Grades such as A, AA and AAA are not an official standard. Each seller defines them. What decides the price of a crystal is color, clarity, size, cut, rarity and whether the stone has been treated.
What the letters usually mean
| Label | Typical meaning | Remember |
|---|---|---|
| B or standard | Paler color, visible inclusions or cracks | Often perfectly nice for everyday use |
| A | Good color, some inclusions | The most common grade |
| AA | Stronger color, fewer flaws | Seller-defined |
| AAA or “extra” | The seller’s best color and clarity | Not comparable between shops |
Because the scale is not shared, an “AAA” stone in one shop can match an “A” in another. Compare photos, not letters.
What really affects price
- Color: deep, even color costs more, for example dark purple amethyst.
- Clarity: fewer cracks and cloudy areas raise the price of clear stones.
- Size and weight: price rises faster than size for good pieces.
- Shape and polish: a well-cut sphere or tower takes more work than a tumbled stone.
- Rarity and origin: some localities are known for a certain look.
- Treatment: natural, untreated color usually costs more than dyed or heated material.
How to compare two stones
- Look at photos of the actual piece, not a sample image.
- Check the size in inches or millimeters and the weight in grams.
- Read whether the stone is natural, heated, dyed or reconstituted.
- Compare the price per gram for similar quality.
Is a higher grade better for me?
Only if you care about the look. For a pocket stone, an inexpensive tumbled stone does the same job as a flawless one. Spend more on pieces you will display.
Why is one citrine cheap and another expensive?
Natural citrine is uncommon and costs more than heated amethyst. See Real vs. fake citrine.
Where can I buy honestly graded crystals?
See what to look for in Where to buy real crystals online.