Question: I usually don't order crystals through the mail, but the store I get them at doesn't sell all crystals nor do they have a great selection. My question is that I thought that when you purchase a crystal, you are supposed to feel them out and let that particular crystal chose you. What's your take on this?

Excellent question! (Thank you for asking)

While it is true that the optimum way to choose a crystal is through visual and physical contact, as you have pointed out, that is not always possible. Many folks do not have crystal shops in their area, or like you, may have a crystal shop with a very limited selection. With the explosion of Internet stores, there are literally hundreds of "Crystal Shops" that sell crystals online.

There are ways to "let the crystal choose you" using the Internet and your intuition. When not holding the stone, you will need specific information to make an informed choice. Here are my suggestions:

Photos
Many times, you can energetically choose a crystal by the photograph. That internal response you get when you see the crystal picture is a type of intuition.

1) The photos on the site should be neat and clean. It is always best if they have the stone or specimen measured with a ruler so you can see the actual size. The specimen should be placed at the 0" mark to show actual size, not just sitting on a ruler indescriminantly.

2) The online store should also have actual description information. Actual size, Location, weight. The color on the crystal should be as close to the actual color as possible.

3) The online store should state whether the picture you see is the actual piece you will be receiving, or whether it is "similar to" the picture you are viewing.

Crystal Information
The actual descriptive information also carries an energy signature of its own. Pay close attention to any physical reaction when reading the information
provided.

4) If man made or lab enhanced, the store should state this clearly within the product information. There are so many fakes and forgeries out there, it is really good to do a little research yourself, or find someone who is familiar with crystals to research a bit for you. (This is one of the things I do as a personal crystal care giver.)

5) Information that includes how the stone can assist is not necessary, but can be helpful.

6) Pricing- take the time to compare prices with a few different crystal sites. Some stores are outrageous, marking up their goods 400 to 500%.

7) Grading- I feel that all crystal sites should include the grade of stone so that you can truly understand what it is that you are receiving. AA Grade is very high grade material, A Grade is high grade material (also called "Extra"), B grade may have more inclusions, mists, veils, milky appearance, less actual mineral content, etc.

8) Beware of the overuse of the word "Rare!" and extremely high pricing. Many times, sellers will use the word RARE to pull the buyer in to thinking it is a rare piece when in actuality, it is not.

Energy
It is not always necessary to hold the crystal to feel its energy. Your intuition guides you in other ways when shopping online. When relying on pictures, it can be something as simple as "Ohh, pretty!" or you feel a reaction physically. I think this is the best indication of feeling energy when the crystal itself is not present. Personally, I have been known to put my hand on the picture to see what I "feel".

If you are not totally sure, e-mail the store. If they are a good store, they will take the time to tell you how the energy feels to them or answer any questions you have.

For me, the trick is to find a store with integrity, good value, and quality crystals. Sometimes, that means trial and error. Other times, you find an amazing shop online right away. Ask your friends for recommendations on what shops they frequent. Read the customer comments on various online crystal store websites. Compare prices and quality. I think the most important thing when utilizing "Non physical" shopping is to pay attention to what you feel. You will find that the energy still comes through loud and clear.

I hope this has been helpful!

with love and crystal blessings,

Mira