How a Specimen Is Packed
- Inspection and match to photos. The specimen is checked against its listing photos and dimensions before anything is wrapped, so what is packed is provably what you bought.
- Point protection first. Fragile terminations and protruding crystals are cushioned individually before the piece is wrapped as a whole.
- Hand-wrapping. Each specimen is hand-wrapped in soft material; delicate species get extra layers rather than tighter wrapping, because pressure is itself a risk.
- Suspension in the box. The wrapped specimen is cushioned on all sides so it cannot shift, and heavy pieces are packed so their own weight cannot crush the padding under transit shocks.
- Label travels with the specimen. Original locality labels are protected and packed with the piece — the label is part of what you bought.
Shipping, Tracking and Timing
Orders are processed within 24-48 hours (1-2 business days) before dispatch. Most packages then spend 5-8 business days in transit, for a typical total of 6-10 business days door to door; remote regions can take a little longer, and customs clearance varies by destination.
Every parcel carries a tracking number you can follow on our Track Order page from dispatch to delivery.
Duties, Taxes and What Is Not Included
On eligible shipping routes, standard import duties and standard carrier customs handling fees are covered by MyMineralBox; local taxes (VAT, GST, sales tax) are set by the destination country and may still apply. Buyer-caused costs — an incorrect address, a refused parcel, a missing customs ID where required — are not covered.
The Shipping & Return Policy page carries the complete, current terms; where this article and the policy page ever differ, the policy page governs.
If Something Arrives Damaged
Photograph the parcel before unpacking further: the outer box, the inner cushioning as found, and the damage itself. Contact us with the photos and your order number, and keep all packaging until the case is resolved — carriers require it for claims.
Do not attempt repairs. A documented break is a solvable case; a glued one is not.
After Unpacking
Unwrap over a soft surface, support matrix pieces from below, and never pull a specimen out by its crystals. For longer-term handling — light, humidity, dusting and species-specific cautions — see our storage and display guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long until my order arrives?
Processing takes 1-2 business days, transit typically 5-8 more — 6-10 business days total to most countries, longer for remote regions or slow customs.
Will I have to pay customs charges?
On eligible routes, standard import duties and carrier customs handling fees are covered. Local taxes may still apply depending on your country; the checkout and the Shipping & Return Policy page state what applies to your destination.
Is every specimen really packed by hand?
Yes — each piece is individually hand-wrapped and cushioned. Mineral specimens are too varied in shape and fragility for automated packing.
What should I do if the box arrives crushed?
Photograph everything before and during unpacking, keep all packaging, and contact us with the photos and your order number. Claims depend on that documentation.