Stainton Gems
UK Specialist in Minerals, Gemstones & Fossils.
Unique pieces hand-selected from a network of trusted UK businesses, wholesalers, and private collectors.
Mineral Enquiries Welcome!
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About Ben
I’d like to think that my interest in minerals started from roaming the coasts of Northern England with my mother. Instead of admiring the rolling sea waves, I’d spend time looking down at my feet. My eyes would gravitate towards shiny and obscure pebbles nestled in the sand. Magically, they would end up in my pocket.
In 2011 I visited a rock shop called Gemcraft at the Durham Dales Centre. Shelves of minerals were stacked high. There was a centre table of tumble stones, a window display of jewellery, and a single glass display cabinet for specialist pieces. I was immediately drawn to the trays of green and yellow Weardale fluorite. Their cubic shapes sparked curiosity within my young mind. On this first of many visits, I purchased a tiny piece of Diana Maria fluorite on galena. This unique specimen acted as a catalyst that started my interest in fluorites and other UK pieces.
Shortly after, I self-collected my first ‘proper rock’. Scrambling up an old dump pile, I found a piece of drusy quartz lying face down in the dirt. Naturally, I took it home to clean it up with an old toothbrush and a bucket of soapy water. This discovery influenced me to begin researching more about my local area and minerals around the world. This includes numerous visits to Creetown Gem Rock Museum later in life.
Sadly, in January 2013, my love of minerals was put on hold. After being in and out of hospital for nine months I received a diagnosis of life long CFS/ ME. Its daily impact on my energy levels and mobility can be crippling. After spending years learning to understand my symptoms and manage my daily activities, I was well enough to attend Leyburn Mineral and Fossil Fair 2016. This new experience allowed me to engage with a community of people who not only taught me about minerals but also made me feel included. Ever since that show, I have built a network of contacts, developed skills in identification, and have taught myself to avoid fakes and frauds within the mineral market.
This year, 2025, I am combining my creative flare, as a graduate of Creative Writing (First Class BA Hons), with my knowledge of Fine Minerals/ Gems to bring you a new experience. Welcome to my website, a place for all mineral enthusiasts, collectors, and gift givers!