About the Rock Shop

Gems of the West Rock Shop is a premier retail destination that has captured the hearts of both locals and tourists since its establishment in 2016. In August 2021, we relocated to a new, spacious location, allowing us to showcase our extensive collection of rocks in a more organized and accessible manner. Our store stands out in Big Bear as a specialty shop dedicated to offering a diverse range of minerals, gems, crystals, and rocks tailored to collectors, budding geologists, and individuals intrigued by the formation and metaphysical properties of stones.

At Gems of the West, we strive to educate our visitors on the scientific aspects of each specimen and formation, encouraging hands-on exploration to truly appreciate the weight, texture, and energy of the rocks. Our healing stones section and Metaphysical Room provides detailed explanations on the unique benefits and healing properties associated with each stone, empowering individuals to harness the power of these natural wonders. Visit us today to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment through the captivating world of rocks minerals and crystals.

***NEW***

We are proud to introduce our innovative online school platform, designed to revolutionize the way we learn and engage in learning. Our online school https://storiesfromdeeptime.info offers a dynamic and flexible learning environment for students of all ages. Discover the benefits of virtual classrooms, personalized learning paths, and 24/7 support services as we usher in a new era of online education. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey towards academic excellence and student success

Everyone knows something about T.rex but is the information correct? Much new evidence has come to light over the past 14 years. We have brought all that evidence together for the first time in our first course “What was T.rex really like?” Learn all about T.rex and discover what it was really like with our first story. By following this course, you'll gain lots of information on these discoveries. You will hear what T.rex sounded like, see how it walked learn about its nurturing parenting style, and explore theories on whether it may have had feathers and even if it had the capability to use tools!!.

Of course, Gold was the mineral which was the driving force which established Big Bear as a settlement. We have a wide range of pyrite (fool’s gold) specimens. To find out more about the story of gold in the valley please go to the Big Bear Valley Historical Society website.

We offer:

  • Kingman turquoise cabs, rough and spider web pieces;

  • Black, silver sheen and rainbow Obsidian, rough and polished into various shapes;

  • Azurite, Malachite and Native Copper, Larimar slabs, rough and polished;

  • A wide range of types and colored calcite including specimens formed during the 20million year demise of the Western Interior Seaway;

  • Unique minerals sourced directly from Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango, Mexico;

  • Uncut geodes for breaking open;

  • A “Kids’ table” where every item is prices at $2, popular with kids of all ages;

  • Pieces of a meteorite which air burst over Argentine 6,000 years ago;

  • Genuine Moldavite and Libyan Glass;

  • Himalayan Salt Lamps;

  • A wide range of crystal and Jade pendants and bracelets;

  • A wide range of collectible minerals for display;

and much more.

We receive numerous requests for special items which we are able to source. If there is a specific mineral or gem which you would like for a particular reason, anniversary or purpose, please come to the store and talk with our staff. We will do all that we can to source the item for you as quickly as possible.

We regret that we do not buy rocks and minerals from the public. All our products either come directly from the mine of from suppliers who can certify the origins of the rocks they sell as is required by the State of California.