Our rocks, minerals and fossils, although attractive and educational, are all ‘common’ and occur in essentially inexhaustible quantities (the Earth’s crust is, after all, entirely made up of rocks and minerals!).
Any specimens we come across that are rare or of scientific value are donated to museums.
Much of our material is a by-product of other mining activities (e.g. for roadstone or copper). Any mining specifically for the materials we use is done on a small scale at locations that are not environmentally sensitive.
Very little of our material derives from living plants and animals and we refuse to work with any materials, such as coral or whole shells, which could have an environmental impact.
Wherever possible, the Company Directors have visited and inspected the mines and factories that produce our goods worldwide to ensure that strict standards are adhered to with regards to working conditions, health and safety, child labour and similar issues.