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Q: Do I have to go to a special store to find good crystals?
A: Not at all. Most of my personal crystals are either "found" stones (look down, they're all around) or for polished stone, I go to the local lapidary (a rock and gem shop) These places have good stones, but don't be bothered with the rubies in the case (unless you have a HUGE need and DEEP POCKETS!) Try the cabachons in the small drawers; they can be had for a song and will work well in jewelry as well as your altar space!
Try museum gift shops too ... treasures can be found in their children's section!
Gemstones make great Wiccan talismans -- find a gemstone with magickal correspondences related to things you want and carry it with you for a great simple form of magick.