Brazilian agate bookends. Polished quartz crystal points. Amethyst elestials and artfully crafted Mookite Jasper skulls. Tucked away in the Old Town Cafe Coyote Esplanade, South American Imports presents these solid aggregates of minerals for the everyday rockhound to enjoy.

"When you are in the rock business, it's what the earth produces, so it's all different, unique", says owner Dave Vince, who has been in the industry for over thirty years. Dave travels and imports his rocks from all over the world including South America, Brazil and Peru. He is an importer that's also a retailer so he is able to keep the store prices low for all his customers. Dave and his staff are very knowledgeable about their products and they genuinely take the time to answer any questions that you have. If you are a repeat customer, Dave will also search for items that he knows you want, and keep you in mind when choosing new inventory.

It would be hard not to find something you like in this store. When you step through the double doors of this shop you are bombarded with an array of a color, jagged points and smooth edges. Rows upon rows of colorful South Brazilian agates based in custom wood, rich purple amethyst points, rainbow crystals with wispy veils, and rough ginger citrine all embody a stark natural beauty. More standouts include a selection of rose quartz, multihued amethyst, moss agate, and clear quartz skulls, pyramids, and obelisks. From intricately carved dendritic quartz encased in 14K gold to simple earth-tone ocean jasper bracelets; Dave says that he has the most diverse inventory of any rock store in San Diego.

It's easy to go one step further and say that South American Imports is the preeminent rock shop in San Diego, not only because of its assorted selection, but also due to the owner and staff's personal care and attention to their customers. "People make connections to the rock," says Dave.