Displaying crystals can be an art form in itself, transforming your mineral collection into a visually stunning showcase. In this guide, we'll explore various methods to display your crystals, focusing on stands made from different materials, the use of lighting, and innovative display techniques.

Stands

Acrylic Stands

Acrylic stands are a popular choice for displaying crystals due to their clarity and modern look. They allow the crystal to be the star of the show without distracting from its natural beauty.

Formed Acrylic Slab Stands: These stands are mass-produced and typically feature a flat surface with a slight lip to hold the crystal securely. They are ideal for displaying larger specimens or flat stones.

Acrylic Sphere Stands: Designed specifically for spherical crystals, these stands have a concave depression that holds the sphere in place. These are also commercially mass-produced, making them affordable and widely available.

Metal Stands

Metal stands provide a sleek, industrial look that can complement the natural beauty of crystals. Most metal stands are made of welded steel, which is often painted black to prevent rusting, as it is not typically stainless steel.

Origin: Many of these stands are manufactured in Indonesia, known for its skilled craftsmanship in metalwork.

Design: They can range from simple, minimalist designs to more elaborate and decorative ones, providing options for different aesthetic preferences.

Wood Stands

Wooden stands offer a warm, organic feel that pairs well with the natural origin of crystals. There are various types of wood stands, each with its unique appeal.

Simple Painted Black Wood Stands: These are often used for sphere stands, providing a subtle and classic base that doesn't draw attention away from the crystal.

Oriental Red Wood Stands: These stands are typically more ornate and crafted from red wood, often featuring intricate carvings and designs. They add an elegant touch to the display and are particularly favored in oriental decor styles.

Lighting

Lighting can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your crystal display, highlighting the colors and clarity of the stones.

Plastic LED Bases: These bases, which are mainly produced in China, can cycle through different LED colors or provide a steady white or yellow light. The changing colors can add a dynamic element to your display, while a steady light can create a more traditional showcase.

Incorporating Lights into Stands: Some stands come with built-in lighting, which can be a convenient way to ensure your crystals are always well-lit without additional setup.

Bases

Bases differ from stands in that they are more like podiums or risers. They can be made from various materials, such as routered wood from Asia or acrylic that is specifically crafted to perfectly seat high-end specimens. In countries where options are limited, small squares of tile or mirror can also be used as bases. These options can add a reflective element to your display, enhancing the visual impact of the crystals.

If the base you are using is not custom-made for your stone, there are other methods of adhering it.

Mineral Tac: This is a sticky, putty-like substance similar to wall tack but formulated to avoid contaminating stones with oil. It's commonly used to secure crystals to acrylic bases, providing a stable and invisible hold.

Hot Glue: Some collectors use hot glue guns to attach their minerals to bases. While this method is more permanent, it offers a strong hold for heavier or irregularly shaped stones. To remove hot glue connections, you can put the specimen adhered to the base into boiled or warmed water, which should remelt the glue.

Cabinetry

When it comes to cabinetry, enclosed is always best to keep the dust out. Tempered glass is necessary to hold the weight as it is much stronger. There are specialized mineral display cases that exist, some even have moveable mini spotlights for each specimen. If you're displaying for the purpose of vending, that's a whole different topic. However, if you're displaying as a hobbyist collector, it is best to keep the specimens safe from prying eyes and fingers. Many people aren't aware of how fragile mineral specimens are, as they see them as just “rocks.” Without protective cabinetry, your stones are susceptible to being broken by viewers. Having pets and children is another reason why specimens should be kept in enclosed cases. I have sold minerals worth thousands to many who have had their cats and kids knock them off shelves.

When it comes to open shelving—whether isolated on a wall or in the form of a shelving unit—if you must keep it open, there are numerous options, but know that they will all require significant dusting. Make sure wall shelves can hold the weight, as I have had specimens break IKEA shelves and shatter, losing thousands of dollars in the breakage.

I have seen collectors with shelving units recessed into their walls, custom-built between the studs. I used to source old cabinetry such as buffets and hutches off Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace when I began my collection.

Labeling

Labeling minerals can be very satisfying for the organization enthusiasts out there like me. For the sake of presentation, it is wise to have uniform labeling that you can maintain consistently. I use nice handwriting with a gold pen on black paper. Others use printed labels with decorative borders. Whatever you choose, having your display case look uniform is a great idea.

The main information you should include on the label is the mineral type and its origin. However, you can also add any other details you find important, such as the cost, the collection it came from, its chemical composition, the source, the date acquired, etc.

Conclusion

By carefully selecting the right stands, incorporating effective lighting, and using creative display techniques, you can create a stunning showcase for your crystal collection that highlights the natural beauty and unique characteristics of each piece.