Astro Gallery of Gems, Minerals and Fossils — Local services in New York

Let me first start off with the fact that I am not new there. I am recognizable and I often come in with someone who is into crystals or who does have the money for the kind of stuff they sell. I have even spent money there. But I face racism by the same hosts, and that's when I take a few month break each time.

Mind you I am half white half black gentleman, all Jewish. I wear ankle high Aldo shoes and a casual coat brand that you often see Caucasian people in (by an Asian caucasion couple in park slope). I also graduated from a special art HS with a regents diploma and very into business. I go in for inspiration sometimes also. Well dressed, mature attitude. And raised by caucasion people for the most part so I speak like them.

The only thing is I am short and slightly tan.

I'll just use the last example for your perspective. The last time I was there the racist male host wasn't there but the woman was. (Like I said I am not new there, and I've seen her there time before. She is memorable because she was racist each time.) I go in. Some white people, maybe tourists come in after me. We are all wearing the similar coat. The high ticket items are too expensive for them but she is polite to them. I look at the beauty of crystals and I might get a $30 or $50 peice. I also interact slightly with others around me and make sure to stay in view of the host and guard because of my past experience there.

I haven't seen that guard before but she eggs him to follow me around and I pretend not to hear. He questions me, and I say the truth about why I am in there. I am not offended by him because he was polite and didn't want to do this. And I am not afraid because I never stole or have a criminal record and I like cameras. I point out how one huge crystal looks like a hand. And he says people come in and point that sort of stuff out often. He is friendly but we awkwardly had nothing else to say each other.

By now he can tell I am not a black male who is going to rob them. He assures her, and she tells him to still watch me though because she doesn't trust it. So I didn't buy anything, I left. This is why I don't often. I did have a nice little interaction in the back crystal room with a white woman who they didn't feel they need to follow before I left. She was taking photos (which aren't allowed by the way). But we only interacted about a crystal we found mutually intricate.

Nobody in the store felt threatened by me. And nobody in the store bothered me except the racist female host who keeps on each time. I am not a kid, I am 23. And well maintained hair-wise and in facial hair.

I don't deserve racism and neither do you. Nor should...

I have shopped here many times in the past and have spent quite a deal of money. Anybody that has ever been here knows that the price tags here a very high! That being said, the product in the store is simply beautiful and breathtaking. As I said before, in my previous times in the store, I went there and spent a great deal of money on their merchandise. However, I have noticed in the past that the sales woman is very abrasive and I just laughed it off and humored her. When you were spending that kind of money in the store filled with healing crystals you would think the person selling it to you would have good energy, not the case here. You go in there and she shares personal stories that are totally inappropriate, makes fun of other customers and really just cares about making a sale. Not to mention they brag about the discount they have today which is every day LOL and how is it possible to take thousands of dollars off of a price of a crystal unless you marked it up drastically to begin with? So I went in for something small, I even brought friends! She saw me and gravitated instantly. She automatically showed me the most expensive things in the store even though I was not interested. When I looked at something small she told me it was ugly don’t look at that. Again telling me inappropriate stories in front of my friends that were disgusted by hearing them. Finally when I was trying to make my purchase which was much smaller than usual that is when I overheard the male manager. He said “ hey.... you got him? He going to buy it?” She said “no, he has financial problems now.” So, on top of being bombarded while shopping, embarrassed in front of my friends because of the gross stories and being pushed into buying something that I don’t want..... now the manager is trying to hustle me too. Like I mentioned before in such a beautiful store with crystals that are supposed to make you feel better and heal your soul you have toxic energy walking around basically trying to sell you products for thousands of dollars and justify it by saying, “well, that’s the before discount price!” To be honest I don’t even want to go in there anymore and I rather shop off of a website. My friends describe her as horrid and Unprofessional. They see everybody as a price tag and when I told them I didn’t have the money she suggested, that’s what credit cards are for! Also, based on information shared by employees, i would be uncomfortable walking around in that store if I was a person of color....

Astro Gallery of Gems, Minerals, and Fossils is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering an extraordinary journey through the natural world’s most magnificent offerings. Nestled in a space that welcomes both the curious and the knowledgeable, this gallery presents an impressive array of specimens that are as educational as they are beautiful. Upon entering Astro Gallery, you are immediately struck by the meticulous organization and the sheer variety of the displays. From sparkling gems and polished precious stones to ancient fossils that whisper tales of a prehistoric past, each item is showcased in a way that highlights its unique beauty and scientific significance. The array of colors and forms makes every visit a new experience, with vibrant geodes, sleek meteorites, and intricate crystals capturing the imagination of all who walk through the doors. What sets Astro Gallery apart is not just its extensive collection but the depth of knowledge and passion evident in every aspect of the operation. The staff are not merely employees; they are aficionados, eager to share stories and details about the origins and characteristics of each piece. For those looking to purchase, the gallery offers options that range from affordable novelties to investment-grade rarities, making it accessible to beginners and seasoned collectors alike.

Moreover, the educational aspect of Astro Gallery is commendable. Informational placards provide insights into geological processes and historical contexts, enriching the visitor experience with a scholarly backdrop that enhances the appreciation of the specimens. Whether you're a dedicated mineralogist, a fossil enthusiast, or simply someone in search of a unique gift, Astro Gallery of Gems, Minerals, and Fossils is a must-visit destination. It’s not just a store; it’s an exhibition where every visit inspires awe and a deeper respect for the...