WICKER PARK — Rocks, crystals and salt lamps, anyone?
A New Age shop — offering a window into the vibrations and frequencies that can't be seen — opened in September at 1644 W. North Ave. in Wicker Park, and so far business has been "incredibly awesome," said Infiniteus' owner Alex Drummond.
"We are trying to educate people on the fact there are energies that affect us," said Drummond, a 26-year-old rock collector and Uptown resident who is planning to add a raw juice bar to Infiniteus in early summer.
Infiniteus sells loose healing stones, crystals and gems as well as jewelry, fragrances, soaps and salt lamps, which use a low-watt bulb and help to reduce pollutants and allergens.
So far, the best selling items have been stone pendants as well as mala beads handcrafted by local artist Kim Anderson. Drummond said the beads are similar to Rosary beads but are often called Buddhist prayer beads.
Drummond, a graduate of DePaul University, said he "kind of always understood more about energy that we can't see and I am trying to get people to understand that also."
Though a plan to add the juice bar is "a little behind schedule," Drummond said Infiniteus' juice bar will use organic produce for single servings of juice as well as offer a weekly or biweekly cleanse or detox that could be available by delivery.
In keeping with Drummond's efforts to raise awareness for what he described as "a level of consciousness needed in which to reach an infinite us," the logo of the shop features a drawing of a man grasping an infinity sign.
Though there are several types of stones on display in the store, Drummond said that black tourmaline, a natural forming stone which has "grounding frequencies," is a good stone to put on a desk or in a cubicle.
"Some stones help with radiation or people who work in environments with a lot of computers and waves around," Drummond said.
A tourmaline stone can cost between 50 cents or as much as $25 for a bigger chunk, Drummond said.
The store's crown jewel is a purple amethyst that was formed in Brazil, which stands at least five foot tall and costs $20,000.
Drummond, who tweeted out a photo of the purple amethyst in February, said he purchased the rock at a gem show in Tucson, Arizona and while it is technically for sale, he is "hoping it stays around the store for a while."
Drummond said he chose to open a shop in Wicker Park because "there is a huge niche market" for healing rocks and crystals in the area.
Currently there no other stores like Infiniteus in Wicker Park or Bucktown, however, there is a store called On the Rocks at 5709 N. Clark St, in Andersonville, Drummond said.
Infiniteus, 1644 W. North Ave. Hours are 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Closed Tuesdays. Ph: 773-661-1418.
