The history of MyMineralBox — forty years in the mineral trade, one specimen at a time.
MyMineralBox is a U.S.-based, family-run mineral business specializing in authentic Chinese specimens. The story behind it is longer than the website: it begins four decades ago in the mining and mineral trade, and it still runs through the same hills every year — where fine fluorite, calcite, scheelite and stibnite come out of the ground, and where we go to choose them.
Long before there was a website, there was the family trade: forty years of heritage in mining and minerals. The relationships that make MyMineralBox possible today — with miners, with lapidary partners, with the people who know which pocket a specimen really came from — were built over this generation of work, not bought.
Maggie is an Asian American entrepreneur with a lifelong fascination for minerals and deep expertise in Asian mineral localities — Yaogangxian, Xuebaoding, Xianghualing, Shangbao. Her focus is the unique geology of China, and she built her eye the only way an eye gets built: by handling thousands of specimens where they are found.
She specializes in sourcing diverse treasures — from high-quality Chinese mineral specimens to intricate natural mineral carvings — ensuring every piece is selected for its unique beauty and authenticity.
In 2020, in Texas, Maggie co-founded MyMineralBox with Jack Miller, who brings the other half of the craft: strong business and logistics experience, modern global operations, and professional customer care. The idea was a bridge — from Earth's depths to your collection — a way for collectors anywhere to buy Chinese specimens with the confidence of someone standing at the mine.
We believe how a mineral arrives is just as important as the mineral itself. Our packing standard ensures your specimens arrive safely, whether you are in the U.S. or overseas — insured tracked shipping, a display base with every piece, and a 14-day return window.
Each year Maggie spends extended time at mines across China and other parts of Asia, working directly with miners and lapidary partners to curate the finest specimens at the source. These field trips ensure every crystal is selected for authenticity, aesthetic beauty, and geological significance. Sourcing isn't a spreadsheet for us — it's dust, daylight, and turning a specimen in the hand.
“Crystals are gifts from nature — shaped over millions of years and filled with the quiet wisdom of the Earth.”— Maggie Liu, Co-founder
Before launching our independent site, we established ourselves on Etsy with thousands of verified sales and 5-star ratings — proof of a long-standing commitment to quality, authenticity, and outstanding packing.
Today MyMineralBox serves 2,000+ collectors worldwide — still family-run, with every specimen hand-inspected, photographed and numbered. We prioritize geological accuracy and locality transparency: every specimen passes the same three checks before it enters the catalogue. How we source and verify Chinese mineral localities
Specific mine, district, and province data. We avoid generalized labels (e.g. just “China”) when specific locality data is available.
AGTA-aligned disclosure standards. Any heat, irradiation, or repair is explicitly stated in the specimen's technical data.
All photos are color-calibrated to 5500K (Daylight) — the digital representation matches the physical specimen you receive.
Every piece is naturally formed, hand-inspected, and accurately described. What you see in the photographs is exactly what arrives at your door, and any treatment — heat, irradiation, or repair — is disclosed before purchase, not after.
Direct relationships with miners and lapidary partners across Asia, built on fair pay, respect, and responsible practices traceable to the source.
Quality minerals belong in the hands of every passionate collector, not just a privileged few — free shipping over $38 and standard import duties covered on eligible shipping routes, so collecting stays friction-free.
From browsing to delivery, we stand behind every specimen with an authenticity guarantee, color-calibrated photography, professional packing, and a 24-hour response from a real team. If something is wrong, we make it right.
Key Chinese mining districts — Yaogangxian in Hunan, Xuebaoding in Sichuan, and many more.
Browse Chinese localitiesBuying and care guides covering fluorite, calcite, pyrite, azurite and more.
Open the Learn libraryNew to mineral collecting? Start with our beginner's guide.
Buy your first cabinet specimenWe could tell you we're careful — but the record says it better. Verified reviews from collectors on our testimonials wall and our Etsy storefront tell the same story: accurate descriptions, careful packing, specimens that look better in person.
Crystals are gifts from nature — shaped over millions of years and filled with the quiet wisdom of the Earth. For us, My Mineral Box is more than a business. It's a bridge between nature, craftsmanship, and people — a shared journey to bring the world's most beautiful minerals into the hands of collectors everywhere.
One-of-a-kind specimens, hand-selected at the source, numbered and verified — each carrying the story of where it came from.
MyMineralBox. (2025). Mineralogical Database & Specimen Catalog. https://mymineralbox.com
My Mineral Box is a U.S.-based mineral specimen dealer specializing in authentic Chinese minerals, fine crystals, collector-grade stones, and natural mineral carvings. Founded in 2020 by Maggie Liu and Jack Miller.