Rock Your World

Like many young boys, Mark Erickson liked to explore his surroundings and was fascinated with the rocks he discovered. As he became a man, his fascination didn't waiver and his adventures took him to exotic locations around the world.

Today, his collection of rocks, gems and minerals has grown into a retail operation that doubles as a gallery of showpieces.

"Every kid likes stones. I just took it to a different level," he said.

Erickson said he is continually amazed by what comes out of the ground. "It's natural art; they are one-of-a-kind pieces."

He opened Unseen World Gallery nearly three years ago, after a 28-year career as a contractor.

"I needed something to do when I retired," he said.

His interest in gems and minerals seemed like a natural solution for the habit that he admits gains momentum by the uniqueness of each piece he discovers.

In fact, Erickson is happy to share his knowledge about the origins and composition of the organic artworks with anyone who asks.

Many of the pieces he features were created by volcanic action. Erickson said the volcanos' heat and pressure changed the appearance and turned ordinary minerals into extraordinary ones. Additionally, he said the elements have to be in the correct ratios in order to create the formations. These ratios are responsible for the pieces' color and transparency as well.

Prior to opening the gallery, he spent five years gathering specimens to display and sell. Each piece is hand selected by Erickson.

"I learned the first time out. If you purchase something over the phone, what you get and what you think you're getting are two different things."

Currently, the gallery offers a variety of quartz crystals, amethyst, citrine, calcite, jade and Pakistan onyx coming from places such as Brazil, India, China, Peru and Spain.

Erickson said one of his specialties is giant agate slices, which can measure as much as 35 inches in diameter.

"They are very uncommon," he said adding that he has an exclusive arrangement with his supplier to sell the slices.

He said the pieces are ideal home accents and he has the large agate slices on almost every windowsill of his home.

Not only are his gems, crystals and minerals beautiful to look at, Erickson said those in the metaphysical world and those who practice feng shui believe the pieces have healing properties and are full of positive energy.

Along with each piece, Erickson provides care instructions, which he said are quite simple. Amethyst needs to stay out of the sun because it will fade, but otherwise the stones require only occasional dusting.

In addition to the gems, crystals and minerals, the gallery has a small collection of Moroccan fossils, framed photography by William Carr, carved wood sculptures from Indonesia and hand-crafted jewelry.

Erickson said he also will special order pieces by request.

Unseen World is located at 7293 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 3.

For more information, call 220-8379 or visit www.agateworld.com.