~ Star Sand ~ Natural Ivory / Cream ~ 1 tsp ~ Shellcraft ~ Sailor's Valentines ~

Description

Offered for immediate purchase . . .
. . . is a packet containing one (1) level teaspoon (4 grams) of rare
~
Natural Golden Ivory Star Sand (Baculogypsina sphaerulata)
~
with grains measuring from approximately 1mm to perhaps only 2mm across.  Only two islands in Japan accumulate "star sand".  Grains of star sand are the shells of microscopic, single-celled organisms called foraminiferans or forams.  Foraminifera commonly produce a calciferous test (skeleton) that is divided into chambers.  Some of these tests have filopodia (thin cytoplasmic extensions) that create the image of little stars.  Every grain is different!  The photo shows only a quarter teaspoon of Star Sand; and, using a magnifying loupe, I counted a sample packet that size of the star sand to determine approximately how many spiked grains would be in each quarter teaspoon offered for purchase.  Counting only the spiked grains (I did not include in the count the grains of star sand that are spherical, or more pillow-like, that do not have the little extensions that make them look like stars), I found the quarter-teaspoon sample packet contained more than four hundred (400+) of the spiked grains.  Therefore, there should be four (4) times that number, or more than 1,600 star-like grains, in the level teaspoon of Star Sand offered in each packet in this listing.  Plus, of course, all the pillow-like, or "moon" sand that is also in the packet.  This is cleaned (bleached) Star Sand ~ hence it's light, natural color.  A photo taken through a magnifying loupe shows close-up detail of a small sample of the Star Sand.  Fabulous rare microscopic shells that can be used singly for the center of tiny seashell flowers, or can be used in groups for the center of larger flowers. You can let your imagination go wild with crafting ideas for these unique little beauties in Sailor's Valentines or in all your shell art projects and designs!
~~~~~ From a smoke-free and pet-free home ~~~~~
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PLEASE REVIEW WRITTEN MEASUREMENTS CAREFULLY
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To avoid any surprises, a rule (in INCHES) is included at the bottom of the photos.  Also, for verification, written measurements are included in the first sentence of this Description.
The buyer pays the shipping/handling charge, and international buyers are responsible for paying any customs fees their government will charge them on the goods the buyer imports from the USA.
Combined shipping is available for purchases from multiple listings (provided only
one
payment is received for all purchases); so, please check my other listings and auctions for any you might decide to purchase.
Whenever you purchase or win multiple items and are ready to check out,
to ensure your shipping/handling fees are as low as possible
, all you need to do is send me a short message to say you’ve completed your purchases, and I will be able to weigh your purchases and send you a combined invoice to ensure the fees charged you are the lowest possible.
Please Note – First Class packages will be insured only if you specifically request insurance and pay the separate insurance fee that will be added to your invoice upon your request.
Items will be shipped promptly (within one business day) upon receipt of your payment.
For any items returned, the buyer is to pay the return postage, and a refund of the item price (not including the original shipping/handling fee paid) will be sent provided the item is received by me in its original condition, appropriate for re-sale.
Please email me if you have any questions or wish additional photos.
Thanks for visiting my eBay store listings!
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INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING ONLY TO CANADA
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Due to the US post office inability to track shipments beyond the US border (Canada is the only exception currently), and especially due to the fact eBay holds its Sellers financially responsible for international shipments proven to have left the US but not delivered by international customs or post offices, I offer my sincere apologies for no longer being able to sell to international locations (other than Canada).
The financial risk to me has proven to be too great.
Please feel welcome to contact me with any questions.