Nature’s Treasures, a well-known retail store in Austin specializing in crystals, rocks, and fossils, has completed its relocation to a new campus at 11055 N IH-35. The move comes after the State of Texas required the acquisition of the business’s previous site as part of the IH-35 Capital Express project.
Founded by Karen Richards, Nature’s Treasures began with a small collection of amethyst crystals on East 5th Street and expanded into three locations by 2005. In 2011, these were consolidated into one larger venue at 4103 N IH-35. By 2025, the company marked its 25th anniversary with the transition to a larger facility.
The relocation process started in 2024 when Nature’s Treasures selected a new location six exits north of its original site. The move was phased to maintain operations during construction. The buildout involved collaboration among tenants, landlords, city officials, and state representatives. After two years of work, Nature’s Treasures reopened on August 8 in partnership with the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
According to the press release: “After two years of construction, creativity, and collaboration, Nature’s Treasures happily announced their Grand Reopening on August 8 (declared ‘Nature’s Treasures Day’ by City of Austin officials) in collaboration with the Austin Chamber of Commerce.”
The new campus features expanded retail space and natural surroundings including lawns, trees, and a creek. The company has implemented environmentally friendly measures such as LED lighting upgrades and native landscaping.
Karen Richards said: “Karen Richards has always believed that nature has the power to revitalize the body, mind and spirit, and has made it her life’s work to share that opportunity with the community. As technology evolves and surrounds us, Richards believes it is now more important than ever to reconnect people with the natural world, be it a memento of nature’s beauty worn as natural textiles or jewelry, placed on the patio or in the garden with plants nestled among rough rocks, or at home—or in the office—as peaceful natural décor.”
The reopening event was held together with the Austin Chamber of Commerce. The organization supports local businesses through events and advocacy aimed at fostering economic growth in the region (https://limpar.locallabs.com/organizations/c587ea13-249c-4ff6-a49d-231cb5297a84). The Chamber also promotes inclusive development for neighborhoods across Austin (https://www.austinchamber.com/), focusing on partnerships for both community advancement and business support (https://www.austinchamber.com/).
Nature’s Treasures plans to continue environmental initiatives by exploring programs from Austin Energy and Austin Water.
For more information about supporting local businesses like Nature’s Treasures or about their offerings, visit NTRocks.com.
