Gem store warns thief that they stole the wrong mineral in karma-fueled public explanation letter: 'I would strongly consider throwing that... away if I were you'

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Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Oct 15, 2025 3:00 PM EDT

This thief wasn't prepared for the "exercise in karma" that this gem shop was doling out! 

Lots of people steal little things when they're in their rebellious teenage years. They might pocket little things like pens or Chapsticks, cheap little items that the mega-mart will never notice is missing. Of course, for some people, theft is a lifelong habit that doesn't end when their teenage years do. They continue to steal from not only big chains, but from smaller shops too. And unlike a massive superstore with thousands of items and hundreds of shoppers each day, small businesses actually notice when people are pocketing the merchandise and waltzing out without paying. 

Big chains tend to have dozens of workers and managers, but some small businesses are entirely run by families. So when you steal a gemstone from a small business, you're not just being noticed by security cameras — you're directly taking money from the pockets of a Mom and Pop store who usually operate for the love of what they do. It's an unkind thing to do, and, as this gemstone shop shared in a public-facing letter to a thief, karma's going to get you! Be careful what you steal and who you steal from, or else you might end up with a jacket full of rock dust and regret. 

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  • 01
    Young woman holds wallet and looks to the side nervously, in background is assortment of crystals and gemstones
    via Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02

    "Dear Shoplifter: An Exercise in Karma"

    Earlier on this week we had a mineral specimen stolen. We know this because you removed it from its container and left its label. We also later went on to check our CCTV and low and behold, there was you removing the specimen with your bare hands, looking both ways, and then nefariously sliding it into your jacket pocket.
    via @the.salt.shack
  • 03
    Worry not, the specimen is not overly expensive, but it was nonetheless extraordinarily fragile, meaning that it definitely won't have survived the journey from the display to the door without crumbling... let alone all the way back to your lair of criminal mismanagement.
    via @the.salt.shack
  • 04
    However, it is probably important to point out that the reason the specimen you stole was stored inside a container, was because it is inconceivably toxic. Meaning it was stored there for the purpose of public safety.
    via @the.salt.shack
  • 05
    Meaning you not only removed an objectively dangerous and notoriously fragile mineral from its container with your bare hands but then went about lining the inside of your pocket with the very thing we were trying to insulate the public from.
    via @the.salt.shack
  • 06
    So... you know that metallic taste in your mouth that started earlier on this week, followed by nausea, vomiting, acute abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, muscle aches and staggering levels of fatigue? You're welcome!!
    via @the.salt.shack
  • 07
    Note: I would strongly consider throwing that jacket away if I were you. Sticking your hand in that pocket is going to be like spending a night next to an RBMK reactor at Chernobyl.
    via @the.salt.shack

    In the super tiny text at the bottom of the note, the store advised, "Note: I would strongly consider throwing that jacket away if I were you. Sticking your hand in that pocket is going to be like spending a night next to an RBMK reactor at Chernobyl." Eek!

  • 08

    People tried to guess what the mystery mineral could be!

    amethyst6319 Cinnabar? autunite?
    via @amethyst6319
  • 09
    the.salt.shack @amethyst6319 Stibnite ❤
    via @the.salt.shack
  • 10
    mylucidrealm I'm guessing it was an exaggeration to freak them out but still genius
    via @mylucidrealm
  • 11
    leathechangeling Is... Is this accurate, or just messing with the thief? Either way, I'm terrified. Well done.
    via @leathechangeling
  • 12
    the.salt.shack @leathechangeling may have exaggerated a little
    via @the.salt.shack

    Exaggerated or not, they put a new thought in the minds of any potential shoplifters! 

  • 13
    leathechangeling @the.salt.shack Sometimes that's the only way people learn!!
    via @leathechangeling
  • 14
    brecklanderstudio I sincerely hope this mineral had a caution sign next to it - irresponsible otherwise. Should have stored it next to your till area. There is always going to be shop lifting but you also need to protect yourself against customer complaints. This is a fine example which could work against you. I'm not making excuses for the theft - but as a shop keeper protect yourself at all costs.
    via @brecklanderstudio
  • 15
    vinicius.oliveira2001 @brecklanderstudio Will the thief formally complain? I don't think so, obviously. Whereas honest customers are probably advised about the danger during checkout or something.
    via @vinicius.oliveira2001
  • 16
    the sea.lestials You have alot of scorpio in ur chart dont u
    via @the.sea.lestials
  • 17
    thequietone2022 Excellent . we need more retailers standing out on Shoplifting
    via @thequietone2022
  • 18
    Assortment of crystals and gem stones
    via Nigel Hoare For Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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Tags

workplace-stories shoplifting stealing gems entitled people karma workplace theft karma thief
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