeky enthusiasm for a piece she probably found to be difficult to put her magic touch into. Being it was not exactly something to transform into jewelry. She undoubtedly must have shelved it. Awaiting for her chance to use it as bartering chips towards her second love, Snowboarding. Which happens to be my forte. So when she came to me, several months later. Using this fabulous Zeolite as a form of payment towards a new Neversummer Proto Slinger. There was no question, and she knew it. I would jump at the chance to display this beautiful piece in my private collection. Even was kind enough to let me think that I got the better part of this deal. Which, in my opinion, I did. But, I guess, that's what makes for a fair exchange. A truly great and unique experience, rarely found in this very edgy and complex world of minerals, and their worth. Is a guessing game, at best. However, for both sides to feel richer, within one transaction, could have only happened because of Melissa and Joseph's attention to detail. And their relationship with the people of this, "out of the way" Village of Angel Fire. Where their family driven type of close, one on one business practices, really stands out. They're noticeably happy to be here. And the folks here are honestly pleased to have them. I, for one, wish them all the best in their business, and even more in life. Thx my friends.
