Mama's Minerals

Mama's Minerals has been trusted since 1985 and calls itself the Southwest's largest rock and bead store. It is on 12th Street NW in Albuquerque and carries crystals and gemstone specimens, polished and tumbled stones, spheres, points, pyramids and slices, crystals sorted by need for healing work, fossils, and a huge range of stone beads, charms and findings.

For hobbyists, the shop also sells rock tumblers and tumbling media, gold pans and prospecting gear, geological and rockhounding tools and magnification equipment. Its founder, Laura Randolph, built the business from a passion for stones, and it remains a key stop for New Mexico rockhounds, jewelry makers and crystal shoppers.

Hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm. Call (505) 266-8443, and follow Mama's Minerals on Instagram and Facebook.

The store is near Old Town Albuquerque, so it is easy to add to a day of sightseeing. Jewelry makers can ask staff for help matching beads and findings, and the store's staff can advise on tumbler setups for beginners.