Authenticity & Returns
EarthStones Australia (incorporating PJ Minerals) has completed more than 4,000 specimen sales to collectors across Australia and overseas. Here's how we handle authenticity and returns for every one of them.
Authenticity
Every specimen sold by EarthStones Australia is personally identified, catalogued and photographed by me. Each one has a unique Item ID, shown on its page and in your order, so it can always be traced back to my records.
I record the species, locality and dimensions as accurately as I can. Where something isn't known, the listing says "not recorded". I don't guess or fill gaps. If a specimen has been repaired, stabilised, or otherwise treated or enhanced, and I know about it, I say so on the listing.
All species are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of listing. Mineralogy is an evolving science, though, and species are sometimes redescribed, reclassified or split as research continues — an identification that was correct when listed can later be revised by the mineralogical community. You can read more about how and why that happens in our note on why mineral identification sometimes changes.
The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, not a similar one. Colour can vary slightly between screens. If you'd like extra photos or a video of a specimen before you buy, just ask.
If you believe a specimen isn't as described, please get in touch. I want you to be genuinely happy with what you've bought, and I'll always do my best to put it right.
Returns
We want every client to feel good about buying from us, and we understand that sometimes a specimen doesn't turn out to be quite right for you, or something about the process doesn't go as smoothly as it should. If that happens, please reach out — we genuinely want to hear about it, and we'll always do our best to support you and find a fair outcome.
You're welcome to return a specimen within 30 days of receiving it, whether you've simply changed your mind or it isn't what you expected. Please contact EarthStones Australia at earthstonesau@gmail.com before sending anything back, with your Item ID, so we can talk it through together.
- If you've changed your mind, return postage is at your cost.
- If a specimen arrives damaged, or isn't as described, please contact us straight away — in these cases, EarthStones Australia will cover the return postage.
- A return is only approved after you've contacted me first. Specimens sent back without approval can't be accepted.
- Returned specimens need to come back in the condition they were sent, unaltered and suitably packaged.
- Once the specimen is back with us and checked, we'll refund the purchase price within 5 business days.
- If a specimen arrives damaged in transit, please photograph the package and the specimen and get in touch within 3 days of delivery — photos help us sort it out quickly.
Minerals are natural objects, so small variations, natural flaws and old surface marks are part of the specimen. They're not faults, and where they're significant we'll always note them on the listing.
Nothing on this page limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
We appreciate every piece of business, large or small, and we're here for more than just the sale. We believe in building real, long-term relationships with the people who collect from us — so if something isn't right, we'd much rather know about it and help make it right than have you walk away unhappy.