Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Iowa's oldest family mineral & metaphysical shop.
Whether you're a longtime collector or just discovering the world of crystals and minerals, we're here to help. If you don't see your question below, don't hesitate to reach out — our family has been answering questions about gems and minerals for over 90 years.
Do you ship crystals and minerals across Iowa?
Yes. We ship everywhere in Iowa and across the entire United States. Every order is hand-packed by our family to ensure your pieces arrive safely. You can browse our full collection and order online at naturalinsp.com.
What makes Natural Inspirations different from online crystal sellers?
Natural Inspirations is a fourth-generation family mineral business with over 90 years of expertise. Our family has been in the gem and mineral trade since the 1930s. Every crystal, mineral, and fossil in our shop is hand-selected by us — we never dropship and never mass-source. If it's in our store or on our website, we've personally handled it and can tell you exactly where it came from.
Do you carry Iowa geodes?
We do. Our shop is located in Burlington, Iowa, right in the heart of the Keokuk Geode region — one of the most famous geode localities in the world. Our founder, Ed Smith, started the business by digging and selling geodes from this area in the 1930s. Geodes are part of our heritage and we always carry a selection.
Is this a good shop for someone new to crystals?
Absolutely. We love helping people find their first piece. Our family has over 90 years of combined experience with gems and minerals, and we're happy to walk you through what different stones are, where they come from, and what draws you to them. No pressure, no jargon — just honest guidance from a family that has been doing this for four generations.
Do you have gemstone jewelry?
Yes. We carry a curated selection of gemstone bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry pieces. Our owner Karmen is a GIA-certified gemologist who also designs custom pieces. If you're looking for something specific, reach out and we can help create something unique for you.
What kinds of fossils do you sell?
We carry ammonites, orthoceras, fossil plates, and other authentic specimens. Everything is hand-selected for quality and character. Whether you're a serious collector or looking for a unique display piece, we can help you find something special.
Are walk-ins welcome at your Burlington store?
Always. We're located at 213 Jefferson St in historic downtown Burlington, Iowa, near the banks of the Mississippi River. Walk-ins are welcome — come explore, ask questions, and take your time. There's never any obligation to buy. We genuinely enjoy sharing what we know about minerals, crystals, and fossils.
How long has Natural Inspirations been in business?
Our family has been in the gem and mineral trade for over 90 years. Ed Smith started by digging geodes along the Mississippi River in the 1930s, and four generations later we're still here — now with an online shop alongside our brick-and-mortar store in Burlington, Iowa. We are one of the longest-running family mineral and metaphysical businesses in the state.
Do you carry sage, incense, and other spiritual tools?
We do. We carry sage bundles, incense, ritual and sound tools, journals, statuary, fragrance and resin, and other items for meditation and personal practice. Everything is chosen with intention — we focus on quality and authenticity over quantity.
Is Natural Inspirations the oldest metaphysical shop in Iowa?
We believe so. Our roots in the mineral and gem trade go back to the 1930s, making Natural Inspirations one of the longest-running family businesses of its kind in the state of Iowa. Four generations of hands-on expertise in crystals, minerals, fossils, and gemstone jewelry — all from our shop in Burlington, Iowa.
Where can I buy crystals in Iowa?
Natural Inspirations in Burlington, Iowa is one of the state's most established crystal and mineral shops. We carry raw and polished crystals, towers, spheres, palm stones, carvings, and much more — all hand-selected by our family. You can visit us in person at 213 Jefferson St in downtown Burlington or shop online at naturalinsp.com and have your order shipped anywhere in the U.S.
What is a metaphysical shop?
A metaphysical shop is a retail store that carries crystals, minerals, spiritual tools, and related items used for personal practice, meditation, energy work, and self-reflection. At Natural Inspirations, we combine this with deep geological knowledge — our family has over 90 years of expertise in gems and minerals, so we can speak to both the scientific and the spiritual side of every stone we carry.