Shipping & Returns Policy


Shipping Policy

We take great pride in ensuring your mineral specimens travel safely from our shop to your collection. Because our items are unique, heavy, and often fragile, we use a specialized shipping packing process to guarantee their safety. By making a purchase, you are agreeing to these polices.

Domestic Shipping (USA)

  • Processing Time: Orders are typically processed and shipped within 2–3 business days.

  • Shipping Method: We primarily use USPS Priority Mail Cubic or Ground Advantage via Pirate Ship to provide you with the most reliable and cost-effective rates. We charge as close to cost as we can based on current rates.

  • Tracking: You will receive an automated email with a tracking number as soon as your shipping label is printed.

  • Order Protection: To ensure your collection arrives safely, full-value shipping insurance is built into the shipping cost of every order. This covers your specimen against loss or damage during transit.

  • Stolen Packages: If your tracking information shows 'Delivered' but you have not received your package, we require a formal Police Report for mail theft to be filed before an insurance claim can be processed. This allows us to cooperate with the carrier and local authorities in their investigation.

  • Delivery Security & Signatures: To ensure your specimens reach you safely, we offer two levels of delivery at checkout. While all orders include full-value insurance, we strongly recommend selecting the Secure Shipping (Signature Required) option if you live in an area prone to package theft. Please note that if you choose Standard Shipping and the package is marked as "Delivered" by the carrier, we cannot be held responsible for theft from the delivery site without a police report. You are responsible for being at the delivery site to give a signature.

Rates & Packaging

Our shipping rates are weight-based to reflect the density of mineral specimens. We do not use standard "one size fits all" boxes; instead, we use heavy-duty corrugated boxes and professional-grade padding to protect delicate crystals and points. These prices are subject to change based on carrier cost changes.

Orders over $100 will ship for free!

NOTE: More fragile minerals may be shipped in a secondary layer of packaging that includes laundry detergent. You will be sent an email for how to open these packages separately from your order if applicable.


Returns & Breakage Policy

Due to the one-of-a-kind nature of mineral specimens, please review the following terms carefully.

Damaged Items

If your specimen arrives broken or damaged due to transit, we will make it right. To qualify for a store credit or replacement:

  1. Contact us at info@this-ore-that.com within 48 hours of delivery.

  2. Provide clear photos of the damaged specimen.

  3. Provide photos of the exterior shipping box and all internal packing materials (this is required for our insurance claims).

    • NOTE: Some items will “shed” smaller crystals or matrix in transit. This does not necessarily impact the value of the mineral. As mineral experts, we reserve the right to evaluate and appraise the damage to determine if a true loss has been experienced.

General Returns (Change of Mind)

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 14 days of receipt under the following conditions:

  • Return Shipping: The buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs and must provide a tracking number.

  • Restocking Fee: A 10% restocking fee applies to all returns to cover original processing, packaging, and re-listing of unique items.

  • Condition: Items must be returned in their original condition. If an item is returned damaged due to poor repackaging, the loss in value will be deducted from the refund. We cannot resell damaged returns for their original value and we highly recommend insuring your return shipment.

International Shipping

  • Freight Forwarder: Due to the inconsistent and every changing regulations on shipping, we require out international customers to utilize a freight forwarder so that we can ship to a US based address. Myus.com has been recommended to us, however, we do not work with or directly endorse any freight forwarding company. You are encouraged to research the option that works best for your situation as customer service for those services are held through that company.

    • Liability: Our responsibility for the condition of the items and delivery status ends once the package is marked as "Delivered" to the US-based forwarding address.

    • Damage Claims: We highly recommend you research how the forwarder may inspect the items upon arrival at their US facility. Any claims for damage must be made within 48 hours of delivery to the US address, accompanied by photos taken at that location. We are NOT responsible for items damaged due to repacking from the freight forwarder. We cannot control how they may repackage the items after inspection.

    • Returns: Returns are only accepted for items in the United States. Due to the complexity and cost of international logistics, we cannot provide return shipping labels or customs documentation for items located outside of the United States. Returns are only processed once the item is received at our US facility in its original condition. Original shipping costs and any import duties are non-refundable.

  • How it Works: After you register with your preferred freight forwarder, you will receive a US address that you use as your shipping address. You will still pay the shipping to that location. From there, it is up to you to coordinate with the freight forwarder on how you want to ship your items. You will pay the freight forwarder from that point to ship your items or combine with other orders to ship.

  • Benefits: Freight forwarders are experts in navigating the ever changing landscape of international shipping and are better equipped to ensure you get your package intact. They can also combine packages to reduce shipping rates so you can buy from multiple US based shops and have them combined by the freight forwarder.