How much should I expect to spend?

A respectable starter collection of 10 pieces can be assembled for 50-$400. Individual pieces range from 0 (polished agate) to $50 (high-quality amber resin replica). Spending more isn't usually better, at the entry level, taste and curation matter more than budget.

Three reliable sources: specialty natural-history retailers (better quality, more provenance); museum gift shops (often the best replicas, ethically sourced); curated artisan platforms (Etsy with seller reviews, or brand-direct sites). Avoid generic Amazon listings without provenance info.

Real fossils or replicas?

Mix both. Inexpensive real fossils (small ammonites, fish from Wyoming, shark teeth) are widely available for 0-$30 and ethically mined. Larger or more dramatic specimens (a dinosaur footprint, a complete trilobite) are better as replicas, the price and ethics get complicated fast for real ones.

Do I need to know anything about geology?

No. A basic field guide ( 5) and 30 minutes of reading per acquisition is plenty. You'll learn organically as you collect. Specialised geological knowledge becomes useful around the 30-50 piece mark, not at the start.

Is it ethical to collect natural history?

Generally yes, most commercial fossils and minerals come from legal, ethical sources. The exceptions: ivory (avoid entirely), Burmese amber (mining ethics are complicated), and any specimen without provenance documentation. Reputable retailers disclose where specimens come from.

Starting a small natural-history collection: a beginner's guide