Frequently Asked Questions

The questions below cover what we are asked most often. If you do not find your answer here, please write to us at contact@fossilglowobjects.com and we will respond within 48 business hours.

Products

What is the material?

Three materials, used with restraint. The base of every FOSSILGLOW object is UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete) — a dense, fine-grained, mineral material that holds the trace of how it was cast. Pearl inlay uses freshwater pearl, set in clear resin. A surface finish, Volcanic, is hand-finished into the UHPC for a porous, mineral texture. None of these materials are painted or coated; the colour and surface you see is the material itself.

Why are there small air bubbles?

Air bubbles are an inherent part of the UHPC casting process. When the concrete is poured and vibrated to release trapped air, a small number of micro-bubbles remain at the surface after curing. These are not defects — they are characteristic of the material and of the hand-casting method. Each piece is checked before it leaves the studio, and only those with a settled, even surface are approved.

Will every piece look identical?

No. Each FOSSILGLOW object is hand-cast and hand-finished. Subtle variations in surface tone, micro-bubble distribution, and the way the texture catches light are part of how the object was made. Where pearl is set, no two placements are identical — this is intentional, not a flaw.

Are the objects waterproof?

UHPC is highly water-resistant. Brief contact with a wet glass, a coaster under a cold cup, a tray wiped with a damp cloth — all fine. The material is not, however, fully sealed against long-term saturation. We do not recommend leaving FOSSILGLOW pieces in standing water, in direct contact with very humid environments, or submerged for cleaning.

Can I use them outdoors?

FOSSILGLOW objects are designed for indoor use. Direct sunlight, rain, frost, and seasonal humidity will, over time, affect both the UHPC surface and the resin inlay. We do not recommend outdoor placement. For a covered outdoor space where pieces remain dry and out of direct sun, an indoor piece will hold up; anything left exposed to the elements will not.

Orders

How long does production take?

Processing time (casting, curing, finishing, packing) varies by piece and current studio capacity. The current estimate is shown at checkout before you place your order. Once your piece is dispatched, you will receive tracking information by email.

When will my order ship?

After processing. We do not ship in-stock-only from a warehouse; every piece is finished or checked at the studio before dispatch. When your order is on its way, you will receive an email with the carrier and tracking number.

Do you accept custom orders?

Yes, in a limited way. We take a small number of custom commissions each year, including bespoke colour finishes for designers, branded gift editions, and editioned artworks. Lead time is typically 8 to 14 weeks, depending on the brief. Minimum order quantities apply. Please reach us through the Contact page with as much detail as you can share about the project.

Shipping

Which countries do you ship to?

We ship to most regions worldwide, including North America, the EU, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. We do not ship to Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Syria, or Cuba, and we cannot deliver to P.O. Boxes. The full list is in our Shipping Policy.

How long does international delivery take?

Transit time varies by destination and carrier. Once your order is dispatched, the tracking information will give you the most current estimate. For most major regions, expect roughly 5 to 10 business days; remote destinations may take longer. During the November to January peak season, please allow additional time.

Will I need to pay customs duties?

For shipments outside of the country of dispatch, local duties and taxes may apply at import. These are not collected by FOSSILGLOW at checkout; they are assessed and collected by the carrier or local customs authority on delivery. The full details are in our Shipping Policy.

Care

How do I clean the objects?

Wipe with a soft, dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth. For dust in the surface texture, a soft brush (such as a clean makeup brush) works well. Do not use chemical cleaners, abrasive pads, bleach, ammonia, or solvent-based products. Do not submerge the piece in water.

Can concrete stain?

UHPC is a dense, low-porosity material and resists most household staining under normal use. Prolonged contact with strongly pigmented liquids (red wine, turmeric, ink, oils) can, however, mark the surface over time. Wipe spills promptly. A mild soap on a damp cloth is acceptable for sticky residues; rinse the cloth and wipe again with clean water, then dry.

How should I store Aroma Objects?

The Aroma Object is designed to be used — placed on a flat surface in a living space, with a few drops of essential oil on the porous UHPC. When not in use, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the piece upright; do not store liquids pooled on the surface. If the surface becomes saturated, allow it to air-dry fully before reuse.

Returns

What is your return policy?

You can request a return within 14 days of receiving your order (30 days during the November to January holiday season). Items must be unused, in their original packaging, and returned to us before the refund is processed. Custom pieces, made-to-order pieces, and items marked as "Final Sale" or "Limited" cannot be returned, except where they arrive damaged or defective. The full policy is in our Refund & Return Policy.

How do I request a return?

Email us at contact@fossilglowobjects.com with your order number and the reason for the return. We will reply within 48 business hours with a Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) number and the return address. Please do not send the piece back until you have an RMA. Once we have received and inspected the return, the refund is processed within 3 business days to the original payment method.