Stabilised first
The specimen is photographed, then supported around its strongest areas. Delicate crystals are protected without wrapping pressure directly onto vulnerable points.
Fine minerals & collector specimens
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Original English pageDelivery & protective packing
Minerals packed for the journey.
Every specimen is packed around its weight, crystal form and fragility. The delivery service and complete charge are agreed before payment.
View UK delivery guidePersonally preparedEach parcel is checked and packed by Avalon in Somerset.
Selected UK orders
Postage shown before payment.
Choose Royal Mail Tracked 48, Tracked 24 or Special Delivery (tracked and signed) for UK delivery. The selected charge is added to the specimen price at checkout; it is not automatically free.
How your specimen is protected
Careful packing, without pressure on the crystals.
Minerals are not treated like ordinary retail goods. Delicate points, attached crystals, matrix edges and display stands are assessed individually.
Inner protection
Clean tissue, soft foam and cushioning are fitted to prevent movement. A stand may be removed and wrapped separately when that is safer.
Strong outer box
A rigid, double-wall outer box is used where required. Larger or particularly delicate pieces may be double-boxed with a cushioning space between boxes.
Final movement check
The sealed parcel is checked for movement before dispatch. Tracking details are then sent to the customer.
England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
UK delivery guide
These are Avalon’s current starter postage rates. Select the correct destination and service on the specimen page: postage is added before payment. Larger parcels and other destinations need a quote.
£3.70
Royal Mail Tracked 48
Usually 2–3 working days
Standard UK tracked delivery for suitable small parcels.
Heavier, oversized or especially delicate pieces need a quote.View carrier information£4.70
Royal Mail Tracked 24
Usually 1–2 working days
The 24-hour tracked option for suitable UK parcels. Arrival is not guaranteed within 24 hours.
Service names are delivery aims, not guaranteed arrival times.View carrier information£11.95
Royal Mail Special Delivery
See carrier delivery terms
Tracked and signed UK delivery for suitable parcels.
Larger parcels or specimens requiring additional cover need a quote.View carrier informationAvalon Royal Mail delivery
Current postage charges
Our current checkout rates are shown here. International rates apply to parcels up to 2 kg including packaging. Please request a quote for heavier or oversized specimens before payment. Overseas customs charges, where applicable, are separate.
ParcelWeightPostage
UK — Tracked 48Small parcels£3.70
UK — Tracked 24Small parcels£4.70
UK — Special Delivery · tracked and signedSuitable parcels£11.95
Europe — International TrackedUp to 2 kg packed£20.00
Worldwide — International TrackedUp to 2 kg packed£40.00
USA — International TrackedUp to 2 kg packed£25.00
Value and cover
For valuable specimens, the service is chosen around the sale value and the carrier’s current compensation conditions. Enhanced cover or another carrier may be required.
International delivery
Royal Mail International Tracked is £20 to Europe, £25 to the USA and £40 worldwide for suitable parcels up to 2 kg packed. Larger or oversized parcels need a quote.
Large specimens
Oversized, very heavy or unusually delicate pieces are quoted individually. Specialist collection or personal delivery can be considered where practical.
Need an exact delivery price?
Ask us before purchasing.
Send the specimen name and delivery postcode or country. Avalon will confirm the safest service, estimated time and complete charge.
Request a delivery quote