The Assay House is an established and trusted source for mineral specimens. Our experienced team travels the world for quality specimens, which range from new finds to classic locations and collections. We have supplied mineral specimens to hundreds of private collectors, universities, and museums since our beginning in 2001.
Some of our university clients include the universities of Oviedo, Chuo, Sussex, Australian National, Padova, Johns Hopkins, Hamburg, and Turin. Museums and institutions include the Jorvik Centre, the British Antarctic Survey, and the Alaska Geological Survey.
We are extremely proud of our track record. Our reputation is based on honest descriptions, accurate photos, correct locations, and fair prices. Most of our customers are regular visitors who return because of fine specimens and caring service. Many have become our friends.
We source our specimens internationally. We have built up a global network of local miners and suppliers in countries like Morocco, Romania, Russia, Poland, Germany, India, Zimbabwe, and many more. Buying directly helps to keep the price of specimens affordable.
We regularly visit international mineral shows to buy and sell specimens, including those in Munich, Haywards Heath, Tisnov, Sopron, Tucson, Bologna, and Antwerp. Other specimens originate from purchasing mineral collections—we have handled many classic and antique specimens this way.
In addition to our mineral dealing activities, we aim to educate and provide advice. We have helped many budding collectors with information and guidance. At the other end of the scale, we work with advanced collectors to find very specific rarities, classic locations, or unusual associations. We welcome inquiries and will do our best to help or find the specimens you are looking for.
We hope this has given you a flavour of who we are and what we do. However, if you would like to speak to us in person, we'd love to hear from you.