Legacy Tumbled Stone Grading Scale: AAA, AA, A & B Explained
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How to recognize true quality in polished stones—what AAA, AA, A and B really mean.
Not all tumbled stones are created equal. The quality of the raw mineral, the precision of the polish, and the way a stone feels in the hand all influence both aesthetic and metaphysical value. At Legacy Crystals and Minerals, we use a consistent Tumbled Stone Grading Scale so you know exactly what you’re buying—whether you want museum-caliber shine or a more natural, earthy finish.
What Our Grades Mean
AAA is the top 5–10% of production: mirror-polished, saturated color, and beautifully shaped. AA is premium retail quality with high gloss and minimal natural texture. A is reliable commercial quality with good polish and organic shaping. B is entry/bulk quality with a more natural finish—excellent for crafts, grids, or energy work.
Visual Grade Reference
Legacy Tumbled Stone Grading Scale
| Grade | Description | Color Quality | Polish / Finish | Shape & Structure | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | Collector quality | Deep, uniform, vivid | Mirror-polished, flawless or near-flawless | Excellent symmetry, balanced size | Collectors, display |
| AA | Premium quality | Strong with attractive variation | High gloss with minor natural texture | Uniform shaping | Retail, metaphysical practice |
| A | Commercial quality | Natural tones with some unevenness | Good polish; minor matte/pits | Slightly irregular, organic | Everyday use, beginners |
| B | Entry / bulk quality | Muted or mixed | Semi-polished; visible texture | Irregular; may show flat sides | Bulk packs, crafts, grounding work |
Note: Natural inclusions and color variation are expected. Grade reflects polish quality, color intensity, and overall finish.
How We Grade
- Color & Pattern: depth, uniformity, and definition of banding or inclusions.
- Polish & Luster: mirror, high gloss, good polish, or semi-polished.
- Shape & Symmetry: oval consistency, smoothness, and balance in hand.
- Natural Integrity: inclusions that enhance beauty vs. distracting pits or chips.
Every batch is hand-sorted by our team. Natural variation is part of the appeal—grading simply gives you a clear expectation of finish and presentation.
Typical Size Guidance (Tumbles)
We list general size ranges for simplicity: approximately 2–3 cm each (0.8–1.2 in). Individual stones and 100 g lots will vary by mineral density:
- Single Stone: ~2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in), typical weight ~15–30 g (0.5–1.1 oz).
- 100 g Lot: usually 3–7 stones depending on species and cut. We always show real photos of current stock.
Why Grading Matters
Clarity on grade helps you match intent: choose AAA/AA for display and premium gifting, or A/B for grids, meditation bowls, and everyday carry. Whatever you select, you’re getting authentic minerals with transparent quality standards.
