Crystals, with their captivating allure and mystical energy, have been revered and cherished for centuries. These exquisite geological wonders come in various grades that determine their quality, aesthetic appeal, and metaphysical properties. Grading is generally done at the mine and is in reference to other material historically found in the area. However, grading them can be highly subjective based on a number of factors and is not an exact science. A crystal that is AAA grade from one region may resemble of A grade from another locality. Let’s delve into the complexities of grading in the world of crystals.

Three Main Classes of Crystals:

1. Raw or Natural Crystals

Raw crystals are unpolished and uncut collected directly from the Earth. Their natural state showcases the crystalline structure, imparting an earthy and unrefined beauty. While raw crystals may lack the luster and shine of their processed counterparts, they possess a raw energy that is highly sought after by crystal enthusiasts and metaphysical practitioners.

2. Tumbled or Polished Crystals

Tumbled crystals undergo mechanical tumbling processes that smooth their rough edges and enhance their overall appearance. This technique grants them a polished finish, revealing the inherent beauty hidden within. There are two major types of rock tumblers: rotary and vibratory. Polished crystals can be made by hand, machine, or a combination of both. Tumbled and polished crystals often exhibit a vibrant luster and can be more easily utilized for jewelry and decorative purposes.

3. Gem-Grade or Jewel-Quality Crystals

Gem-grade or jewel-quality crystals are the cream of the crop in the crystal world. These rarities exhibit extraordinary clarity, breathtaking color saturation, and impeccable transparency. They are often faceted or shaped by lapidary artists to enhance their brilliance, making them ideal for high-end jewelry and collector's pieces. Gem-grade crystals captivate the discerning eye with their unparalleled radiance, making them highly coveted among crystal connoisseurs.

What the Grades Mean:

Grade B and Lower: These stones are almost always kept in their raw formation and sold in bulk for very cheap. Some mines do not even bother processing or exporting this material and it is sometimes treated as waste rock. However, there can sometimes be good opportunity in purchasing these stones as portions may certainly be of a higher grade when broken down and cut further. You will often encounter this material in many public and private mines in places like the United States where they let customers dig through the mine tailings, which is essentially the by-product of the more profitable material that has been largely removed. Yet many people can often find very nice pieces mixed in when digging their own and some mining companies are known for “salting” the stack by adding a few nice valuable pieces in.

Grade A: These crystals are considered to be the industry standard and are the most widely available option in rock and crystal shops. These crystals are known for their great clarity, containing minimal secondary mineral deposits, and vibrant colors. Chips and fractures in this material can be somewhat common. While A grades are the most frequently encountered in a retail setting, in many cases these are 10% or less of the overall crystals being mined.   

Grade AA: This grade represents a significant step up from the A grade. These crystals possess remarkable beauty and desirability. There is usually an obvious difference in translucency and color compared with the A grades, however perhaps the most defining attribute particularly in raw crystals is the lack of mineral deposits. Fractures and imperfections may be barely noticeable. While this grade does not get as much attention as it probably should, it usually represents the best balance between quality and price. AA Grade crystals usually accounts for less than 5% of mined material.  

Grade AAA: The coveted AAA grade crystals represent the highest level of excellence, being exceptionally clear, brilliantly colored, and possessing a near flawless structure. These crystals almost always represent less than 1% of material being mined. Sometimes it takes working through thousands of pounds of material to get a single pound of AAA grade. Yet, keep in mind even when observing closely you can still notice small imperfections in AAA crystals. You may need a loupe or magnifying glass, but they will certainly be there. Since the AAA grades fetch the highest prices, this also means that they are the most likely to be artificially enhanced or faked. If you see anything that appears almost too perfect, there is a chance it may not be real.  

An Exception: Special and Rare Crystals

Beyond the conventional grading system, there are crystals that are categorized as special or rare. These crystals possess unique qualities, such as unusual color variations, inclusions, distinctive formations, or scarce occurrences. Special or rare crystals command attention due to their scarcity, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike which can contribute to a significantly higher price.