So you want to get your someone special something extra special. If, like me, they have a small rock collection you can’t go wrong with a collectibles store on West 79th Street. Astro West is one of those small gems in nyc, only this one also contains gems, minerals, fossils, and meteorites.
You walk in and spot a large beautiful amethyst crystal displayed with light shone on it which just makes it’s purple hues more vibrant. This is a store has a feel that’s part shop, and part gallery. Everywhere you look is something beautiful and unique.
For those not into sculpture, or large rocks in your living room, there’s also jewelry and even coasters! Prices vary from lower end of $2 to $10,000 and up, what can I say...meteorites don't just fall out of the sky, well they do but you know what I mean.
Another fun thing this store has is is a geode crusher. There's a large barrel of geodes, just rocks that fit the palm of your hand, for $25 you choose the rock and then the salesman, Phil (very knowledgeable and very patient with all our questions) put the geode securely in the machine. Once secured he let our three year old press the button to split the geode, she was so excited to see what was inside this rock. I think $25 was a fair price because you never know exactly what you will find within the geode and the experience was completely positive. Also in the geode it had water in it which they explained is called 'inhydro', basically it's porous and over a long period of time water can seep into the cavity, it's fairly rare; a nice added surprise and educational. This store is across the street from the American Museum of Natural History so if you are at the museum (which I also recommend) and can't find what you want in the museums gift shop pop over to Astro West, you may just find what you're looking for.
