The Philosopher’s Stone

What a fun shop! The owner was very knowledgeable and helped us to pick out the perfect gift for our daughter (a worrier). We enjoyed browsing her collection and talking to her about all the different crystals and gemstones in her shop. Thanks for helping us to pick out a great gift — our daughter loved her aquamarine pendant and wears it with pride.

Wonderful crystal selection, organized and displayed attractively. She is very knowledgeable and friendly. Bought some lovely pieces. I hope to return soon.

This is one of the best rock, gemstone shops I have been to! Great selection! The owner and employees know the healing properties of all the stones where there from and which part of the store they are located in! Very high energy spot! They carry sage and cedar an Palo Santo too!

really helpful staff and an energetic tidal wave for the sensitives

Obviously, Unilocal doesn’t have sufficient categories available to properly classify The Philosopher’s Stone in OB. It’s not what I’d call a «hobby» shop. It is a fantastic little crytals/​minerals shop with a nice variety of some beautiful and unusual natural, and as well as cut/​tumbled/​polished stones, some small, loose and/​or mounted for use as jewelry, and some larger display pieces. And it took me moving out of the area to realize what amazingly great prices they have! This is one of the places I always have to stop by, whenever I happen to visit San Diego.

I was down at the Black looking for some sage and a crystal and they directed me to this store. I am very happy I went. I intended on only buying one crystal and ended up buying like seven which took care of the rest of my Christmas shopping! The girl behind the counter was very sweet. Welcome to San Diego again!

I come here regularly and must say the visits are better and better each time. I have brought friends and family here and have to admit that everyone falls in love with The Philosopher’s Stone! Tonight I purchased Azurite, Sunstone, Lepidolite. My friend enjoyed the Rose Quartz, Lepidolite, Howlite and Orange Calcite. I noticed the stones people choose are not only appealing to them but seem to call them on their path in life.
I love this shop and Wendy is amazing! Must visit again!

I am a wire wrapper, and a collector of crystals. I have found Wendy’s knowledge to be extremely valuable. She has helped me in so many ways to grow as an artist, to grow in my little business at the markets, and to grow as a person. The shop has recently expanded and the selection is awesome. The store is inviting, and comfortable, if you want to browse, to sit and read one of the many reference books she has for sale, or to look an oracle deck. Her selection of stones is extensive and includes both common stones and uncommon mineral specimens. Wendy’s prices are really reasonable as well. I definitely recommend this shop if you are a crystal, mineral, or jewelry lover.

I am completely blown away by the quality and exceptional customer service from this place. I was able to pick up some beautiful, quality crystals for a reasonable price, as well as participate in a reading from Wendy.
The reading was mind blowingly accurate. I am still processing all the information that was presented and uncovered, and I simply am in disbelief by the accuracy and insight Wendy provided.
Worth the journey and I look forward to going back the next time I visit San Diego.

I love this shop — there is an excellent selection of crystals and the owner (Wendy) has great energy and is very knowledgable. Also, each crystal comes with a card explaining its healing properties, which I find very helpful.

Absolutely one of my favorite stores in OB. (Plus it recently expanded!) I’m a crystal/​mineral junkie, and I’ve received nothing but kind and loving service from the owner and employees of this store! Her prices are great (if you don’t think so, then you really must not know much about crystals and fair pricing for quality pieces– as this store has high quality stones.) There have been times where the owner has cut me deals on bulk, and has even tossed in the occasional free small shard or stone when i asked the price. whether you are or aren’t looking to buy, this store has absolutely BEAUTIFUL energy flowing throughout it, and is a pleasure simply to walk through and admire. It’s tucked back in a bit of an indoor alley thingy on newport by a tattoo shop, kind of across the street from the herb shop — and I make sure to stop in just to say hello every time I’m in OB. I would give five hundred stars if possible :) ! ALSO the owner is extremely knowledgeable, and I believe she does readings and sessions. She also gets her stones from many different people and places, which makes for a wonderful and intriguing energy unlike a lot of other crystal shops. I will stop word vomiting now, but I could really just go on and on about this shop :)

This is a great little metaphysical space in OB. It has a huge selection of ritual items and very friendly knowlegable staff. The space they have created for rituals is also a very holy and sacred.

Great quality, selection and prices. Wendy knows what she’s talking about.

If you have any interest at all in gems, crystals, rocks, minerals, stones, ect… then you have NO reason not to visit the Philosopher’s Stone. Wendy is extremely knowledgeable… as others have said… I come here often just to gaze at all the pieces, and I feel myself relax immensely. Sometimes a couple hours pass and I don’t even realize it!
As far as prices go … I have nothing to compare it to because I have never really been to another crystal shop before. I’m below the poverty line, but I’ve managed to buy a couple pieces from her that mean a lot to me. Meh. If you look long enough, you’ll find what’s yours. (She will tell ya that too!)
She also has a selection of jewelry. If you are into making your own jewelry, there’s a store one block away on Newport that sells beads, wire, string, and all that stuff. So check both of these places out if you’re into making jewelry. The smaller stones/​crystals Wendy has are very inexpensive (like from $ 5-​$ 15), so you can make some gorgeous custom jewelry of your own for probably less than $ 20.

Excellent selection. The owner has much info.

This place is an amazing taste of the gifts the earth mother has bestowed upon humanity. Not to mention, Wendy is beyond knowledgeable and patient. Her shop is not just perfectly «OB», but it is one of the finest crystal shops I have visited in the US… In fact, I’m gonna go by there now!

This place is great and has a huge selection, but it’s kinda expensive and I always leave empty-​handed. With the exception of some great pieces, there are other specimens that are a little too much for me and I know with some digging, you can find a better price for similar quality. The person who owns the store is extremely nice, though.
I have to say, though, there were a couple times that I’ve wanted to come in during regular store hours, but couldn’t because she was doing a reading for someone. I know that it’s a little unfair on my end to base my rating on that, but oy, I couldn’t help but be a little annoyed. Actually, the first two times I wanted to visit I could not because of this. I guess she’s good?

Walking into The Philosopher’s Stone is like walking into pure enchantment: copper walls, delicate and massive crystals, beautiful power jewelry and every kind of mineral imaginable. The proprietress, Wendy, is amazing. I was looking at selenite lamps when a customer came in asking for a «we love you but it’s time to go home» stone, and Wendy immediately knew what mineral/​crystal emits that vibe, offered a few variations on the theme.
Wendy also teaches meditation classes. It is unlike any meditation I have ever done. It is not about trying to clear your mind of all thoughts, a task that is impossible by its very nature, but rather to find the quiet place in your head — there is one! — and you don’t get there by trying not to focus on the mind. That was just the first day of class, it went on from there and it’s still going.
If there is magic in the world, a dash of it can be found at The Philospher’s Stone in Ocean Beach. The place and the person who owns it create an impact.

I forgot I had this place reviewed from a while back. So here I am updating it. The place has great mineral specimens and the owner is knowledgeable. Her bedside manner could use some improvement but she does know how to pick quality rocks.

Hands down, one of my favorite crystal stores EVER. Lots of cool stuff to check out like jewelry, crystal candle holders, good selection of books, large and small crystal pieces of all kinds. The store itself is very warm and inviting. Wendy, who I believe is the owner, is awesome! Very knowledgeable, and gives great recommendations. Definitely deserves 5 stars! :D