Michelle Anderst is a Leavenworth-based fine artist and scientific illustrator whose paintings of biological structures serve as both works of art as well as aesthetic statements on ecological consciousness in the modern world. Through her use of sacred geometry, vibrant colors and organic subject matter, such as bees, fungi, and coral, Anderst creates unique microcosms of the greater natural world, illustrating the interdependence of all living things, no matter how seemingly small or distantly related. Many of her paintings revolve around the exploration of the hive mind and the various ways in which humans and animal species co-create in a delicate dance of  internal and external evolution.

For inquiries or to be added to Michelle's collector's preview containing the latest news about original paintings and upcoming art shows, email anderstart@gmail.com

Molly is a queer illustrator, food grower, bee tender and a seeker of mysticism. Through their creative work they explore themes of interconnectedness, cosmology, and resilience, and are interested in cultivating a radical imagination for our emergent new world.

As a white person, Molly is committed to the work of being an anti-racist and supports the movements for police and prison abolition. Molly hopes their work can be a small contributing part of the creation of our new culture, grounded in honoring the inherent value of all beings and pushing us beyond cultures of white supremacy toward collective care. 

Enjoy luxurious, skin softening, all-natural goodness in this effervescent bathtime treat. 

Order the seasonal chocolate collection from local chocolatier, Willow Merit of Yeti Chocolates from Rock Island, WA

Two options, a 5 piece traditional heart set and a 4 piece dairy free heart set.

Flavors (from left to right):

• 75% Tanzanian Dark - single origin dark chocolate ganache in a dark chocolate shell

• Raspberry Dark - raspberry jelly is paired with a raspberry dark chocolate ganache

• Cinnamelt - dark chocolate and coconut oil are blended with cinnamon oil to create a unique creamy chocolate. Dusted with a cinnamon powdered sugar

• 33% Madagascar Milk - single origin milk chocolate ganache in a milk chocolate shell

• Hazelnut Gianduja - hazelnut paste is blended with milk chocolate to create a gianduja (jan - doo - yah) which we then made into a delightful ganache in a milk chocolate shell

Molly is a queer illustrator, food grower, bee tender and a seeker of mysticism. Through their creative work they explore themes of interconnectedness, cosmology, and resilience, and are interested in cultivating a radical imagination for our emergent new world.

As a white person, Molly is committed to the work of being an anti-racist and supports the movements for police and prison abolition. Molly hopes their work can be a small contributing part of the creation of our new culture, grounded in honoring the inherent value of all beings and pushing us beyond cultures of white supremacy toward collective care. 

Pre-order now!  In stock Monday February 1st!

Collected on the Pacific coast line, these sea shells are filled with a soy base candle, using locally sourced essential oils.  Intended for single use, these candles are the perfect add on gift to yourself or others.  Normal burn time is 6 hours.

You know you wanna.

Beautifully dyed in sustainable ink on recycled cloth, these square handkercheifs are great for hanging framed on a wall, around your neck, or displayed on a nightstand. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role. 

Know your source.  With the rise in popularity of crystals, gems, and the like, we at Salt Creek Apothecary took an interest in finding artisans who source their craft locally, ethically, and sustainably.  Did you know that the crystal and gem industry is wrought with unethical work-trade?  More than 80% of the crystals and gems on the market today are harvested and sold from unregulated sources that are often paid rock bottom prices.  Read more here. 

We are proud to support local artisans like Crone & Hermit.  Read more about them below.

Who we are:

Crone and Hermit is a small business run by two van dwelling nomadic college students who are pursuing a degree in Ecology. Our business was established in 2017 when our rockhounding hobby inspired us to create unique, natural, raw, and ethically sourced goods.

The source of our materials:

All of the minerals used in the crafting of our jewelry were found and collected by us here in Washington State. The copper used is sourced from old telephone pole cables and discarded electrical wires found and processed by us. We take pride in the fact that our products are made in a 100% ethical and sustainable manner. 

The Geology:

Washington’s unique geology is responsible for the vast array of minerals that can be found within the State. The West Coast has a complex history of violent tectonic shifts in which the oceanic crust is forced beneath the North American continental crust through an ongoing process called subduction. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, the dense oceanic floor has migrated beneath the continental crust, and with it, small islands and archipelagos have collided with the continent.

These collisions resulted in the continental plates to uplift as they met, forming the Cascade Mountain Range. Anything from quartz, jade, gold, garnet, uranium, and even the stunning but toxic mineral, cinnabar (HgS), can be found here within WA State. One of the main regions in which we find our minerals is known as the Snoqualmie batholith, which is a mineral rich zone located between Interstate 90 and State Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains.

How crystals form:

A crystal is defined as a “solid material whose components, such as atoms, molecules or ions, are arranged in a highly ordered structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. Many crystals are characterized by a geometric shape, consisting of flat surfaces with specific, characteristic orientations (Verboven, 2020).” Crystals form when specific atoms are located in close proximity to each other, and grow larger as more and more of the correct atoms are delivered to the area over time (generally via water or magma). Environmental conditions, such as pressure and temperature also play a critical role.