Question 1

Do you cut, grind and polish yourself?

Accepted Answer

I buy some agates if I come across some good ones, but I also like to do the work myself with cutting, grinding and polishing. It´s my hobby!

Question 2

Are you present with your own stones at mineral fairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I go to several fairs every year. I have also had my own stand at the "Munich Show".

Question 3

Which is your favorite country for agates?

Accepted Answer

Morocco is one of my favorite countries. It was from there that I got my first stones and in addition I have often looked for agates myself in Morocco. After several trips to this spectacular country, I have made good friends there. Morocco is also a magical and beautiful country.

Question 4

How do you ship the agates?

Accepted Answer

I usually ship with DHL.They are reliable and I have good experience with them.

Question 5

Why do the colors of the agate look different in real life compared to the webpage?

Accepted Answer

The colors may appear different for several reasons:
Camera and Lighting Conditions: The lighting and camera settings used when the photo was taken can greatly influence the way colors are captured, making them look different from real life or when displayed later.
Screen Calibration: Each device (laptop, smartphone, tablet) displays colors uniquely based on its screen calibration and quality. If the screen isn't properly calibrated, colors might appear more vibrant, dull, or tinted.
Color Profiles: Images use different color profiles, like sRGB or Adobe RGB, which affect how colors are interpreted. If the website or browser doesn't fully support the image’s color profile, the colors might not be displayed accurately.
Image Compression: When images are uploaded to websites, they're often compressed to reduce file size. This compression can reduce image quality and distort the colors in the process.
Viewing Conditions: The lighting in your environment—whether it's bright sunlight or a dim room—can affect how you perceive colors.
Browser Rendering: Web browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari) can display images slightly differently depending on their rendering processes, affecting how colors are shown across different platforms.

Question 6

What do you do with scratches and cracks in the agates?

Accepted Answer

Most scratches and cracks I treat with HXTAL, a two-component non-yellowing epoxy known for its quality. It works well for filling voids and stabilizing fractured slabs.