12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Effective Date: 13/08/2026
Last Updated: 13/08/2026
Find quick answers to common questions about purchasing, custom faceting, shipping, and authenticating our natural Tsavorite garnets and raw mineral specimens from Kenya.
1. Gemstone Authenticity & Origin
Are all your Tsavorite garnets 100% natural and untreated?
Yes. Every Tsavorite garnet and raw mineral specimen sold by Baraka Mining & Minerals Limited is 100% natural and untreated. Tsavorites are never subjected to heat treatment, radiation, fracture filling, or color enhancement.
Where are your gemstones mined?
Our gemstones are sourced directly from our legal mining operations and local artisanal mining partners in the green garnet belt of Taita-Taveta County, Kenya, near the Tsavo region—the premier world origin for natural Tsavorite.
Do your gemstones come with laboratory certificates?
Yes. High-value cut gemstones and commercial parcels are accompanied by official gemological reports or certificates of authenticity verifying species, weight, origin, and treatment status from recognized independent gemological laboratories.
2. Ordering & Custom Lapidary Services
Can I request custom cutting for raw Tsavorite rough?
Yes. We offer custom precision faceting and lapidary services. You can select raw rough specimens and specify your preferred cut (e.g., oval, cushion, round, emerald cut, or brilliant cut) and target millimeter dimensions.
How do I place a wholesale or bulk commercial order?
For wholesale inquiries, high-carat single stones, or bulk mineral parcel purchases, please contact our trade desk directly via email at barakaminingmi4@gmail.com or WhatsApp at +254 799 445 800 to request a customized Proforma Invoice.
Is there a minimum order requirement for international purchases?
We accommodate both individual collectors and commercial buyers. However, for international shipments, minimum parcel values may apply to cover statutory export permit processing and secure armored express courier costs efficiently.
3. Shipping & International Trade
Which countries do you ship to?
We ship globally to most international destinations using verified express carriers including DHL Express, FedEx, and specialized armored courier services. We do not ship to regions subject to international trade embargos or trade sanctions.
How long does international delivery take?
Once statutory export permits and customs clearance are finalized in Kenya (typically 2 to 4 business days), international express transit takes between 3 to 7 business days depending on the destination country.
Who handles import duties and customs taxes?
Destination import duties, local Value-Added Tax (VAT), and border inspection fees assessed by receiving authorities are the responsibility of the buyer. All export parcels are accompanied by accurate commercial invoices and Certificates of Origin.
4. Payments & Security
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept international SWIFT wire transfers (USD/KES), electronic funds transfers (EFT/RTGS), Safaricom M-PESA for domestic transactions, and major credit/debit cards via secure online payment processing gateways.
Do I need to pay in full before shipment?
Yes. Standard inventory orders require 100% advance payment clearance before courier dispatch and export permit sign-off. Custom faceting orders require a 50% deposit to begin precision cutting, with the remaining 50% balance due prior to export clearance.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. All online card transactions are processed via PCI-DSS compliant payment gateways using strong SSL encryption. Bank transfers are made directly to our registered corporate account in Kenya. Third-party wire payments are restricted under strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policies.
5. Contact & Support Desk
If your question is not covered in this FAQ, please reach out to our team:
Baraka Mining & Minerals Limited
Email: barakaminingmi4@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +254 799 445 800 / +254 769 411 649
Address: Voi, Taita Taveta, Kenya