Millions of people around the world believe in the healing forces of crystals. The industry that serves them, however, is based on environmental destruction, abusive labor conditions, war, drugs, and crime. The terms “ethical mining” and “ethical crystals” have become meaningless and empty, as unscrupulous crystal dealers try to calm their concerned clients with lies and shady excuses. It’s time to break the silence and speak out.

For the companies that joined forces in the Gemrock Group, ethical business is a core value. We are not using gold or silver from illegal mining operations. We don’t sell crystals from war zones or drug production areas. We don’t work with mines or lapidary workshops that are built on child labor.

We produce all our top-quality carved stones and jewelry in-house. All our carvers work under real labor contracts and receive fair salaries, a share of the company’s profits, and more than the legally required labor benefits.

Mining is unsustainable. Crystals will not grow again in a timescale that is manageable for humans. The global demand for crystals, gold, and silver leads to massive habitat destruction, species extinctions, and long-lasting chemical contamination. Contrary to common belief this is not caused by big mining corporations but rather by an army of so-called “artisan” or small-scale miners: an estimated 300,000 of them in Peru alone, who work outside the legal system and do not respect any limits.

At Gemrock we are showing that it does not have to be this way. We are on an ongoing quest to reduce our own environmental impact by saving water, and energy and reducing waste wherever possible. We are measuring our remaining environmental footprint and we are on the way to mitigate this impact by financing a habitat restoration project. Our crystals are carbon neutral.

If there is any animal that represents most of the Peruvian crystal and gemstone mining areas, it is the Lizard. They inhabit the barren landscape of the Peruvian coastal desert and the western Andean foothills. Like the miners, they endure this hot and dry landscape without water, shadow, or complaint.

In many cultures Lizards and Geckos are symbols of rebirth, regeneration, and renewal. The Lizard therefore also is a perfect symbol for the constant renovation of Gemrocks’ business model adapting to the challenges of a post-pandemic world. Last but not least: in Chinese culture the Lizard is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.