Tea Time in the Mineral Industry

Guest Editorial from Justin Zzyzx

Hot Juicy Gossip!

One of my favorite quotes has always been “Hell is Other People”. You could find it inscribed on buttons, bumper stickers, t-shirts, of course, now it has gone the way of the “Kilroy was here”. For the younger audience, I’m just waxing nostalgic. Of course, after many years of being alive and consuming Sartre’s play NO EXIT, I understand the quote was much more than that basic quote. The story of four people locked in a room with no exit, which turns out to be hell (sorry for the spoiler), the quote is better extended. “Hell is Other People’s Opinion of You”. Much worse, much more self reflective. Possibly something that only comes with age and insight into one’s self. Are people allowed to change? Or must we always look at them with the view we once established?

During my 20+ years in this industry I got to meet a veritable “Who’s Who” in the club of mineral dealers. Mostly lovely people, enjoying this fine hobby. Some of them retired school teachers and professors, some ex-geologists, mixed in with some plain ol’ capitalist merchants. Indeed, there is always the train of gossip that swirls around, but you CERTAINLY, well, ok, RARELY, found anyone in the hallways of hotel shows, or in the middle of arena just shouting obscenities and showering the show with bad tidings. If there was, or when, those sellers would not find themselves in the graces of the general buying public. Then, the internet came along. The dark, evil internet. Nobody has really painted as beautifully dark a picture of the internet as Bo Burnam.

A certain protest group on the internet that was anonymous in nature liked to say “None of us are as awful as all of us”. Truly, the disconnection from the real world has fueled this mean nature that comes part and parcel with the internet and the dealings online. Name calling, rudeness, casting aspersions, airing private drama, not only in words, no no, full on LIVE videos filmed in the moment of heat!

There is a whole group of internet dealers who sell minerals via live video who literally create a Cult of Personality, where customers and fans follow them as pseudo celebrities. These parasocial relationships are fueled by the drama, the group hate and the nature of “who knows what they will say or do” that keeps them coming back for more. Boss bitch, mean girl crew. I understand it personally. I would much rather the mean nasty girls LIKE me, rather than use me as a target for their cruelty. In fact, having the mean girl umbrella over you gives you the chance to lash out, to abuse a target, all the while, the umbrella cheers and prods with you. Even better, they might console you if the target dares to strike back. Bullies come in all sizes and flavors. What flavor do you choose for your life? Are you full of spite and hatred, or do you find that off putting and flavorless?

In the past year I have taken part in many live sales, witnessed dozens of 3rd party sellers and worked for a couple that is so toxic, it is beyond words. In the end, it boils down to one simple fact. Be cruel, be wildly mean, cast aspersions, punch down. Share your ups and downs, your baby momma drama, your cruel intentions and you’ll have a HUGE following. Cast that off, be pleasant, be kind, be fun and informative, stay below 100 viewers. On the internet, being a bully is money. The algorithm loves and promotes it. The internet is an awful place now. Human nature is cruelty. Might is right, as long as you support it.

Many years ago, from 2008-2014 I made my living giving lectures and writing about minerals. I traveled around the Southern California area, flew away to the east coast to give lectures and so on. With over a dozen lectures on things like Palos Verdes Barite, Agates of the Western USA, Rockhounding 101 and such, the talk that put butts into seats was my talk on Fakes and Forgeries.

Here is that lecture, in fact, redone in 2023 for a new life on the internet. I had joined a group of sellers on a private facebook group and they were asking for lectures. I presented this lecture, on fakes and forgeries and the person running that group told me that it was the most watched and most rewatched videos of the lecture series.

Why? Why is it always that lecture that gets so many viewers? It is all about the DIRT! The Gossip! The juicy 2 minute hate that we get to throw at the scam rocks. We get to come together and let bully Justin cast aspersions and accusations at the rocks.

Yes, sadly it is 2023 and hate is paramount on the internet. The floodgates are open. We are, collectively, a rubbernecker’s delight.

The poet Jello Biafra once said something that rings true to this situation

We don’t destroy society in a day
Until we change ourselves first
From the inside out
We can start by not lying so much
And treating other people like dirt
It’s easy not to base our lives
On how much we can scam
And you know
It feels good to lift that monkey off our backs

There is so much going on behind the scenes with the people who enwrap you into this chaotic world of hate sales. If they can devote a half hour feed talking absolute horror about someone else, or putting others down, either other sellers or their own suppliers, what do you think they say about you behind the scenes? Do you really think they think of their customers as anything but suckers? Maybe stanning for trolls isn’t the hot thing. Or the right thing. Or the ethical thing. Maybe that support helps to spread more discontent and ill will into the world. Does this world need that?

Hell is other people’s opinions of you. Those who live a life of hate, greed and mistreatment of others, as a society, we should give them hell. Maybe they will change, let’s let people change. However, if you run into a live seller of minerals who is being cruel, promoting drama, exposing deeply personal and unfavorable public life, maybe you might want to hold your support for that seller. There are dozens upon dozens of pleasant, happy, joyful, educational sellers out there who need your support. Your money speaks. Make your voice strong and positive. Be a part of the solution.

Of course, these are just my personal thoughts on the issue. I’ve seen too much of this behavior being rewarded. I understand the desire. I simply hope that one or two people read this and become aware of these issues. We all want to be good people, I imagine, at least most of us do. Let’s support good people, if we can.

Ebooks for Rockhounds – Information at Your Fingertips

Our portable electronic devices have memory that allows them to store thousands of pages of information in the palm of your hand. To a mineral collector a century ago, it would sound like total magic. By storing a library of field collecting sites in the palm of your hand on the Kindle or other device, you’ll never run out of places to go. Perhaps to your surprise, many great guides are available in digital format so you don’t have to bring stacks of field guides or a cumbersome library of dated, out of print texts with you when you get muddy. The rockhound ebook revolution is happening now. Let’s take a look.

Check out all the ebook field guides listed for sale on Amazon!

As you can see, there are some great choices for guides on Amazon. Just by searching “rockhounding” in the Kindle ebooks section of Amazon, I got 55 results, most of them being informative guides to collecting sites and prospecting methods. Imagine how much information you can have at your fingertips! Mineral collecting books tend to be really affordable, I had a hard time finding one that cost $20 or more. Although the feel of a paper text is nice, you can’t beat the price and field-usefulness of these ebooks.

Searching “mineral collecting” brings up less field guides, but still a lot of them. Notice a trend? Seems like digital versions of field guides are getting popular! Take advantage of this.

Searching “mineral collecting” brings up one of the best recent field guide for collecting minerals in Southern California — Rockhound Barstow: Mineral Collecting in the Mojave Desert by Justin and Brandy Zzyzx. This great guide to collecting a wide variety of material gives you tons of sites that are currently open to the general public where you can find mineral specimens and lapidary material! If you had read some field guides, they will provide directions and info on sites, but note that they are closed to collecting. This great guide gives you places in SoCal you can actually visit and dig.

Another thing to mention, are PDF files of old texts and surveys available for free online. Museums, universities, personal websites of collectors, and state and national government geological surveys are some places where you may find many old texts that have been digitized for your convenience. Looking at these types of resources is a good way to find old localities. These types of texts often include sites that the newer guides do not, and while they require a bit more fishing around in terms of actually finding them and acquiring permission, the rediscovery of an old site might produce some amazing results.

Here is an example: https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/gsu/documents/nh-mines1960.pdf

Screenshot of the PDF of this classic guide.

This classic guide by Philip Morrill, published in 1960 is notoriously difficult to find in print but known among NH collectors for the unique, often forgotten localities described within it. This book is something you probably wouldn’t want to bring into the field with you because it would be hard to get another copy. Now you can have the info in your digital library and bring it with you without trashing your copy

Ebooks and PDFs are a powerful tool for the collector looking to get themselves into new areas or sites. The advantages modern collectors have over previous generations due to the amount of technology and convenience available have allowed for a lot of new discoveries and rediscoveries of old localities. If you haven’t been using these resources and are itching to find a new place to hunt, then it’s time to step on board the digital library revolution!

Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get for the Rockhound in Your Life

Rocks! (Or maybe more properly in this case: "Minerals")

The holiday season is rolling in quickly and that means it’s time for gifts!  But what do you get for that special rockhound in your life?  We’ve compiled a holiday gift guide for you!

Disclaimer: Every rockhound is going to be a little bit different, but here are some ideas for you to consider.  Once you’ve spotted the perfect item, we suggest a Google shopping search to find the exact model that will work for you.  We can make some recommendations of items that have worked well for us, but take a look around and shop smart!

1. Rocks.

Rocks! (Or maybe more properly in this case: "Minerals")

Rocks! (Or maybe more properly in this case: Minerals!)

Obviously.  Because what rockhound doesn’t want more rocks?  But let’s be honest, some of you might not have any idea WHICH rocks your rockhound will love.  We have good news!  Many mineral dealers, lapidary companies, and others in the mineral trade DO offer holiday gift cards and holiday promotions!  Take the trouble out of choosing a rock and let your loved one choose their own!

Yeah, yeah, we know that gift cards kind of get a bad reputation.  But from a true rockhound, the idea that I can go into a dealer’s inventory and pick out something I LOVE is definitely exciting in a way that a gift card to the local fashion boutique will never be.

So how do you find the right company to go through?

First, decide what kind of material you think your rockhound will love – some love mineral specimens, others love gemstones, and others love just rough lapidary material!  Find a company that deals in the material you’re looking for.

Next, find a company that has a great reputation.  Checking out Facebook and other reviews is a great way to establish whether a company has a good reputation amongst its customers.  If you know that your Rockhound has had good relationships with a company in the past, go with that one!  (And if there’s a small-time company in your area, think about sharing the love by shopping local!)

Finally, if the company you’ve found doesn’t have a posted notice about gift cards or holiday promotions – ASK THEM!  Shoot them an e-mail or a message to their Facebook page – chances are, whoever receives your message will be happy to work with you!

 

2. Tools.

Every rockhound needs tools.  Similar to a rockhound’s choice in rocks, a rockhounds choice in tools might be a little difficult to pin down.  We’ve got a few ideas for you though, so take a look at some of these items to see if any of these seem like they fit your rockhound!

The Rock Scoop

A rock scoop in use by the Apollo astronauts to collect lunar samples!

A rock scoop in use by the Apollo astronauts to collect lunar samples!  Because the suits worn by astronauts made bending over nearly impossible, the rock scoop allowed them to collect rock and soil samples for return to Earth.

Though your rockhound might not be likely to be collecting on the moon, this is a proven tool.  A favorite amongst those who do a lot of beach combing, the rock scoop is a handy gadget that lets you scoooooop up your treasures without bending over.  This saves your rockhound on back and knee strain!   Of course, this tool works well in places other than beaches too (you know, like the moon!)!  We wouldn’t recommend this for the rockhound that likes to hammer on rocks, but for the collector who likes to walk along and pick up treasures, this is perfect!  (It can also double as a walking stick!)

There are a lot of different models of this tool out there.  Some feature a scoop with holes to let smaller debris fall through.  Some are collapsible for easy transport.

The Rock Hammer

The Rock Hammer - the most essential tool of the Rockhound!

The Rock Hammer – the most essential tool of the Rockhound!

Now, for those of you who have a rockhound who likes to do some damage on your hands, there is no tool more critical than the rock hammer.  And even if your rockhound already has a rock hammer, check it!  These tools wear out over time, so a new hammer is never a bad thing!

There are a lot of choices in this department, but make one important distinction: NEVER think that a regular hardware store hammer is the right tool.  It’s not.  Be sure that whatever product you choose is labeled as a rock hammer or a geologists’ hammer.  (This author has had great experiences with the tools made by Estwing, but there are certainly other choices out there.)

Note: if you need a stocking stuffer to go along with your gifts, some eye protection is always a great idea when using these tools.  Throw in some safety glasses!

The Geo/Paleo Pick

The Geo/Paleo Pick - perfect for a competition over who's pick is the biggest...

The Geo/Paleo Pick – perfect for a competition over who’s pick is the biggest…

Now, some of you might have a rockhound who’s mastered the rock hammer and needs something bigger.  That’s where the Geo/Paleo Pick comes in.  This tool features a longer handle for maximum power in the swing.  It also has two tips: one pick-end for, you know, picking.  The other end is broader and flatter and makes a great tool for scraping away debris.

There aren’t many choices available for this tool, so Estwing is a solid choice.

The Gad Bar:

The Gad Bar - for poking and prying.

The Gad Bar – for poking and prying.

The gad bar is a tool with a little more subtlety than the hammers and picks, but it is incredibly useful.  This is the rockhounds version of the pry bar.  There’s a pointy end for sticking into crevices, and  a chisel shaped end for wedging into cracks.  This tool is great for working in areas where you don’t have the space to make big swings with a tool, or in situations where all you need is a little leverage.  (Note: this is the author’s favorite field collecting tool.)

 

3. Information

One of the most important things you can gift a rockhound is the gift of information!  Here are a few different resources you can tap to help your rockhound get more educated!

Field Guides

Fred Pough's classic Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals

Fred Pough’s classic Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals

Field guides come in all shapes and sizes.  Some will cover topics related to field identification of rocks and minerals.  There are lots of options in this department!  Pough’s Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals has long been a favorite of rockhounds.  The author also recommends Sorrell’s Golden Guide to Field Identification of Rocks and Minerals.

Others tackle the subject on a more regional level and will give your rockhound ideas about new places to go and what can be found there.  Check out our section on Field Guides for more regional guides.

Magazine Subscriptions

Rocks & Minerals Magazine

Rocks & Minerals Magazine

Books are a great gift, but several rockhound magazines are also available.  Of course, the major perk to a magazine subscription is that you get new information delivered monthly or bimonthly!  Several well established magazines are out there, including Rocks & Minerals magazine (offers a wide variety of topics at different levels, though primarily directed towards mineral specimens), Rock & Gem magazine (suited more for those interested in lapidary hobbies), the Mineralogical Record (specializes in mineral specimens) and the Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist (specializes in lapidary and jewelry).  Magazines are a great way to keep your rockhound regularly inspired by new information.

 

4. Technology

As we move into increasingly advanced times, technology is one of the greatest tools we have accessible.  Just because your rockhound is concerned with ancient, dirty rocks doesn’t mean they can’t be aided by technology!

The Dino-Lite Digital Microscope

The Dino-Lite Digital Microscope - for looking at small things.

The Dino-Lite Digital Microscope – for looking at small things.

The Dino-Lite Digital Microscope offers a series of microscope options, from handheld USB models to eye-pieces designed to convert traditional microscopes.  These tools allow your rockhound to examine the small things!  Microcrystals to wood grains in petrified wood, this is a tool that has a wide variety of applications that will allow your rockhound to nerd out at the highest of magnifications.

The Ultrasonic Cleaner

The Ultrasonic Cleaner - reduce the wear and tear on your household supply of toothbrushes!

The Ultrasonic Cleaner – reduce the wear and tear on your household supply of toothbrushes!

Ultrasonic cleaners are a device used to submerge an object in liquid, which is then vibrated with high-frequency sound waves.  These waves act to scrub the object of grimes, and hit all the surfaces of an object including pores and cavities.  Ultrasonic cleaners are often used for cleaning machining parts or jewelry, but they also work wonders on rocks!  Take away the burden of hours of tedious scrubbing by investing in one of these machines!  (Disclaimer: do not put your water soluble minerals in here unless you want them so clean that they’ve disappeared entirely.)

 

Handheld GPS Units

GPS Devices - help your rockhound know where they are and where they're going!

Handheld GPS Units – help your rockhound know where they are and where they’re going!

For those of you who have a rockhound who loves being out in the field, one of the greatest resources you can give them is GPS!  Handheld GPS devices can be used to navigate to a new digging spot, or mark an existing one for easy navigation later!  Many GPS units feature topographic maps and land status maps, which give your rockhound even more information about where they are and what they can and cannot do while they’re there.

 

Rock Trimmers

Rock Trimmers - for precision splitting of rocks!

Rock Trimmers – for precision splitting of rocks!

Rock trimmers are perfect for the rockhound who carries home boulders for a small vug of crystals on one side.  These tools can be tricky to find, but a variety of models are available – from small and simple, hand-crank units, to large, hydraulic-powered units.  All rock trimmers work off the same concept: a rock is placed between two chisel-tipped points and pressure is used to pinch the rock and split it.  This method of splitting is not without risk to specimens (sometimes it is going to split where you don’t want it to), but it offers far more control over beating on your rock with a hammer and results in a more natural finish to a specimen than a saw cut.  These units can also be adapted to be used in the field, which saves your rockhound the trouble of lugging that boulder home in the first place.

 

Bonus Section: Stocking Stuffers!

They say it’s the little things that count – so here are some smaller, but very useful items you can throw into your rockhound’s stocking!

Headlamps

Headlamps - for hands free lighting!

Headlamps – for hands free lighting!

Headlamps are an invaluable tool – whether your rockhound is out in the field or trying to organize a dimly lit garage, lighting is always helpful!  Headlamps allow your rockhound to have their hands free while still providing plenty of light.  These are available in many different brightnesses and light modes.

Chisels

Chisels - necessary, but always disappearing...

Chisels – necessary, but always disappearing…

Chisels are another indispensable tool for your rockhound.  Chances are they have some – chances are that they’ve also lost some!  These are easy to misplace, but the good news is they’re easy to replace too!  Be sure that you are looking at “cold chisels” when shopping for your rockhound – wood chisels, etc., are not the right tool.  Chisels come in a variety of sizes and lengths, and every one of them is necessary for a different situation!

 

There are an abundance of great gifts for your rockhound – please drop us a note if you’ve got an idea that we missed!

Irradiating Minerals – Hot Information For Some Cool Rocks

Part of the fun of learning about minerals is learning the various ways that they are different. Soon someone becomes intrigued with “How” these changes are made, and experiments are attempted. This is the way that we learn. And there can be those who detest such experimentation, but this is the way that so much has been learned in the past.

There are few ways to get a quick resulting change in a mineral that exposing it to high doses of radiation. In nature, this would happen over years and years of time. But with modern technology, some irradiation projects can literally be accomplished over night.

Quartz being irradiated

You’re getting my Aluminum Ions all Fired Up!!

I once talked to a collector of quartzes and natural glasses who got a night job working with someone who worked with an x-ray machine in a hospital. Now, I am not condoning abusing your job or misusing equipment, but his tenacity spoke of his strong desire to learn and see what was actually possible by way of radiation exposure.

The affect of light in revealing various minerals in certain formations was first suggested over half a century ago.

The affects of irradiation upon silica gel can effect various impurities or minerals within the substance. Many minerals have been observed to follow the same trends of silica gel. Brazilian agates and quartz both turn smokey when subjected to overnight irradiation because they both contain aluminium impurities in them.

The most reactive and sensitive to radiation is crystalline quartz. The ability to inject or introduce certain impurities into a substance truly alters the ability to manipulate color, and variance in a substance.

There are four main kinds of impurities that might be found in certain silicon agents.

A monovalent cationic impurity atom
A monovalent anion
Half an oxygen vacancy
A positive hole

The type of color that is revealed through irradiation depends upon what pre-existing defects that might already be present in the substance.

The study and knowledge required to be able to understand and even predict that types of minerals that can be introduced in the creation process of a mineral or quartz in order to have the desired resulting color is a remarkably intricate application.

These attempts at human intervention in the creation process of minerals should not be considered a forgery or an affront upon the abilities of nature, but rather a compliment of the abilities of nature to be able to create a more precise and more beautiful specimen.

I have always adhered to the belief that any of these experiments and achievements that are used to bring attention to and appreciation for rocks and minerals can only be viewed as a good thing.

When we are tempted to be put off by or offended by man’s desire to interfere or to arbitrate in the processes of nature we should see these attempt at imitate nature should be considered the purest form of compliment!

Treatment of Spodumene (Kunzite/Hiddenite)

Hiddenite is unaffected by irradiation but are made slightly lighter under UV; yellow or yellow-green are unchanged under Ra, or, if anything, made slightly lighter.

Studies have shown that X-rays make hiddenites slightly darker, whereas radium rays take on a slightly lighter color.

It has also been observed that hiddenites, when heated in oxygen, become pale gray but greener when heated in reducing atmospheres.

Kunzites, under X-ray turn green, fading quickly under light, and even more quickly when heated to 200° – 250° C (392° – 482° F); they have been observed to go green under UV, and from colorless to green under X-rays.

Under radium,Californiakunzite changes from variably from pink to colorless to green, and finally, blue, when heated or exposed to sunlight, before returning to pink – although darker than previous.

Kunzites when pink bleached at 500° C (932° F) and exposed to radium turned green, however when heated to 200° C (392° F) or exposed to sunlight, the pink returned.

The last pink did not bleach at all after heating for 24 hrs. at 250° C (482° F).

Tucson Gem and Mineral Show 2021 Canceled Due to Coronavirus Pandemic

The Tucson Gem and Mineral show is not going to be held in 2021. Some venues may be open, but, due to the fundamental lack of science in this nation, the nature of pandemics themselves and the leadership of the nation, trade shows are not safe to hold in this environment. This hurts so many people who depend on this, financially. It is also a major mental health issue, as many of in the industry only see each other a few times a year at these shows. I miss some of my buddies! Here is looking to a bright 2022…even that was sad to write…

October 26, 2020 Dear TGMS Members; In 1955, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society (TGMS) put on the first Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® in a grade-school cafeteria. From such humble beginnings sprang what is now collectively called the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase, which occupies over 50 venues around town from mid-January through mid-February. [In case you’ve missed it in all the hoopla surrounding the commercial shows, our Show, the Main Show, takes place in the Tucson Convention Center.] The Tucson Showcase is by far the world’s largest gathering of gem, mineral, fossil, meteorite and related earth science collectors, dealers and museum scientists. The Arizona Department of Tourism estimates it annually brings about $130 million dollars to the Tucson economy making it our biggest tourism-related event. TGMS takes parental pride in the economic/commercial juggernaut the Showcase has become, but we remain a local, volunteer-based, non-profit, Earth-Science education-focused group open to all comers. [Please visit www.tgms.org for more info.] Our Show is TGMS’s annual gift to Tucson…it is the only show by and for Tucsonans and we are extremely grateful for the support we have always received from our community. We hoped and planned for the best during these difficult days of COVID-19 but find events have conspired to force us to the painful decision to take 2021 off and focus on bringing things back at a higher level in 2022! As members of the Tucson community, we feel we should explain the reasoning behind this decision while emphasizing our full support for the remainder of the 2021 Tucson Showcase in whatever form it takes.

Most importantly, TGMS does not want to be responsible for a single COVID-19 fatality or serious illness. Our Show is run by volunteers and many of us are in high-risk demographics…as are many of our participants and attendees. Consulting closely with the Pima County Health Department, the Mayor and City Manager’s offices and the good folks who run the TCC, it is clear that applying the mandated COVID-19 protocols to reduce risk would mean drastically restricted attendance and curtailment of many of our programs. Second, our Show is much different from the rest of the Showcase. We are the public show with a unique combination of exhibits, school children visits, educational programs, scientific networking and family outreach. We annually create a world-class museum that magically disappears forever after just four days. Our equally enthralling “gift shop” includes a cadre of superb retail gem, mineral, fossil, meteorite, book and jewelry dealers, who complement the exhibits. This unique combination sets the TGMS Show apart from all the other shows in town.

Third, we expect that our Show dazzles everyone with displays of exquisite minerals, gems, jewelry and fossils brought by the worldwide Mineral and Gem Community. Restrictive COVID-19 travel policies mean many of our major domestic, and most of our international museum exhibitors and friends either won’t or can’t travel here. This effectively eliminates both our exhibits and educational programs. COVID-19 related risks clearly make it impossible for TGMS to put on anything more than a shadow of our accustomed vibrant event. So, we’ve decided that it makes more sense to conserve our resources and apply them towards a Blockbuster 2022 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®. We promise to pull out all the stops to bring you an unparalleled group of eye-popping fluorescent mineral exhibits, colorful minerals and gems from around the world, and some special surprises to shake everyone out of their post-Covid lethargy!!! See you in 2022!

Les Presmyk: TGMS President
Peter Megaw: TGMS Show Co-Chair
Richard Gottfried: TGMS Show Co-Chair
Patricia McClain: Executive Manager

So, with that, yes, one of our companies is REALLY sad not to be vending at Tucson, now our home city.
If you want some colorful minerals trapped in resin, come check out Parallel Power Products

Chemical Reactions – Chemical Reactions that Alter the Appearance of Minerals

Some minerals react with chemicals in ways that produce an altering appearance, which can lead to results both fascinating and terrible. Hazing, etching, dissolving and unwanted deposits are some of the results that you can expect with various minerals and you can find out more about those in another section, the subject of this page is minerals that can have an appealing altering of appearance due to a chemical reaction.

Calcite being turned into Malachite by Copper Solution

People might have laughed when I was just a lowly calcite, but now, oh yes, NOW, they will PAY!


A rich solution of Copper Sulfate and water is used to turn calcium carbonate crystals, both Calcite and Aragonite, into green and blue. As the crystals soak in the solution over the course of 2 – 4 weeks, the crystals will start to develop a blue coloring which then becomes a rich green, similar to fine Malachite specimens.

Sodium hypochlorite, or common household bleach, will turn several lead minerals into interesting shades, notably, the red color that is given to the skin of Anglesite crystals. The color change varies by time exposed to the bleach, as it will start to increase the red hue from duration of exposure. The color change is only on the surface of the crystal, as the sodium hypochlorite mixes with the lead to form a thin layer of the mineral minimum as an alteration.

Iron Oxyhydroxide Staining– It’s often desirable to remove iron oxyhydroxide staining on minerals to improve their appearance. These stains, often appearing as yellow, orange, or red coatings are composed primarily of iron oxyhydroxides such as limonite and goethite, and less commonly of iron (III) oxide (hematite) or potassium iron (III) sulfate hydroxide (jarosite.) Super Iron Out is likely the most commonly used commercially available reagent for removing iron staining on minerals; the primary active ingredients are sodium hydrosulfite and sodium metabisulfite which are both chelators and reducing agents. Sodium carbonate and citric acid are added as buffering agents. All other ingredients are decomposition products of sodium hydrosulfite and sodium metabisulfite. Check out the MSDS for more info: http://www.summitbrands.com/summit/downloads/msds/usa/MSDS%20Super%20Iron%20Out.pdf

The temperature, pH, and concentration greatly affect the potency and reactivity of Super Iron Out, although the buffering agents do help to slightly stabilize the properties. When testing out a solution of iron out to clean sensitive minerals, it is best to start with a room temperature, fairly weak solution at neutral pH. If more potency is desired, the concentration of Super Iron Out can be raised, the pH can be changed by addition of an acid or base, or the solution can be heated which increases reactivity but also quickly decomposes the active ingredients. If you want to get really technical with any sort of cleaning, I recommend development of a rough ternary diagram with the three axes being temperature, pH, and concentration (in weight/volume or molar) and points graphed being a numeric scale of “cleaning effectiveness,” which is sort of arbitrary, but you will notice the cleaning ability that certain temp-pH-concentration domains will have. It’s not wise to use Super Iron Out on phosphates, sulfides, transition metal sulfates, many carbonates, vanadinite, and evaporites as they will alter or discolor the surface.

Oxalic Acid is perhaps the most popular reagent used to clean iron staining from Arkansas and Brazilian quartzes. Oxalic acid cleans via chelation- it forms many highly stable complexes with transition metals- in our case iron. Oxalic acid can be purchased at hardware stores as wood bleach. Note that it is slightly toxic and needs to be handled somewhat carefully. It’s highly soluble in water and can readily be dissolved to make a fairly concentrated solution. If any acid soluble transition metal containing minerals (such as pyrite, siderite, malachite, cerussite) are present on the specimen you wish to clean it is best to stay clear of using oxalic- you can create a nasty pitting and prominent discoloration of the surface. The discoloration on iron minerals is mustard yellow which is the most common form of residue encountered from poor cleaning with oxalic acid.

Dyeing Agates – Who wants to dye some agates?

Years ago there was a website called DyeingAgate.com and it showed information about how agates are dyed, how quartz is coated with metals, and other various treatments and alterations by humankind on minerals. It was such a fun website and the custom graphics that were produced were such a hit that they were constantly lifted and used in the graphics of various display cases around the world. Sadly, in 2018 the domain name lapsed and the site went off line. The information on the site was quality stuff, so we wanted to present it again, without further delay, here is the section on “Dyeing Agates”

Dyeing of Agates Explained Here!

We will explain to you the process of dyeing agates, how to prepare them and how to dye them, with chemicals and tints.

I Just GOT This CLEANED!

Dyeing Agates

To start, the word agate will be used interchangeably with the word “chalcedony”, as they are the same thing. A suggestion is to place a piece of material to be dyed into a solution of Potassium Chromate
overnight. If the stone is yellow in the morning, dyeing will be easy to accomplish.

Processing

First, ensure that the material has been cleaned, to remove any debris, and of course, best, to have already slabbed, cabbed, or polished the stone to be dyed. The oils must be removed from the stone entirely, which can be done as such. Bring to boil the agate in a strong solution of water and sodium carbonate.
Allow this to cool and remove the agate and place in a pot of clean water and heat to a near boil, then cool, which should remove the traces of sodium carbonate. Then, place the agate into cool concentrated nitric acid,
which will remove any iron compounds. Heat this material for 24-48 hours, bring to a near boil for several hours at the very end of the cycle, then after cooling, wash and heat to a boil the agate in a clean water bath three or four times, at which point you will have the most professionally prepared agate ready for dyeing.

How to Dye Agates Red

To dye agates red, the solution is as follows.

Place 1/4 pound of iron filings
into 1 lb of concentrated nitric acid. The resulting fumes are going to be a corrosive, poisonous brown fume, so this mixture must be done outside or under a lab hood. This stuff will bubble and heat up, allow to cool for 24 hours, then decant the clear liquid into another container. This is iron nitrate, the liquid needed for the next step.

Place the cleaned, prepared slabs into the liquid iron nitrate produced from the last step and allow to soak for between 1 to 4 weeks, depending on thickness. 1/8′ needs a week, 1/4″ needs 3 weeks and 3/8″ needs 4 weeks to dye. Remove the agate, wipe them dry and place into an oven to gradually heat. Bring the material up to 365 degrees and heat for 3-5 hours. At this point, it is time to soak the agates in the iron nitrate for an equal amount of time, repeating the drying step after soaking, but for a lot longer, 2-8 days, depending on thickness. This long drying is needed, in a roasting pan
, as the final step is to raise the stones to 450 degrees and the long drying is needed to make sure the stones do not explode when the stones are brought up to that temperature Allow to cool, then, remove from the roasting pan
You should have a deep red colored agate. Note, while lab grade iron nitrate is available, the professional lapidary artisians claim it does not produce the same results.

How to Dye Agates Black

Dissolve 375 grams of sugar into a liter of water, producing a thick liquid similar to honey. Soak the slabs in this solution, heated to slightly above room temperature for 2-3 weeks, adding water to the solution as it is lost from evaporation. Rinse the slabs off and place into a bath of concentrated sulphuric acid
, which you will then warm slowly over an hour until the solution finally reaching 635° F for an hour. Allow the solution to cool, then remove the agate and wash, repeating the process to remove the acid. Soak the slabs in a solution of sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the leftover acid.

How to Dye Agates Blue

Bright blue agates are very desirable, below you can find the recipe for making this material.

Dissolve 250 grams of potassium ferricyanide
into 1 liter of lukewarm water. Place agate into this solution, kept at a lukewarm temperature, for 1 to 2 weeks. After soaking, wash the slabs and place into a solution of lukewarm ferrous sulphate
for 10 days. This solution will cause the compounds within the stones to react and form the bright blue color that people known and recognize.

How to Dye Agates Green

Take 620 grams of chromium trioxide
in 1 liter of water and place agates into the solution for 2 weeks, or longer if material is thick. Remove the material, rinse and place in a sealed container with ammonium carbonate,
to sit for 2 weeks. After this time remove the slabs from that container, place into a roasting pan
and place in an oven to “fire” the agate, bringing the oven up to 500 degrees for a few hours.

How to Dye Agates Yellow

Soak the agate in a concentrated solution of Potassium Chromate,
then wash and dry, which should give you a nice yellow tone.

And with this, our limits of dyeing knowledge are capped. All of these procedures should be done under a lab hood or outside. MSDS sheets should be reviewed before working with any chemicals and proper lab equipment, including safety glasses, gloves and proper eye wash stations, anti-acid creams and clean up kits available.

 

Slab showing dyed colors

All Five colors, plus natural end caps

Rockhounding in the Time of a Global Pandemic

Rocky Rockhammer Mascot

Mineral Collecting During a Pandemic
How You can Engage your Interest in the Times of COVID-19

by Jeremy Zolan

None of us expected to be hit with a pandemic disease in 2020 and it is undoubtedly changing many aspects of every day life. Taking precautions to slow the spread of the virus unfortunately has caused the cancellation of many of the spring and summer mineral shows that we all eagerly await. Local club meetings and field trips may also be canceled so hobbyists may get discouraged to field collect. The hobby can still be engaged in a fun way, and you can still get out and dig too. It is very important to take the new coronavirus seriously and pay attention to cleanliness, health, and social distancing. Going out rockhounding can definitely give you a healthy workout, and you’ll usually be very socially distant.

Engaging Your Club and Other Diggers-

While meetings and club shows are canceled for the time being, it’s critical that you stay engaged with your fellow members and other collectors, ensuring the health of your mineral club until you can meet again. While you are required to stay physically distant, you can still maintain a strong presence through electronic resources.

The internet, obviously is great for this. It might be a good idea if you haven’t already, to create a Facebook group for your club. After you create the group, you need to request other members to join and nurture the page with posts so it grows. Post your recent findings, something you just cut and polished, or a favorite specimen. Share your passion. It is still possible to trade material too. Make sure to pack it in a box with clean hands to mail it long distance or maybe just drop things off on your fellow club members and local friends’ doorstep so you don’t physically engage them.

There are so many online resources for collectors. It’s very easy these days to see hundreds of mineral related pictures a day through social media. Personally, I love the picture based format of Instagram. Lots of diggers are very active there, posting pictures of their findings. It is easy to get engaged in that community. Use hashtags describing the mineral you are posting, relating to appearance, species, locality, etc. Facebook, again is good too. The majority of people in the US have a Facebook and there are many regional groups, etc. It is a good place to reach out to people to discuss mineral topics.

Educating Yourself and Kids-

Mindat.org is a mineral database cataloging thousands of different minerals and possibly close to one million localities. It is a great place to learn about minerals you are unfamiliar with, or research new spots to dig. There is also a messageboard where you can discuss mineral related subjects from the most basic to graduate level academic topics. Mindat is the website that got me into minerals as a child. If your kids are into science or nature, explore the site with them and learn about your regional minerals.

Nothing beats a book either, and now many of us have plenty of time to read since it is harder to go out. While libraries are closed, plenty of books are available on Amazon and Ebay, as well as from mineral dealers, etc. Many new instructional guides on lapidary topics are excellent, there are gorgeous picture books of fine specimens, and superb field guides too. If you are an ardent field collector, old guides are available from time to time online. It’s a good time to rediscover that elusive lost locality!

Buying and Selling Minerals-

All of our favorite shows are canceled and it is a big disappointment to buyers and sellers alike. Again, we all should turn to the internet to get our mineral fix! There is so much available on private dealer websites, Instagram, Facebook, Ebay, Etsy, and even Amazon. It’s a great time to support a local miner too. Buy crystals and lapidary rough you see directly from the people who mine them! Not only will you get something unique and exclusive to add to your collection, but you’ll ensure the miner themselves continues to be productive and successful at saving crystals! May assortments, kits, and sets of minerals are available too, which are perfect for teaching a kid who is home from school about earth science with a hands on approach.

Buying and selling minerals through live feed on Facebook simulates at least some of the appeal of a mineral show and allows customers and dealers to engage in real time. It’s a great way to be able to discuss specimens and sell quickly if viewers can be attracted. A good camera is very important as well as a kind, gentle, informative speaking manner when engaging customers.

Field Collecting-

Digging your own specimens is a healthy activity and the best way to learn about how minerals occur in the wild! Due to COVID-19, I am insistent that you only collect solo or with people you live with. Social digging will have to wait. Fee dig sites are mostly closed as well. There are still ways to dig and say socially distant but you will need to take precautions. Explore sites from guides on or available through wheretofindrocks.com and also old publications and dated websites for some neat sleeper locations far off in nature. Always carry a phone on you when you are alone in case you get injured or need help. Be extra careful these days, as going to a doctor or hospital puts you in extremely close proximity to the virus. Eat well and get hydrated before you dig so you do not compromise your immune system. Don’t dig or hike too hard to avoid injury. Wear gloves and eye protection too. Be very very careful. I personally have dealt with a collecting injury that required going to the hospital and it was no fun. The best advice I can give you is MOVE SLOW!

As COVID-19 continues to spread and the situation gets more intense, it affects our every day lives more and more. Instead of focusing on the privileges we have lost, focus on those we still have. Don’t make fun your priority and go out to rockhound until you’re exhausted. Moderate it and prioritize health. Rest a lot. Take care of your body like you would your best specimens.

Prospecting for Quartz in New York State – Ellenville Quartz Mine and Beyond

Green Quartz Crystal from Ellenville New York

Prospecting for Quartz in New York
By Jeremy Zolan

New York is a state with an abundance of quartz localities. These locations produce crystals of a huge
array of styles from many diverse geologies. While most famous for beautiful Herkimer diamonds from
the Mohawk river valley, there are many other kinds of deposits found within the woods of New York.
This brief guide will highlight some things to look for when out in the field and what tools may be
useful. There is a lot in NY state that may be overlooked!

Two beautiful smoky quartz crystals the author found in the Hudson Valley. The author used the techniques and tools in this article to find and collect these beautiful quartzes

Two beautiful smoky quartz crystals the author found in the Hudson Valley. The author used
the techniques and tools in this article to find and collect these beautiful quartzes

Most of the quartz deposits in NY differ considerably from the deposits in the Herkimer area, which are
the most well known. While the Herkimer “Diamond” deposits focus on a sea of isolated pockets that occupy layers in the host dolostone,
most of the other localities in New York work vein deposits. These veins often appear as white quartz
that shoots through the rock, twisting and turning in various lengths, rather different than the deposits the Herkimer Quartz is found.
Often there is a higher probability of finding crystals where you see these
veins intersecting because more space is available for growth at the meeting point. It is important to
take note of the geology in the area where you are to search. Often if you see faulting or contacting,
there can be movement of fluid that can produce crystals. As for contacting, notice that the richest
quartz deposits often form where two different rock types touch, for example sedimentary and igneous
or sedimentary and metamorphic. There is chemical exchange between the rocks which promotes
crystal growth. Getting familiar with some basic geology really does help. Here is a photo below of a
textbook example of a contact in NY of sedimetary rock with the metamorphic basement. If you see
veins originating at this junction of rock, there is a higher chance they will have interesting minerals or
nice pockets.

A contact between sedimentary and metamorphic rock in New York

A contact between sedimentary and metamorphic rock in New York


Original Image Source: By Michael C. Rygel – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29021804

Lets say you have found an interesting vein and are looking to assess it and its potential for specimens.
If you see a hole in the rock, it is in your best interest just to take a look.
It is important to look for pockets containing crystals, or loose material that may have fallen out of a pocket into the talus below.
If you see any mud coming from the veins, especially if it is a reddish or orange color, check it out it as that may
contain crystals! Sometimes pockets can be just filled with dirt or totally clean too.

There is a bit of a list of what tools you will need to prospect and dig quartz in NY. Preparation is
critical. Keep in mind that you will often be looking in rural areas where there will be little or no
service, and having a GPS is often essential. I personally use a Garmin GPSMap 64st which is great,
but if you wish to have birdseye satellite imagery available to you, the Garmin GPSMap 66 series will
make all your wildest GPS dreams come true.
As for the tools you need, I notice that I pack very differently when I am going to prospect versus when
I am going to dig somewhere I already know about. Talking to my good NY prospector friend Dustin
Bartlett (@themodernnaturalist on instagram) we have made some lists of supplies you can buy easily
to get started.
Prospecting Pack:
The goal of the prospecting pack is mobility and sample collection. Use a small backpack you don't
mind getting dirty for this. Remember to pack ample water and supplies as you may be in the woods for
hours looking. The focus of your tooling should be light and versatile. Choose tools that are good for a
variety of environments. Here are the tools I would choose for this-

Available on Amazon:
Estwing B3-3LB Crack Hammer 3-Pound

Stanley 16-332 FatMax Cold Chisel with Bi-Material Hand Guard

Stanley FMHT16556 FATMAX Flat Utility Chisel, 1-1/4"

Estwing Gad Pry Bar – 18" Forged Geological Tool with Pointed Tip & Chisel End – GP-18

Estwing Handy Bar Nail Puller – 15" Pry Bar with Wide, Thin Blade & Forged Steel Construction – HB-15

Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel, Unbreakable Tactical Shovel-180 Degree Folding Shovel (or similar)

Also:
A chopstick for removing crystals from pockets undamaged
Wrapping Material
Water and Food
Notebook and Camera

I really think these lists should give you what you need to prospect and mine nearly any kind of quartz
deposit in NY other than the Herkimer deposits. You'll find that there will be cases where you might
have to use other tools and leave some of these home. Be creative! You will have to be adaptable and
try different things for different locations. Go out there, get dirty, and hit pockets!

Chlorate included Quartz from Ellenville New York

Green Quartz Crystal from Ellenville New York

Gorgeous chlorite included quartz Dustin Bartlett (@themodernnaturalist on insta) dug from
his Lil' Give prospect on the Mass/NY line. Dustin discovered this brand new prospect and mined it
using the techniques and tools discussed above.


Locality:
Ellenville Quartz Mine, Ellenville, Ulster County, NY


To showcase one of New Yorks’ MANY quartz locations, we are showing you the Ellenville Quartz deposits. Once mined for iron and copper ore, this location has produced tons and tons of fine quartz crystals that form in quartz fissures.
This old mine has produced many specimens of quartz and pyrite over the years and there is still great
material there to be found. I recommend you park at Berme Road Park and walk to the mine, where the
red pin is. On the back wall you'll find pyrite and quartz crystals. Sometimes you can also find other
minerals like galena and sphalerite.

Limited Edition “Miner Threat” Shirt – Out of Step!

Minor Threat Parody - Miner Threat Out of Step T Shirt, Crystals

Every year when the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows start and last for over 3 weeks in Tucson, people make their way to the laundromat, or friend’s house, at least once or twice. Buying a fun new mineral themed shirt is always a popular option to reduce amount of washing needed during the show.

This shirt is a limited edition made exclusively for the Tucson Gem Show 2020 –
A Tribute to the LEGENDARY Punk Rock album “Out of Step” by Minor Threat – a tribute to not following the herd, to doing your own thing. Instead of a herd of sheep and one crayon drawn black sheep, we have a herd of clear quartz and the one smoky quartz making its own way – Out of Step!
Miner Threat Crystal T-Shirt
We have a small amount of these shirts available – 18.99 plus 1.50 for shipping in the USA –
Canadian orders, contact us at FortySevenPress@gmail.com before 2/12/2020 and we can get it to Canada for shipping.









Miner Threat TShirt Size












Minor Threat Parody - Miner Threat Out of Step T Shirt, Crystals

GemShades Collection Debut at The Crystalarium – The Ocular Artistry of Naomi Hinds

Business Cards fo the Wire Wrap Artist Naomi Hinds

November 16th, 2019 The Crystalarium, a Los Angeles Institution in Fine Minerals, served as a fitting host to a viewing of the unique GemShades, custom woven wire frames incorporating fine gem slices of Tourmaline, Aquamarine and Amber.

View of two sunglasses made with gem tourmaline slice lens and a custom wire base for a green tourmaline crystal

These fine custom sunglasses were a centerpiece of the showcase, featuring bold red tourmaline slices and accessory crystals in the arms.

Fine Jewelry artist Naomi Hinds assembled a dozen unique wire framed gemstone glasses for the showing. Naomi was on hand, along with the fun loving staff of the Crystalarium, to show off these pieces of functional, wearable, art.

Wire Artist Naomi Hinds with amber lens sunglasses with custom woven wire frames

Wire Artist Naomi Hinds was on hand to show a close up view of her functional artwork.

Crystalarium, located on beautiful La Cienga Blvd, in West Hollywood, was truly a perfect setting for this exhibit. The staff certainly coordinated a fine affair, with a live guitarist, fruits and cookies, wine and hors d’oeuvres served through the night, while visitors were able to visit with the artist and get the chance to try on selected pieces.

Advertisement featuring the information for the limited weekend event to promote the GemShades Sunglass Collection

Hosted by the Crystalarium, located on La Cienega, in West Hollywod, the GemShades Collection Debut took place on Saturday, November 16th, 2019.

Follow CrystalariumLA on Instagram to find out about upcoming events and general crystal shenangans going on in West Hollywood!

Two pair of GemShade Custom Gemstone Sunglasses

Two Wire Wrap Frame Sunglasses featuring Red Tourmaline Lenses, Created by Naomi Hinds

These bold Gold and Red Tourmaline Sunglasses were a hit, with visitors flocking to them all night.

Glass replicas of tourmaline slices set into custom wire frames

Wild custom framed glasses featuring a collaboration with the glass artist “DiggerGlass”

Blue Tourmaline Sunglasses

These would certainly set any room ablaze. Gem blue tourmaline slices set into a custom frame created by wire artist Naomi Hinds

These Unique Lenses are the gem Aquamarine, the Blue Beryl.

Sunglasses made with Amber Lenses and Wire Wrap Arms

Polished Lenses of Amber give a truly unique look on life!

In addition to the fine works on display, the artist treated the visitors to some behind the scenes looks into how the frames and other works, are designed and made.

Tourmaline Slices in Acrylic Mounts shown

Behind the Scenes of How it is Made – Naomi first matches the slices up and plans on HOW to give life to these unique products of mother nature.

Wire Wrap Arms for Sunglasses in Unfinished State

Hours of delicate work are required for each piece, these showcased the left arm in unfinished process, showing a glimpse of how the artist works.

Tourmaline Slice with Wire Wrapping in Progress

Behind the Scenes look at How it is Made – The Artist showcases a work in progress as this tourmaline slice is custom fit into precious wire.

One case full of stunners included two custom accessory arm features and a fantastic custom woven metal base for a bold green tourmaline, making it look like it was ready to blast into space!

View of two sunglasses made with gem tourmaline slice lens and a custom wire base for a green tourmaline crystal

These fine custom sunglasses were a centerpiece of the showcase, featuring bold red tourmaline slices and accessory crystals in the arms.

Tourmaline Scepter in Green and Pink in the side of a wire wrapped sunglass arm

This bold tourmaline scepter accessory crystal is a bold addition to the arms of these GemShades

Custom Wire Sculpted Base for this Bold Green Tourmaline.

This Crystal looks ready for takeoff!

View of the Side Arms of a pair of custom wire wrapped sunglasses with red tourmaline lenses

View of the Side Arm to this breathtaking gold wire and tourmaline eyeglasses

Examples of Wire Artwork of Naomi Hinds

Examples of the artistry of Naomi Hinds, creator of GemShades.

About the Artist - Naomi Hinds - Sign

If you would like to contact the artist for information on these or other works, you can find Naomi via this business card, and view her works on instagram @NaomiHindsDesigns

Business Card of Naomi Hinds Designs

Business Card for Naomi Hinds Designs – contact her for inquires.

I was all too happy to run into Barbie Petrosky, the_miniralogist – creator of HIGH quality mineral memes on Instagram. Be still, my heart!

Barbie Figure with Wire Wrap Eye Glasses Made by Naomi Hinds

Barbie Petrosky, known as ig: the_miniralogist, was looking fly with these custom made tourmaline glasses and accented side armature, made by the artist Naomi Hinds.

Justin Zzyzx looking at Barbie Petrosky, the_miniralogist on IG

One of Barbie’s MANY admirers!

Trona Gem-o-Rama CANCELED for 2019 due to Earthquake!

We sure are sad to report, the ultimate desert collecting experience is canceled for this year! The annual Trona “Gem-O-Rama”, which features three themed field trips where thousands of people collect beautiful crystals, all due to the hard work of the members of the Trona Gem Club and Searles Lake Mineral Company.

Due to the massive earthquakes of the Summer of 2019 that were located right next to the town of Trona, the gem show and field trips for 2019 have been CANCELED.

That’s right, there is no show, there are no field trips.

Take a look at the annual flier put out by the club.http://www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/GEM-O-RAMA.htm

Back in 2008 there was a tipped over truck for the Blow Hole Dig.
Take a look at the video from back then –

If you can imagine, Pink Halite will be in SLIGHTLY shorter supply this year. Maybe it will be possible for some dealers to take this chance to blowout what they have unwillingly stockpiled from the past couple years.

There will be 50x less posts of people trying to sell 50 pound clusters of funky Hanksite, destined to turn crusty and poison all your plants in your front yard.

Saw these funky display stands while looking for Halite photos.

They put Granola, Coffee grounds and Ramen Noodles in these display stands!
What do you think of that?

Halite on Ramen Noodle Stand

Pink Halite from Trona on a display stand made of Ramen Noodles.

Halite on Coffee Display Stand

Pink Halite from Trona California on a display stand made from Resin and Cafe Bustelo Coffee Grounds.

Halite on Display Stand with Granola Included

Pink Halite Salt Crystals from Trona California on a display stand made from Resin and Granola

We would like to thank everyone involved with the Trona Show and hope for its return in 2020!

The Top 11 Toxic Minerals – Lies the Internet Told You

Chalcanthite

Clickbait-style lists have long circulated throughout the internet regarding the dangerous effects of a variety of mineral species – unfortunately these lists are often riddled with inaccuracies.  We’re here to clear up some of that misinformation. Our primary list here will be minerals that are reported to be toxic because they contain toxic elements, but there will be some special mentions of other types of toxic risks at the end!

Disclaimer: our goal here is clear up some rampant fear-mongering, but any substance in significant doses or in specific situations can be very dangerous – even water can be deadly if consumed in significant quantities, and it will definitely kill you if you try to breathe too much of it!  As a general rule, don’t eat your mineral specimens, don’t grind them into powders and snort them, don’t cook them and inhale their vapors, and please don’t look for any other ways to put them into your body.  They just don’t belong there.  Keep minerals out of reach of pets and children.  And wash your hands – it’s just good hygiene anyway.

 

11. Fluorite

Fluorite from Rogerley Mine, Frosterley, Weardale, North Pennines, County Durham, England, UK

Fluorite from Rogerley Mine, Frosterley, Weardale, North Pennines, County Durham, England, UK – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Fluorite (CaF2) is a mineral that is listed as being dangerous because it contains the element fluorine, which by itself can be some nasty stuff.  However, when fluorine is bonded with calcium, it has entirely different properties than fluorine by itself.

To better understand this, let’s take a little detour and talk about the mineral halite (NaCl – sodium chloride).  Sodium (Na) is a highly reactive alkali metal that forms flammable hydrogen and caustic sodium hydroxide when it comes into contact with water – in short, it will burn you if it touches moisture on your skin, eyes, etc.  Chlorine is a toxic gas that attacks the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.  However, when deadly sodium bonds with toxic chlorine to form halite, we end up with table salt, a compound that we frequently add to food.

Similarly, fluorite does contain fluorine (which is some nasty stuff) but when fluorine is bonded with calcium, it has entirely different properties and does not inherently carry the risks of elemental fluorine.

 

10. Pyrite

Pyrite from Huaron Mining District, San Jose de Huayllay District, Cerro de Pasco, Daniel Alcides Carrión Province, Pasco Department, Peru – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Pyrite (FeS2) is a relatively common mineral, often colloquially known as Fool’s Gold because of its brassy appearance.  Pyrite is included on lists of toxic minerals because it might contain small amounts of arsenic.

Yes, pyrite can contain some arsenic, but since pyrite is not soluble in water or hydrochloric acid it poses no risks when handled.

An important thing to understand is that for any substance to be harmful, it must have bioavailability.  Bioavailability is a term used to describe the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed into a living system.  A substance with high bioavailability can be readily absorbed into your body, whereas a substance with low bioavailability cannot be.

With many minerals, bioavailability will depend on the solubility of a mineral.  Most material that has solidified (crystallized) has done so in a way that results in a stable, non-reactive substance.  Minerals that aren’t stable tend to easily break down and often don’t survive very long.  Solubility requires a fluid, and when considering potentially toxic minerals, the two most important fluids to consider are water (perspiration and saliva) and hydrochloric acid (stomach acid).  Minerals that are soluble in water are a possible risk when handling the material, whereas minerals soluble in hydrochloric acid are a possible risk if the material is ingested.

 

9. Galena

Galena

Galena from Elmwood mine, Carthage, Central Tennessee Ba-F-Pb-Zn District, Smith County, Tennessee, USA – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Galena (PbS – lead sulfide) is often listed as a toxic mineral because of its lead content.

However, when lead is chemically bonded with sulfur, we find a highly insoluble compound – lead sulfide is virtually insoluble in water, and only very slightly soluble in hydrochloric acid.

While we’re here, let’s talk a little more about the toxicity of lead.  It’s common knowledge that lead is toxic, but that is a concept that has come from the ban of lead oxide.  Metal lead isn’t banned at all!  There are many nuances to chemistry that we don’t have time to explain in depth in this article, but it is important to realize that an element in itself isn’t toxic – toxicity is complicated and is very specific to what kind of reactions can happen when any element at any given oxidation state interacts with anything else.  One thing is pretty straightforward though: if a stable substance doesn’t dissolve, it has a low chance of being able to react with anything, thus it cannot create any change that might interact with the human body.

 

8. Stibnite

Stibnite

Stibnite from Wuning Mine (Wuling Mine; Qingjiang Mine), Qingjiang, Wuning County, Jiujiang Prefecture, Jiangxi Province, China – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Stibnite (Sb2S3 – antimony sulfide) is listed because of its antimony content, but again it is nearly insoluble and poses no risk.

For some technical talk, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) describes chemicals in terms of LD50, which is a number that measures the dose needed to kill 50% of individuals.  This number is measured in the weight of chemical per unit weight of body tissue (usually this is in milligrams per kilogram or mg/kg).

The CDC lists studies of the LD50 of elemental antimony in rats being between 900 and 20,000 mg/kg, which roughly translates to 90 to 2,000 grams (~0.2 to over 4 pounds) of antimony in a 220 pound human (though please note that different animals can have different sensitivities to a substance).  Long story short, it would likely be difficult for a human to ingest that much stibnite to begin with, and, with a very low solubility, it is unlikely it would remain in your system long enough to release enough native antimony to cause any ill effects.

 

7. Hydroxylapatite

Hydroxlapatite

Hydroxylapatite from Sapo mine, Conselheiro Pena, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Hydroxyapatite (Ca5(PO4)3(OH) – calcium hydroxide phosphate) is mentioned on lists of toxic minerals because it is the same material as bone and, supposedly, if you ingest it, it will cause blockages by depositing bone in your arteries.

This is just utter hogwash.  Hydroxyapaite, also called hydroxylapatite or apatite-(CaOH), is soluble in hydrochloric acid but will break down into calcium ions and phosphoric acid, both of which exist in your body naturally.  (Fun fact: phosphoric acid is the ingredient in some sodas that give it a tangy taste.)  If you were to ingest large amounts of hydroxyapatite, you may find yourself with a case of kidney stones, but to fear your arteries turning into bone is completely unnecessary.

 

6. Coloradoite

Coloradoite

Coloradoite from Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Shire, Western Australia, Australia – photography from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Coloradoite (HgTe – mercury telluride) makes the list for containing both mercury and tellurium.

This compound is not soluble in water or hydrochloric acid and poses no risks to handling.  It’s also a particularly rare mineral that you’re not likely to happen across accidentally.

There is another risk we should discuss though – mineral dusts.  When looking at solubility and resulting bioavailability of minerals, the first concern is the introduction of large quantities of the material into the body (i.e. ingesting 4 pounds of stibnite).  However, there is a more innocuous way for minerals to enter your body and that is through your lungs.  Since the lungs do not flush themselves out as regularly as the digestive tract, minerals can be trapped in the body for longer periods of time which gives them more time to dissolve.  Dusts also have more surface area that larger chunks of material, which allows chemical reactions to occur more easily.  These things coupled together mean that material inhaled into the lungs could dissolve over time and cause serious health concerns.  (See more about risks related to inhalation below in our special mentions.)  Do NOT breathe your minerals!

 

5.  Hutchinsonite

Hutchinsonite

Hutchinsonite from Quiruvilca Mine (La Libertad Mine; ASARCO Mine), Quiruvilca District, Santiago de Chuco Province, La Libertad Department, Peru – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Hutchinsonite (TlPbAs5S9 – a lead/thallium-bearing sulfoarsenide) appears on lists for containing both lead and thallium.

Again, hutchinsonite is a mineral with very low bioavailability, since sulfoarsenides and sulfoantimonides are relatively insoluble.

Other thallium minerals with a higher solubility may certainly pose a risk for thallium poisoning (we seriously don’t recommend anyone try this being poisoned by this, it’s pretty awful), but hutchinsonite is not the thallium mineral to be afraid of.

 

4. Cinnabar

Cinnabar

Cinnabar from Wanshan Mine, Wanshan District, Tongren Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China – photograph from Parent Géry.

Cinnabar (HgS – mercury sulfide) is another mineral that is regarded as a toxic mineral because it contains an element regarded to be dangerous by itself – mercury.

However, like galena, the elements in cinnabar are bonded together – inorganic mercury sulfide is virtually insoluble.

Another risk we should discuss is reactions instigated by heat.  Like many minerals, cinnabar can decompose thermally, meaning that if you were to cook it at a sufficiently high heat, it will break down and may release toxic vapors.  Grinding these minerals can also cause similar risks, likely because of local heating caused by friction.  Do not heat your minerals, as heat may cause reactions with dangerous byproducts!  However, this does mean that it is harmful to physically handle a specimen of cinnabar.  Do NOT cook your minerals and absolutely do NOT inhale their vapors!

 

3. Orpiment

Orpiment

Orpiment from El’brusskiy (Elbrusskii) Arsenic mine, Elbrus, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Northern Caucasus Region, Russia – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Orpiment (As2S3) and its cousin realgar (As4S4) are cited as being even more dangerous than arsenic because of the associated sulfur.

We call hogwash on that because when arsenic is chemically bonded with sulfur, it is far less soluble than native arsenic.

Orpiment is slightly soluble in water (i.e. saliva and perspiration), so it should be handled with care, but it is not necessary to be terrified of this mineral.  Wash your hands after handling it, and consider using gloves to avoid skin contact.

Realgar, on the other hand, is not soluble.  However, with exposure to sunlight, realgar can alter to pararealgar, which forms a dusty coating coating and can be dangerous if inhaled.

 

2. Arsenopyrite

Arsenopyrite

Arsenopyrite from Yaogangxian Mine, Yizhang County, Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Arsenopyrite (FeAsS), like pyrite, receives its terror because of its arsenic content.

This time, there is most certainly arsenic in the chemical composition, but like pyrite, arsenopyrite is not soluble in fluids related to the human body and is not dangerous.

However, we’ve included this higher on the list because here is another factor to be very cautious with.  There are rumors of arsenopyrite with a white coating that turned out to be a soluble arsenate, which would be very toxic!  Minerals can react with other factors in the environment before and after they come into your possession – if your mineral has a crust, coating, powder, or other substance associated with it, that may be an indication that some chemical reaction has occurred.  If you find an unknown substance, do not put it into your body!

 

1. Chalcanthite

Chalcanthite

Chalcanthite from Planet Mine, Planet Mine group, Planet, Santa Maria District, Buckskin Mts, La Paz Co., Arizona, USA – photograph from Parent Géry.

Chalcanthite (CuSO4 · 5H2O – a hydrated copper sulfate) is one of the few minerals that appears on these lists that is definitely worth some concern – this one could actually kill you.

This mineral is very soluble in both water and hydrochloric acid, which readily releases copper that can then be absorbed by the body and, in large enough quantities, could cause copper poisoning.  The good news is that one of symptoms of ingesting chalcanthite is vomiting – one of the first things your body does with chalcanthite is try to spit it right back out.  The bad news is that the LD50 for chalcanthite is 30 mg/kg in rats, so roughly 3 grams or 0.1 ounces) in a 220 pound human.  It is recommended that you seek medical attention if you ingest chalcanthite, but the easiest method to avoid copper poisioning from chalcanthite?  Do not let it get into your body!

 

We hope this has cleared up some of the common misconceptions about mineral toxicity – the important take away is that the toxicity of a mineral has everything to do with how it’s handled.  You do not need to fear minerals.  If you practice common sense and take proper precautions, every mineral is absolutely safe!  Stay smart, stay educated, and live on to enjoy the beauty of these natural works of art.

(This is technically the end of this article, but for any of you with a burning curiosity to learn more, we’ve included some special mentions below!)

 


 

Special Mentions: Inhalation!

A number of minerals have been listed as toxic for risks associated with inhalation of fine particles.  The following minerals carry a risk that is quite a bit different from solubility, as the concern is not one of chemical reactions, but of physical damage created by fine particles.

It is important to realize that inhalation of any particulates is not healthy (smoke, air pollution, etc.), and this is no reflection on the danger of a single mineral in particular.  If you are handling minerals in a situation where you are creating mineral dusts (lapidary work, for example), it is recommended that you wear a dust mask, or use a liquid component such as water or oil to keep the dust created by grinding from spreading in the air.  These precautions are a good practice regardless of what material is being worked.  Dust can also be a concern for those who work in mining or collect minerals themselves in the field – again, if you are working in a dusty environment, protect yourself and your lungs by using a dust mask or respirator.

 

Asbestos

Riebeckite

Riebeckite from Prieska, Pixley ka Seme District, Northern Cape, South Africa – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Asbestos itself is not a single mineral, but a name used to describe a number of minerals when they occur in a fine, fibrous form (crocidolite, chrysotile, tremolite, riebeckite, and actinolite are just a few examples).

The danger of asbestiform minerals comes only when particles of them are inhaled – don’t inhale these specimens and you are at no risk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erionite

Erionite

Erionite from Phelps Dodge Corporation Well No. 1, Little Ajo Mountains, Ajo District, Pima County, Arizona, USA – photograph from Matteo Chinellato.

Erionite, another “mineral” that is actually a group of minerals, appears on lists because of its fibrous nature, which reportedly can result in mesothelioma.

Like any other mineral, don’t inhale it!  Further, erionite is an uncommon mineral that most people are unlikely to ever encounter.

 

 

Quartz

Quartz

Quartz from East Coleman Mine (Ron Coleman Mine; Old Coleman Mine; West Chance; Dierks No. 4; Blocker Lead; Geomex), Jessieville, Garland County, Arkansas, USA – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Quartz (SiO2 – silicon dioxide), like asbestos, shows up on a few lists due to risks related to inhalation.

Inhalation of quartz dust can cause a disease caused silicosis – however, quartz itself is remarkably durable (unlike asbestiform minerals) and most people are not likely find themselves in a situation where quartz dust is any risk.  Handling a quartz crystal itself will not cause any damage (unless perhaps someone chooses to hit you with it), but use caution when cutting and polishing quartz, or when collecting minerals in a dust-heavy environment.

 

Phenakite

Phenakite

Phenakite from Jos Plateau, Plateau State, Nigeria – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Phenakite (Be2SiO4 – a beryllium silicate) is mentioned on lists for its toxic beryllium content.

Silicates are notoriously insoluble, and phenakite is no exception.  However, many beryllium minerals are often cut and polished into jewelry, and those engaging in lapidary work should be cautious of inhaling the dust from these minerals.

 

 

 

 

 

Special Mentions: Radioactive Minerals!

 

Torbernite

Torbernite

Torbernite from Margabal Mine, Entraygues-sur-Truyère, Aveyron, Midi-Pyrénées, France – photograph from Didier Descouens.

Torbernite (Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O) makes the list for its uranium content.

Radioactivity is a very complex subject we really don’t have time to delve into here, but if you’re interested in that topic, send us a message to let us know and we’ll look at addressing it in another article!  For now, we’ll issue the standard caution: don’t eat them, wash your hand after handling them, and store them in an area with good ventilation and away from your regular daily activities.

 

K-Feldspar

Microcline (var. Amazonite)

Microcline (var. Amazonite) from Konso, Sidamo-Borana Province, Ethiopia – photograph from Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com.

Potassium feldspar, or K-feldspar, is a term that refers to potassium dominant feldspars, and are included on lists because they are radioactive.

We still aren’t going to get into radioactivity in this article, but we will mention a few fun facts here:

First: potassium is well known for its radioactive isotope often referred to as K40. However, potassium feldspars are no more radioactive than a banana, which also contains potassium!

Second: potassium feldspars are one of the most abundant groups of minerals on earth.

Third: here’s a mind-blowing spoiler to leave you with: the EARTH is radioactive! That radioactivity is one of the key sources of heat on our planet and part of the reason our planet is habitable.

 


Recommended for Further Reading:

Clyde Spencer – Mineral Toxicity

John Betts – Water Soluble Minerals

marulla.com – Mineral Solubility

 

 

A special thanks to Yoshihiro Kobayashi for his insights into many aspects of chemistry.

Rocks and Minerals Very First Issue! – Free PDF of this Mineral Magazine

Many years ago we came across a fun find – one of Peter Zodac’s leftover copies of Rocks and Minerals first issue published in 1926.

This magazine is now and has been for decades, a bold, colorful magazine, since 1979 under the direction of Marie Hunzing.

Back in the 1960’s it was a digest sized black and white magazine with short articles and monthly articles devoted to sand and fossils.

Here is the very first issue, purchased from Alfredo Petrov, who got it from Tony Nickischer, who got it from Peter Zodac’s house.

Rocks_and_Minerals-1926-September

It is a curious document, showing that the first issue was heavy on personal advertising, more of a catalog than a magazine.

Leading Field Trips – How To Show Other People Where To Collect Minerals

Justin Zzyzx Helping Rockhounds

Being a field trip leader is a rewarding experience for some people. People who serve as field guides get the opportunity to take people to interesting locations they might have never seen otherwise. In our hobby of Rocks and Minerals, we are looking for places where samples of minerals can be found, such as minerals featuring distinct crystals, or solid minerals, things a lapidary artist would enjoy, to cut and polish. Fossils, natural formations and other odds and ends round out the range of natural science themed excursions. For those individuals who step up to the challenge of field trip leaders and guides, this is my tale, take from it the bits of advice I, Justin Zzyzx, discovered first hand.

Justin Zzyzx Helping Rockhounds

Over the course of a decade, I have lead mineral collecting field trips for individual clubs I was a member of, clubs I was not a member of, the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, public field trips to advertise my natural science themed art gallery, paid trips with tickets for Atlas Obscura and for over a year, a private run monthly field trip service. During that time I had to research locations, go on terrible trips, go on amazing trips, get lost, get found, get insurance, advertise, fix cars, fix people, change plenty of tires, pop plenty of tires and met hundreds of great people.

Becoming a Field Trip Leader –

Rocking With OthersIf you are just thinking of stepping into the ring as a field trip leader, my path starts like many others, going to a local rockhound club. From here your path can follow two directions, simply participating in whatever outings the club has and taking the experience from that, or, by furthering your experience by being a helpful participant and offer to lead additional trips or fill in for the field trip leader a month or two. Many clubs experience a bit of burn out when it comes to field trips. It is a somewhat stressful job to be in charge of a group of people’s entertainment. As such, many clubs find themselves in dry spells when it comes to field trips. Sometimes a little bit of fresh energy is a much needed thing, so check out the local scene and see what the general vibe is towards local collecting spots. Club members can be a wonderful source of information on local collecting spots. In addition to the first hand sources of going on field trips with leaders, there is plenty of research to be done with books, the internet and field research.

Books and Your Research Library –

Afton Canyon, CaliforniaOver the years of field collecting I’ve made it a habit to buy as many field guides from any age and any print style. Locations that might have been popular 80 years ago, then fallen out of favor might resurface from investigating old field guides. Important information that got skipped over in future editions, or vice versa, information in contemporary guides that might save you time! From this information field research can begin, because one of the most important rules of leading a field trip should be…One Should be INTIMATELY FAMILIAR With the Location Before Taking Any Group. For there could be fewer things in life as painful as wasting the time of any number of people expecting you to take them somewhere and understand what the deposit is about.

You can find contemporary and classic books for sale on amazon and ebay by using the links on this page http://wheretofindrocks.com/field-guides/ and also at your local bookstores. I’ve personally had the best luck at mineral shows and buying on ebay and amazon. ebay tends to be the place where you can find all sorts of oddball field guides and lots of regional guides you would only find online and at local rockshops of the area. In addition, members of your local rockhound community can be the best sources for literature, as they might be able to direct, sell, loan or otherwise help with sourcing local rockhounding literature.

 The local library is often a wonderful source for local mineral collecting literature. For example, while visiting a location 2500 miles away from my home, I found at the library some documentation talking about the mining districts in the 1910’s. I then matched these locations up to a current map and saw that TWO of these location were on land that I could visit and inspect for minerals. Dig deep and you can be rewarded with historical information that can turn up some amazing re-discovered mineral deposits.

Initial Field Research –

Visit the Location Beforehand and Collect Samples

Visit the Location Beforehand and Collect Samples

I would rather not take people on a wild goose chase. I did that one time and if I can help you avoid it, my heart will sing. Early in my days of leading field trips, I took a group of 8 individuals up the Garcia Trail in search of the Felix Fluorite deposit, just overlooking a vast neighborhood near Azusa California. What I did not know was, the deposit is not UP the Garcia trail, that is just where you START, after 100 feet you hop off and up to the deposit via a fire road that is snaking alongside the hills, not going STRAIGHT up it, like the Garcia Trail. After an hour of strenuous hiking, several of the participants cursed my name and vowed to never go on another trip with me.  At that moment I vowed to never make that mistake again!

Remember to Consider Parking for Everyone that May Come on your Field Trip

Now I make sure I have personally visited any location I plan on taking people to, no surprises. I try to map out alternative directions, ease of use, parking areas and identify where the guests will be collecting and locate a few samples to have on hand on that day. It might be easy to find parking for a handful of cars, but a few times I have had upwards of 50 vehicles all pouring down one lane tracks in the desert, wondering where they will all line up and how they will leave. At the very least, all locations must be visited twice, once beforehand and once for the actual trip. The best locations are ones that you are VERY familiar with, ones you have spent time visiting, researching and so forth. There are several locations I have visited well over a dozen times, places I could, and in fact, have given, educational talks about. That is how well I want to know a location I will take people to. I mean, a little less than that works too, but to really love and understand a deposit, that is a place that will love you right back.

Never take Parking Considerations for granted - Where To Find Rocks

Rancho Palos Verdes California

For example, Rancho Palos Verdes California. It is a PERFECT location for field trips, for research, for developing literature of its own. RPV (and the surrounding areas of this peninsula off the south west of Los Angeles Harbor contains a variety of crystallized minerals, fossils and plenty of public areas where collecting is permitted and encouraged. It has a story involving a land deal/mining claim gone dirty to allow for housing tracts in this once rural farmland. It has ample scientific study material to draw from, both past and current, interesting geological features, along with plenty of natural features to keep people interested. I have given no less than 20 trips to RPV to collect crystallized dolomite, barite and play in the tidepools with the starfish. I have given a 45 minute talk to several clubs in the Southern California area on the subject of this very peninsula. That is why field trips to this location are a favorite of mine to lead, can be done at a moments notice and so forth. If I was a field trip leader of a club in Southern California, a trip to Rancho Palos Verdes would be a yearly pilgrimage.

Rockhounding Photo Collage

Annual Salt Dig in Trona, CaliforniaI spent at least 3 years doing weekend adventures with my working friends. Many of my now lifelong friends joined me for many of our private adventures. You can be sure that several places visited during that time would fit right into my list of regular locations. It is ALWAYS advised to have one or more friends out with you when exploring. Safety. You have no idea how many crazy adventures would have been that much worse if I did not have compatriots. It is these trips that, when they end in failure, who cares? You are hanging out with like-minded individuals, enjoying the trip. Finding the minerals, on private prospecting trips can often be a happy accident. On a guided trip, that BETTER not be the case!

Waiting to Make Sure Field Trip Participants of all Fitness Levels Make it to the LocationsMy crew of local collectors have a list of locations we visited a half a dozen times or more before we found them. Like stupid STINKO california…well, That is what we call it. Cinco, a location for Feldspar crystals, it is SO EASY to show you EXACTLY where it is on a map today, but for our group, we went to that place nearly 10 times before finding the correct deposit. The blackberry bushes used to be my bane at the Mount Baldy Corundum location, now, I try to plan a trip there in August to enjoy the fruits along the PATH into the deposit that we could not find until our 9th trip into the river valley. I can easily feel confident taking up to 60 people into that location, knowing all of them will find quality materials, that it is relativity safe, easy to get to and legal to collect at.

 

Make a List of Viable Locations –

This step is highly variable. Some guides focus on just one or two locations. Perhaps they lead a regular trip for one specific group. My local attraction near my house does a private tour of underground workings of an old silver mine. That is the only tour they offer. They know that tour REALLY well. I, on the other hand, can take you to 12 locations, easily, to collect minerals and lapidary materials within a five mile radius of that place. Having access to open BLM land makes the task quite a bit easier. Depending on the area you are in, having a location where you can bring small and large groups to might be a challenge. One option is to limit the amount of people that can go on a trip. This is not an uncommon solution.

Many People on a Mineral Collecting TripOnce you are familiar with your area, make a list of places and start working the pro’s and con’s on taking people to the location. Access, Safety, and Material. I do not mind taking people to a location that is “sub-par” like, for instance, the tiny quartz crystals by Mount Baldy are not show-stoppers, but they are THERE and such fun to find and in such a beautiful location, it was worth-while, even if the material is just so-so. I also love to do double trips, if possible, go to a location that is good for lapidary and one that is good for crystals. Some trips I’ve lead have gone to three locations in one day without any complaint from the collectors. I find most collectors are ready to head out after an hour or so, moving them to a few locations can stretch their interest out a few hours. Pay to play locations are ok, most of the time. Not the scam salted dig sites, but the gem dumps in Southern California, the Sunstone mines of Oregon, the Quartz mines of Herkimer New York. Many of these locations make great trips for rockhounding groups. Don’t be a afraid to find the best places to use in your field trip list.

Insurance –

Rockhounding One of the perks with rockhound groups is by being a member you are covered by the Federation’s insurance policy. Rockhounding can be dangerous. It is up to me to create as safe as an experience as I can. Accidents happen. Accidents can be expensive. You better be insured. To make sure you are covered, it is worthwhile to purchase liability insurance if you are leading private field trips. If it is just myself and a couple friends and an accident happens, that’s up to fate. If something happens while on a sanctioned club field trip, the Federation’s insurance policy covers it. When I lead field trips for a public tour group as a freelancer, they covered the insurance policy. When I lead private field trips, it is my duty to provide insurance coverage. In my experience it is typical to find a rate for a year of 1 million dollars in liability coverage for around $800.00 USD as of 2017. Insurance is a must have.

 

Safety and First Aid –

Mineral Collecting Supplies - Where to Find RocksThere are two things to consider – How can we prevent an accident from happening BEFORE it does and How can we be prepared for an accident if it does happen. My first step is making sure that everyone on a trip I lead understands the basic “Rules of Rockhounding” with my own little tweeks.   My personal add ons are –

#1 – Leave all the animals alone. You can do what you want on your own time, but with me today, please leave all animals, lizards, bugs, birds and other wildlife alone.
#2 – Children love to climb, but not today. If you see a really amazing loose tallus slope to slide down, more power to you, but not today on this trip.
#3 – 100% NEVER allowed to enter mine tunnels, adits or undercut a digging area. Come back on your own free will, I tell the visitors, if you want to explore underground, however I advise against it 100% of the time if for NOTHING else then, see the part about Insurance.

Injury Can happen when Rockhounding

Even while you must tend to an injured field tripper, other participants are unaware, and are still rock hounding. Both are your responsibility.

If I allow any of these to happen, I could potentially void the insurance coverage. What we need to avoid is Negligence. In addition, being trained by your national safety organization
in First Aid, like the NSC here in United States is a valuable skill for any human. Click here to learn about First Aid Training by the NSC.

A first aid kit is a must have for every field trip leader. At the very least you should be able to issue ibuprophen, bandages for minor cuts and scrapes, at the worst, be ready for someone who could break a bone or sustain an eye injury. You make sure people who are hammering are wearing appropriate safety gear and being mindful of those around them, and then, making sure that people exploring are aware of the people digging, you can avoid eye injuries. Sure, it can seem like you are “restricting” some people’s fun, but safety should always be a TOP concern.

A first aid kit like this is perfect for the rockhound field guide
You can get this on Amazon for a steal! https://amzn.to/2sshYj1

Preparing for Vehicle Troubles –

Flat tires, busted oil pans, bring to me your problems, oh, field trippers and I will make sure to spend the extra hour to make sure you make it home!

Think about having the following…Flat Tire

• Road building tools. Usually the same stuff as rockhounding, make sure you can dig out someone who is stuck in mud or sand.
• Carpet scraps or two, for under wheels of stuck vehicles.
JB Weld Clay. Holes in various pans can be very problematic. JB Weld clay can be used to patch holes in oil and transmission pans.
• Oil and transmission fluids. If space permits, having a spare quart or 5 can be VERY handy.
• Duct Tape – more patching!
Tire inflator – Like this one
Tire Patch kit – If it was a puncture by a sharp tire on the tread, this is very handy!
Jumper cables – because, dang it, we left the lights on and the radio on and the phones charging and I don’t know why this dang thing went dead…

 

Promotion and Options –

There are several reasons WHY you are interested in being a field guide. You might be leading people to one or two locations because it is commercially related to another business, like mine owner tours to their own mine. You might want to participate in your local club, hopefully you are already and simply reading this for fun. You might see a commercial viability in leading field trips, as there is, to an extent.
Basically, whatever I’m covering in this niche can be applied to most natural and outdoors topics. I could just replace the words rocks and have been talking about hunting antique marbles, making gravestone rubbings, geocatching or IDK, whatever topic someone might want to share with a group of interested people.

Rockhounding

Here is what I did.

 In 2003-2006 I lead field trips for various clubs and one trip for the California Federation, as well as attended many lead by members of the Mineralogical Society of Southern California.

During 2006-2008 I would simply take friends out collecting and join club field trips. During this time we were also traveling for 6 months filming over 250 mineral collecting locations all across America and Canada.

In 2009 I started doing free public field trips where I would simply post on various online bulletin boards in the Los Angeles Area and invite people to join me at a specific time and place for the trip. I would have between 2-20 people join me on those trips.

Well behaved children are always welcome on rockhounding trips2010-2012, I used these to promote my natural science art gallery. We would host quarterly, free public field trips.

2013-2014 I was being contacted by various groups and individuals to lead private paid field trips. My favorite was Atlas Obscura, who would sell the tickets for a field trip for $40, they would sell out within a week and those people were some of the happiest rockhounds I ever met!

Around 2015 I had moved to the high desert and I was still doing free public field trips. During one of these trips I met Cyndy and Lois, who were local club members in the Victorville/Hesperia area and informed me that the local clubs were lacking field trip leaders. They opened a wonderful rock shop in Hesperia and it was not long before we came up with the idea of doing a paid monthly field trip. For $40 you got a 6 month subscription to the field trip list. Once a month you would get an email telling you where and when.

Collecting Fluorite in Ludlow

For those 6 months, you could come, or not come, at your own discretion to each month’s trip. The costs would be insurance and the tour guide’s wages, but for the sake of the business readers, let’s say, $800 for a year of insurance, let’s say $3000 for your field guide ($250 per month), you are at 100 users per year to break even, or 50 paid tickets every 6 months. Anything above that is gravy, so if you are a shop owner and want to try something like this, there is a good reference number. I’m not 100% on how many tickets were sold during my 18 months of field trips, however, I’m certain we beat these minimums quite handily.

Conclusion –

If you want to get into this position as a member of a rock club or to promote your local interest, if you want to simply share the joy of Rock Hounding to the public, it is best to be prepared with;

Justin Zzyzx giving a Lecture a SoCal Mineral ClubKnowledge
Time Devotion
Safety Training
Reasonable People Skills (hopefully)

For this, you can have the joy of spreading the topic of your interest and parlay that into writing articles, giving talks and additional paid gigs. If you found this article useful, feel free to link to it on your club website, facebook account or include parts of it for reprint in your club newsletters.

Mineral and Rock Collector’s Guide to the Denver Mineral Show 2017

During the month of September the city of Denver Colorado hosts a group of shows where depending on your interest, you can find amazing things to see and buy!

Denver BroncoThe show is like other popular regional shows in that it started as a club event that got so big that “satellite” shows would pop up, which then spawns the tent cities and specialty shows that cities like Denver and Tucson experience. Being a rather large city, Denver had several clubs that hosted shows around the city at different times of the year. While they still do, in 1967 several clubs joined forces to produce one general event, featuring club cases, dealers from around the states and programs. This is the centerpiece of the Denver mineral shows. This show happens on the 2nd or 3rd weekend of September and this highly attended 3 day event is what ends a now week plus group of shows around the city.

So, if you are a first time visitor to the Denver Mineral Shows, or a seasoned pro, this year is going to feature some big changes to the classic show from a few short years ago.

​Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show 2017Starting out, the biggest change in show locations is the major move from the CLASSIC Martin Zinn Expos production at the Ramada, just a couple miles from the big club show. As collectors started coming to the Denver club show earlier and earlier, the Ramada was used to give an early showcase to some dealers for over 30 years. Now that the Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show has matured into a powerhouse, it is strong enough to move to another location, which is the Crowne Plaza, located near the Denver Airport.

This show has the classic mix you would expect from the Ramada show, everything under the sun you could want, some of the most interesting wares, several wholesale vendors, this show is a must visit. With over 170 vendors, this show has something for everybody and with the new ballroom style, it is not as claustrophobic as it might have been in the hotel rooms of the old Ramada.

Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show

Visit them at RockyGems Presents the Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show There are 1000 parking spaces and free admission.

Denver Coliseum

The place with the most diverse mixture of minerals, fossils, gems and beads is the Denver Coliseum shows, which include the arena area of the Coliseum, hosting a variety of dealers selling rocks from $1 to thousands, plenty of great deals on polished rocks, slabs, fossils, cabochons, jewelry, mineral specimens and more – upstairs you have dealers circling the hallways, a perfect place to visit for families and all ages. Lots of great displays to take pictures with, plus, for serious buyers, a giant tent area filled with dealers of bulk minerals and fossils, some HUGE in size!

Denver Coliseum Show

 Denver Coliseum Mineral, Fossil & Gem Show

Tons of free parking, plus the show is now spilling out the side into the National Western Complex, located right next to the Coliseum, with shows on all three levels. The “third” floor, which is actually the second floor from the street level of the complex, features the new Denver Mineral Show, featuring some great mineral dealers, a few select fossils and several dealers who dig what they sell. Find out more about this show on the Coliseum Show website This show runs from the 9th until the 17th, from 10am-6pm every day – you’ll notice the billboards featuring the show all over the city. Free admission and free parking for all the shows at this central location.

Denver Mineral Show

Arena level that features mostly mineral and fossil dealers. Vendors Set Up Outside in Tents at Denver Coliseum Mineral, Fossil & Gem Show

While the Ramada is now no longer a mineral show, the Quality Inn, across the street is still going strong. There are plenty of raw rock and jewelry dealers to be found here and plenty of metaphysical dealers. That show runs from the 9th til the 17th with free parking, hopefully more plentiful now that it does not compete with the Ramada visitors.

Denver Fine Mineral ShowFor serious mineral fans the Denver Fine Mineral Show at the Denver Marriott West, near Golden. The show starts on Sept 13th and is over on the 16th, overlaping slightly with the main show, a bit of a change from the previous years of having the show a week before the main show. This show features a who’s who of fine mineral dealers. You can find beautiful well crystallized minerals in a natural rainbow as well as the periodicals and magazine publishers covering these types of dealings. It is a real thrill to see all the minerals at this show and there is something to take home, no matter your budget (but, a big budget doesn’t hurt!) You can find out more on the website for the FineMineralShows The show is free, the parking is free, not a great place for browsing families, more like a selection of museum items you could buy.

 Denver Gem & Mineral Show

It all ends up with the “Main Show”, the Original Denver Mineral Show at the Merchandise Mart. This show features amazing display cases, educational displays, kids activities and an amazing array of mineral and gem dealers, all of them showcasing wares they have been saving for this great event. Free public talks are given all day and you’ll be lost in a sea of rocks and minerals you’ll want to take home. This show is paid admission, $7 for adults, $15 for a 3 day pass. Parking is free.

Mr. Bones at the Denver Club Show Amazonite and Smokey Quartz Display at the Denver Club Show

What do you want?

Tim Dorris from the Prospectors TV Show in his family’s room at the Colorado Minerals & Fossil Show

Meet dealers you buy minerals from online? – Denver Coliseum, Denver Mineral Show at the National Western Complex, Crown Plaza, Denver Fine Mineral Show and the Main Club Show

Find Rough Minerals? – Denver Coliseum, Quality Inn, Crown Plaza, Main Club Show

Find Jewelry? – Denver Coliseum, Quality Inn, Crown Plaza, the JG&M show Main Club Show.

Find Fossils? – Denver Coliseum, Crown Plaza, Main Club Show

Find Mineral Specimens? – Denver Coliseum, Denver Mineral Show @ National Western Complex, Crown Plaza, Denver Fine Mineral Show, Main Club Show

Kids Activities At the Denver Gem & Mineral Show (Club Show)

Kids Activities At the Denver Gem & Mineral Show (Club Show)

Find Wholesale Deals? – Denver Coliseum, Crown Plaza, Wholesale Show at Collector’s Edge

Kid’s Activities and Exhibits? – Denver Coliseum, Main Club Show

Free Parking? All of the shows

So, visit Denver and be immersed in a world of minerals and rocks from around the world. You’ll be able to meet fascinating people and buy things from them! You’ll find books, knowledge, special specimens, people who mine what they sell, jewelry making equipment and at least one person selling EXACTLY what you are looking for!

The Collection of Southern Califonia Collector – Kay Robertson, and how to own a piece of hers for your very own

As someone who has always enjoyed talking with Kay Robertson during the annual Culver City Mineral Shows, and at the now revenued Santa Ana show, it is wonderful to know that two great dealers, The Arkenstone and MineralMan999 will be handling the amazing collection – Check out this alert to this chance to own a specimen from this very special woman.

PRESS RELEASE –

We are very proud and HONORED to announce our largest Collection Acquisition to date, and maybe ever!
We have just reached a deal to share with you the personal collection of Kay Robertson – a literal “treasure trove” of specimens, many of which were not seen by but a few other collectors for 50 years!

We just listed the first group of auctions here: http://bit.ly/mineralman

Kay Robertson built an amazingly diverse collection over nearly 90 years of collecting, from a time when so much was available on the mineral market that is simply gone now. The breadth and depth of her collection is hard to equal, almost impossible going forward. She had long planned to donate her collection, but has now decided to sell it and share her life’s passion with the world of collectors in a special deal structured to let us offer most of the pieces for sale at auction, so different from how the important collections are normally dispersed quietly and under the table by the big dealers. Her attitude is that, if it must sell, to share it with the largest number of collectors possible, and to archive online all the information she has collected on mineral specimens since the 1930s.

The collection has old classics, old localities, and a stunning variety of species – over 12,000 pieces! It was simply too big for any one dealer to handle. We struck a deal to handle several thousand specimens from the collection over the next 3-5 years, and have now made our first selection of 500 rare and valuable old specimens that we will be listing throughout the upcoming weeks and months! These old classics will be exclusively available only through our auctions on eBay and through fellow dealer Rob Lavinsky of The Arkenstone, with whom we partnered with on this collection! We each picked specimens from the first few cabinets of the collection, and then put the rest in storage for now so that more fresh pieces can come out in parcels over the next few years for our customers to enjoy!

Click here to see the first group of specimens up for auction: http://bit.ly/mineralman

The Messina Mine Ajoite is certainly a fine addition to any collection!


I HIGHLY recommend reading the Mineralogical Record feature about this amazing woman’s remarkable life and career in collecting here: http://www.mineralogicalrecord.com/pdfs/Kay%20Robertson%20Collection.pdf

You can read about the trip to pack the collection and the reasons for its sale, here: http://www.irocks.com/kay-robertson-a-treasure-in-the-mineral-collecting-world/

You can bid on this fine spinel on eBay with MineralMan999
http://bit.ly/mineralman

Pistachios and Minerals – How are they linked?

Minerals have long been used in farming. In the past, different abundances of minerals naturally occuring in nature would influence the local crops. Today, many of those conditions can be supplimented with the addition or subtraction of minerals and elements in the soil.

During the author’s years of growing and harvesting pistachios, the link between raw minerals and the final bagged nuts could be visualized.

Pistachio trees are either male or female. You can graft the two together and have one hermaphroditic tree, for the most part, they are separate and do different things.

The female tree has big broad leaves and branches that have lots of curves and style. The male tree has very thin leaves and sharp pointed branches that have sharp, straight, shoots. The female tree is the one that bears nuts, the male tree is responsible for the pollination. They are wind pollinated, so the timing has to be perfect every year during pollination.

The first mineral we mine and use is raw gypsum/selenite. Just a few miles away from our orchard, we have extensive deposits of raw gypsum, which we then water tumble in a giant 50 pound vibrating tumbler. The “waste” water is a large part of what we need for the grove. Fertilizer for the tree including pistachio wood ash, steer manure, a rich compost and tea, plus, crushed gypsum, all watered down with our waste water from the gypsum tumbling.

Mining Gypsum to use as a soil irrigation aid

Mining Gypsum to use as a soil irrigation aid


Pistachio wood trimmings are used for roasting and fertilizer, resulting in a beautiful cycle of nature and renewal.

Pistachio wood trimmings are used for roasting and fertilizer, resulting in a beautiful cycle of nature and renewal.

Gypsum has a wonderful effect on soil, creating a path way for water to seep deeper into the ground. This is especially useful for this climate as the soil around the trees needs to soak in the water rapidly to the trees, rather than evaporating away from the top of the soil.
The larger pieces of gypsum were sold as tumbled stones by us at mineral shows.

There are two important times in the pistachios tree’s lives every year. In the beginning of spring, which is around March, the branches start to bud.

Female Pistachio Tree Starting to Bud

Female Pistachio Tree Starting to Bud


Boron, from crushed Borax crystals, and Zinc, are applied to the buds on the female pistachio tree just as they start to bud.

Boron, from crushed Borax crystals, and Zinc, are applied to the buds on the female pistachio tree just as they start to bud.

During this time, pollination is right around the corner, but first, they need a treatment of minerals to help them through the year. A mixture of Borax and Zinc are prepared and sprayed onto the tree’s branches, in order to do two things. The Borax, which we would mine in Searles’ Lake every October, makes the hard shell form thinner, which allows the pistachio seed to break open the shell while on the tree. You want this to happen, as the shell does not open any further after harvest without additional mechanical processing.

This is a developing pistachio, before it grows the thick brown shell you are familiar with.  The Boron helps to keep the nut wall from being too thick, which results in more split nuts during harvest.

This is a developing pistachio, before it grows the thick brown shell you are familiar with. The Boron helps to keep the nut wall from being too thick, which results in more split nuts during harvest.

The Zinc allows the stems and seeds to hold fast onto the tree, which is very important because the winds in this part of the world can be devastating to an non zinc treated tree, dropping all the blooms and seeds onto the ground, resulting in a loss of pistachios.

These tiny pollinated buds are now hanging on tight, so they can develop into full fledged pistachio seeds.

These tiny pollinated buds are now hanging on tight, so they can develop into full fledged pistachio seeds.

At the end of October and beginning of November, the trees are harvested. Most orchards are harvested by a nut collecting tractor, some smaller orchards, like ours, are best harvested by hand. With a dozen people armed with trimming knives and buckets, a couple hundred trees can be done in a few days. We separate the nuts from the stems by rolling them around on a large tarp, where the stems start to float to the top of the pile, then, scoop up the pistachios, put them in an industrial peeler which removes the fleshy coating, then float the nuts in a vat of water. The empty nuts float to the top and the ones with nuts sink to the bottom. They are then air dried and roasted with pistachio wood to fuel our ash needs for the following year.

Natural Salt Crystals from Trona California

Natural Salt Crystals from Trona California

The end result?

Lightly salted, lightly roasted, pistachio seeds in shell - ready to be delivered to you!

Lightly salted, lightly roasted, pistachio seeds in shell

Now you know what minerals are used in production of the delicious salty snacks you enjoy, hopefully, on the way to a rockhounding adventure!

The Springfield Massachusetts Dazzling Mineral Displays!

Overhead shot of the 2007 East Coast Mineral Show in West Springfield, Mass

Every year the town of West Springfield plays host to the East Coast Gem and Mineral show by MZ Expos. Each year the show has the finest dealers from all over the united states and the world, bringing to you specimens of colorful minerals, amethysts and fluorites, gold crystals and books and literature about all sorts of mineral topics! Knowledgeable people, free lectures and every year, a featured exhibit with a very special twist.

Overhead shot of the 2007 East Coast Mineral Show in West Springfield, Mass

Overhead shot of the 2007 East Coast Mineral Show in West Springfield, Mass

For many years the East Coast show followed the usual club show format, with a variety of collectors and dealers being invited to display each year. Under those conditions, the quality of displays can be unpredictable and sometimes disappointing. The first year with a special theme was 1998, when Illinois minerals were displayed by Roy Smith, Ross Lillie, and Tom Weisner.

Fredrick Wilda East Coast Mineral Display Case of Rhodochrosite

Fredrick Wilda East Coast Mineral Display Case of Rhodochrosite from 2012

The single (or limited) exhibitor theme was viewed as a way to be different from most other shows. It has given visitors a chance to view many private collections that are seldom on display to any extent. Private collectors and museums have enthusiastically participated since the start. The exhibitors seem to enjoy the challenge of displaying, and the chance to share their collections. For the EC staff, it is much easier to coordinate with just one or a few individuals. The “special exhibitor” program has been a win-win situation all around.

EAST COAST GEM AND
MINERAL SHOW EXHIBITORS

  • 1998 – Illinois – Smith, Lillie, Weisner
  • 1999 – Martin Zinn Collection
  • 2000 – David Bunk Collection
  • 2001 – Arizona – Presmyk & Jones
  • 2002 – Jim & Dawn Minette Collection
  • 2003 – Rock Currier Collection
  • 2004 – Dan & Dianne Kile Collection
  • 2005 – Harvard Mineral Museum
  • 2006 – Michigan Tech/Seaman Museum
  • 2007 – Sterling Hill Mining Museum
  • 2008 – Herb & Monika Obodda Collection
  • 2009 – Gail & Jim Spann Collection
  • 2010 – Bill Larson, Pala International
  • 2011 – Scott Rudolph Collection
  • 2012 – Frederick Wilda, Mineral Art
  • 2013 – Carolyn Manchester Collection
  • 2014 – California Collectors & Collections
  • 2015 – Martin Zinn New Mineral Collection
  • 2016 – Peter Megaw Collection
  • Glossy Smithsonite Specimens from the Gail and Jim Spann Collection, on display in 2009

    Glossy Smithsonite Specimens from the Gail and Jim Spann Collection, on display in 2009

    This year features free public lectures by Bob Jones, Peter Megaw and Kevin Downey on a variety of subjects – Admission is $8, you can save $2.00 with this coupon link. The event is at the Better Living Center and runs August 12, 13 and 14. There are nearly 100 dealers to buy from and the Mexican Mineral Collection on display, by Peter Megaw is an amazing chance to see a private collection that will show you beautiful top quality minerals from all around Mexico. The colors, shapes and forms of these classic minerals will astound you! Find out everything you need to know on the MZ Expos website, MZExpos.com

    Herb Obboda traveled in the Afghanistan and Pakistan mountains in search for the very finest crystallized minerals found in those rich deposits.

    Herb Obodda traveled in the Afghanistan and Pakistan mountains in search for the very finest crystallized minerals found in those rich deposits.

    2011 had the Scott Rudolph collection, featuring this AMAZING Rhodochrosite from Colorado

    2011 had the Scott Rudolph collection, featuring this AMAZING Rhodochrosite from Colorado

    2008 Herb and Monika Obodda Collection

    2008 Herb and Monika Obodda Collection

    Amethyst Clusters from Mexico from the Artist Frederick Wilda, 2012

    Amethyst Clusters from Mexico from the Artist Frederick Wilda, 2012

    2009 Display Case from the Gail and Jim Spann Collection

    2009 Display Case from the Gail and Jim Spann Collection

    Bill Larson's collection is rich with history and american classics, like these pegmatite minerals

    Bill Larson’s collection is rich with history and american classics, like these pegmatite minerals

    Beautiful Malachite Slices from the American Classics of Bill Larson/Pala display in 2011

    Beautiful Malachite Slices from the American Classics of Bill Larson/Pala display in 2011

    Scott Rudolph's collection from 2011 featuring this beautiful Diopside on Graphite.

    Scott Rudolph’s collection from 2011 featuring this beautiful Diopside on Graphite.


    Photos by Cindy Rzonca

    Best Practices Guide to Gem Show Display Case Design

    Mixed case of mineral specimens displayed on traditional fabric covered risers.

    As time goes by and your rock and mineral collection grows, you may start to ask yourself, “What can I do with all these rocks?” Of course you already display them at home and you are constantly showing them to your disinterested friends and family, but have you ever thought about showing your crystals to the public?

    Award Winning Competitive Display Case - Brandy Zzyzx

    TGMS 2012 – First Place Intermediate Thumbnail Display by Brandy Zzyzx

    Creating a Display for your local rock or gem show is a fun and creative way to share your love of crystals and minerals with others. Most rock clubs love to have their members and other collectors within the community exhibit their gem and mineral collections during their annual rock shows and tail gates.

    Brandy Zzyzyx - multiple award winning female mineral collector

    TGMS 2013 – First Place Advanced Thumbnail Case, Best Advanced Case by Brandy Zzyzx

    In my decade plus of working within the rock and gem show world, I have seen, and created a great many rock and mineral display cases… some even winning awards at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show™. From this experience I present you with Brandy Zzyzx’s Best Practices Guide to Gem Show Display Case Design.

    Display Case Featuring Artwork - Brandy Naugle

    TGMS 2010 – Display Case Featuring Mineral Artwork of the Author, Brandy (Naugle) Zzyzx

    Step 1. Contact Gem Show Display Coordinator for permission to participate

    The first step is contact the Display Coordinator for the Gem Show in which you wish to display. For larger mineral and rock Trade shows, this information is often easily found the show’s website, but for smaller, local shows many times this information is not listed on the show’s (or club that is hosting the show’s) website, or they do not even have a website. If there is no Display Coordinator, try to contact the Show Promoter or Show Chair. Or speak to any member of the hosting club that you may know, and they should be able point you in the right direction.

    Before being able to exhibit your rocks, you will be asked to fill out 1 or more forms and/or releases. Each club as their own specific rules about cases, liners, and appropriateness for general (non-competitve) displays. More advanced collector’s may wish to compete for display awards that may be given out by the club. These types of displays have additional rules, specifications, and forms. If the club is a member of American Federation Mineral Societies, these competitive display rules and regulations are determined by the federation; making them consistent across all rock and gem shows in the US.

    After you have secured a case for the duration of the gem show, and have been given the display case dimensions and the date of the show, it is time to plan exactly what you want to display and how to go about it. Sure you probably already have an idea of what you want to do, but now is the time to finalize those plans.

    Step 2. Pick a Theme or Statement of Purpose for your display case

    Anyone can throw some rocks in a case, but that doesn’t make it worth looking at. Don’t kid yourself; if you phone it in, everyone who sees it will be able to tell that you didn’t even try. So before you pick out any rocks, ask yourself why you want to put together a display case and your purpose for sharing your collection. The answer to this question will make putting your case together so much easier and aid you in creating a visually appealing display.

    Mixed case of mineral specimens displayed on traditional fabric covered risers.

    Mixed case of mineral specimens of various sizes displayed on traditional fabric covered risers.

    What is my purpose for displaying my rocks & minerals?

    Answer 1.To showcase my collection of rocks & minerals

    What one thinks of as traditional rock and gem show display cases. Usually they are a sampling of collector’s personal rocks and crystals, however they can also be compiled by a group of people or a case presented by museum or school. In some instances the display case may be on a theme, such as minerals all the same size, all specimens from the same locality, or all the same type of mineral. Traditional display cases usually have very little, if any signage except for specimen labels, because the rocks, crystals, or gems are the main focus of the display.

    Display case showing mixed size mineral specimens from a single locality.

    Display case showing mixed size mineral specimens from a single locality.

    Fun Case displaying mineral specimens that look like scoops of ice cream.

    Fun Case displaying mineral specimens that look like scoops of ice cream.

    Answer 2.To teach the people about rocks & minerals

    Display cases that are educational in nature are usually submitted for display from schools and museums; however it is not uncommon for companies and advanced mineral collectors to also create informative displays for larger, international gem and trade shows. Sometimes the displays are scientific and technical in nature, often times showcasing more specialized or vocational rock and mineral information.

    The backdrop signage of this case is a stylized timeline and takes the place of a back case liner.

    The backdrop signage of this case is a stylized timeline and takes the place of a back case liner.

    Another popular example is detailed timeline of the operations of particular locations or discovery history of a specific mineral type. These types of displays usually have many signs, graphs, charts, photos, and labels; sometimes even paragraphs of text to read. Illustrating and educating the viewer about the rocks or minerals is the primary focus of the display; specimens are used to convey the information

    Eye catching display pair s real mineral specimens with printed stand-up pictorial signs representing elements from the periodic table

    Eye catching display pairs real mineral specimens with printed stand-up pictorial signs representing elements from the periodic table

    Large colorful signs are used to convey information in an easy to see format.

    Large colorful signs are used to convey information in an easy to see format.

    Answer 3.To share my experiences with rocks & minerals

    Display cases that may be related to rocks and minerals, but are actually more about telling a story or relaying a feeling or memory. These types of displays are often very different from the displays around them; they showcase the achievements or thoughts of the humans involved as the main focus.

    Sharing your hobby or craft in a gem show display case is a great way to get both exposure and feedback on your creations.

    Sharing your hobby or craft in a gem show display case is a great way to get both exposure and feedback on your creations.

    Educational display showing historical crystal models and drawings.

    Traditional style gem show display showing historical crystal models and drawings.

    The rocks and minerals provide a social construct for the sharing of mutual interests and experiences. Immediately recognizable, most commonly seen examples are displays of someone’s art, craft, or other creative endeavors, and what I call meta-displays. This is a display inside a display.

    Meta-Display, or "display within in a display" is a way to commemorate a past achievement or memory.

    Creating a Meta-Display, or “display within in a display” is a clever way to commemorate a past achievement or memory.

    For instance, the specimens and awards from a winning display case 25+ years ago recreated now.  Memorial cases of photos and specimens of a departed collector or of a closed location are other ways to immortalize stories and experiences from our community’s collective past. These may be the hardest type of display to execute due to their personal nature. Although sometimes seen as cheesy, these cases are quite important; often times the stories and history of our collective past is otherwise forgotten if not shared.

    A memorial display is a meaningful way to reintroduce that younger generation of collectors to communities members that have passed away.

    A memorial display is a meaningful way to reintroduce that younger generation of collectors to communities members that have passed away.

    A great display may contain elements from multiple categories, but as a personal guide, I like to narrow down my themes. This will not only make it easier for you to decide what specimens to include, but will help the viewer be able to understand and appreciate your case quickly in a noisy/busy gem show environment.

    The exhibitor of this case used both mineral specimens and items to reinforce their chosen theme.

    The exhibitor of this case used both mineral specimens and items to reinforce their chosen theme.

    Example: If your case is a display of mixed minerals from your personal collection, maybe choose specimens that are all the same size. Or conversely, if displaying all the same mineral from one location; showcase the different sizes, shapes, and color variations that can be found.

    Minerals from the state of California showcased together.

    Minerals from the state of California showcased together.

    Choosing a theme or purpose for your display case creates a guideline to work within as you gather specimens and other elements. As you assemble your display, choose only items that will help further your purpose and stay within your desired theme.

    Step 3. Plan and execute the actual design and presentation of your display case

    Use of Size & Balance: A display case is essentially a box that you are filling. The very best, and most visually appealing displays are ones that utilize all 3 dimensions; length, width, and height. In order to take full advantage of the entire volume of a display case; risers, pedestals, and other display accessories are used to not only provide height, but to assist in the viewing of all specimens equally; this is especially necessary if the specimens are small or if there are many of them.

    Combinations of risers in various sizes and shapes ensure that all specimens can be viewed equally well.

    Combinations of risers in various sizes and shapes ensure that all specimens can be viewed equally well.

    For mixed size mineral cases, place larger specimens in the back or on the sides of the display and alternate the spacing between rows to ensure optimal viewing of each specimen.

    Well thought out placement within a display case protects a sense of balance.

    Well thought out placement of elements within a display case projects a sense of balance.

    In certain displays signs and photos can be used to add height to an otherwise empty display; either on easels or by attaching them to the back of the case insert.

    Signage can provide information to the viewer and ad additional height and interest to the overall case design.

    Signage can provide information to the viewer and ad additional height and interest to the overall case design.

    Use of Color & Contrast: While many rock shows will provide you with pre-covered fabric liners for the inside of your display case, most people prefer to provide their own. This gives the exhibitor the ability to choose a color that will showcase their rocks or minerals in their very best light. For instance, if you are displaying a case of white or clear specimens you would probably want to choose a dark colored background material, as to provide visual contrast for the viewer. In some cases, you might want to use a monochromatic color scheme, like using a pink background for a case of hot pink rhodochrosite specimens.

    Red velvet drapery in the back of this display case create a dramatic effect.

    Red velvet drapery in the back of this display case creates a dramatic effect.

    When considering color, also remember that risers and stands are made of materials that also have distinct colors. Styrofoam is mostly white, display stands usually are clear or black plastic, and labels and signs are usually predominately white. All these elements will change how your specimens and your overall display is perceived by viewers.

    Glass pillars have been used in this display so ass not to detract from the minerals on display.

    Glass pillars have been used in this display so as not to detract from the minerals on display.

    Generally, neutral or natural colors are preferred for backgrounds, stands, and other non-specimen display items. Creative but tasteful use of color can enhance your display in some instances, but remember, “less is more.”

    The color pink is being use in this display in order to draw awareness a cause important to the exhibitor.

    A monochromatic pink color scheme is being used as a means to draw attention to breast cancer awareness. Pairing pink specimens with black risers and clear bases creates a bold contrast that draws the veiwer’s attention.

    Use of Tools & Materials: Even though just about anything can be used in the creating of a mineral display case, there are some materials and methods that are tried and true. Back and side case inserts are usually cardboard, foam core, or wood cut to size and covered in fabric that is secured in place by duct or masking tape. The best fabric to use is something not too stretchy or loose knit, and that is forgiving to marks and stains. Cotton, Blends, Suede, Canvas, Muslin, and Flannel are all materials I have seen used successfully. When covering your own case inserts, iron your fabric beforehand to remove creases before securing it to the background board.

    fig26Stands and risers can be purchased pre-fabricated or DIY concepts of your own design. Materials used for risers are wood, plastic, Styrofoam, Foam core, or cardboard. Pre-fabricated risers and pedestals are often clear, white or black, but DIY risers made of foam or wood could be easily painted or covered with fabric to enhance the display or to create a custom effect. Those with special tools, skills, or talents could employ any number plastic, metal, polymer, or 3d printed bases, risers or stands to give their display a unique style or feeling.

    Creative materials and mounting ideas can make your display stand out from the rows of other cases.

    Creative materials and mounting ideas can make your display stand out from the rows of other cases.

    Small minerals and crystals are mounted on stands. These stands usually are foam or Lucite, with the specimen mounted with mineral tack, white glue, or hot glue. Before displaying, take into consideration what type of lighting will be used in the display case. Many smaller clubs still use hot burning display lights, so a specimen mounted to a stand with mineral tack my fall over under the heat of a display lamp. This is also true for signs and photos attached to backgrounds. For this situation, I would recommend high melting temperature hot glue to mount the specimens and a very sticky tape or possibly tacks for the pictures and signs (depending what the background material is.)

    Making sure the viewer can see all specimens is especially important when displaying many similar sized specimens within a large display case.

    Making sure the viewer can see all specimens equally is especially important when displaying many similar sized specimens within a large display case.

     

    A combination of wide risers and framed documents is used to fill up the entire volume of this display case.

    A combination of wide risers and framed documents is used to fill up the entire volume of this display case.

    The inclusion of other types of ephemera as an accompaniment to the rocks and minerals is a way to help create interest, add height or to carry a theme. This could be documents, antiques, labels, models, optical equipment, plaques, souvenirs, etc.

    Tasteful and well thought out choice of non-mineral items can be used to reinforce your display theme or idea.

    Tasteful and well thought out choice of non-mineral items can be used to reinforce your display theme or idea.

    Step 4. Make sure your rocks and minerals are display ready

    Orientation, Cleaning, Mounting, and Labeling a mineral or rock effectively can be confusing for many novice exhibitors. The correct way can be largely subjective and often times shape or size can create challenges for even a seasoned collector.

    Orientation – Always display full, terminated crystals facing the viewer. Broken crystals should face toward the back or bottom when all possible. If you are unsure what your crystal should look like, look up photos.

    Cleaning – Clean any dust or dirt from your minerals and rocks prior to displaying them. Depending on the nature of the dirt/mineral cleaning could be a spray of compressed air, a soft paint brush, soap, and water, or scrub with a toothbrush.

    Mounting – Mount small specimens on stands or bases securely using an appropriate adhesive. Test under shaking and heat to ensure effectiveness of the mount.

    Labeling – Look up the localities of all minerals online (I recommend Mindat.org) or in reference books to ensure that you have the correct information and spelling. Use a clean, simple, font that is easy to read, and consistent throughout your display. Cut your labels out carefully and neatly with either a paper trimmer or scissors. If colored paper or text is used, make sure that the information is easy to read, that the contrast isn’t too drastic, and that it doesn’t detract from the overall display.

    Display of cut and rough stones requires precise placement of the cut gemstones in relation to their corresponding natural crystal counterparts.

    Display of cut and rough stones requires precise placement of the cut gemstones in relation to their corresponding natural crystal counterparts.

    Step 5. Practice, Prepare, Pack, Present

    Pay attention to the details, this is what will make or break the successful execution of your display.

    • Double check the spelling and grammar on all labels and signs.
    • Make sure dirt, dust, stains, or hair is removed from all fabric.
    • Check all mountings for stability and adhesion.
    • Do a practice set-up of your display case and see if all your minerals are clearly visible.
    • Once you have decided on a final layout, take a photo of your practice display to use as a reference for real display day.
    • Pack everything up backward as to how you will unpack it; pack items in the back row first, ending with the first row last.

    Pack your minerals securely for transportation to the show location. Place backing boards, fabric covered inserts, risers, and other items inside bags or boxes to protect them from damage or dirt during transport. Transport signs and labels in a folder or envelope to prevent wrinkling, creasing, or other damage.

    Usually display cases are set up the day before a gem show opens. You will be given instructions as to the date, time, and procedure beforehand; save these on your phone or print them out and bring them with you. Be prompt, wear your name tag if asked, follow any parking instructions, and try to finish setting up your display case in a timely fashion.

    This exhibitor decided to forgo a back insert altogether and attach the signage directly to the wood of the case. Sometimes you are forced to make on site alterations to your idea, so your supplies.

    This exhibitor decided to forgo a back insert altogether and attach the signage directly to the wood of the case. Sometimes you are forced to make onsite alterations to your idea, so bring your supplies.

    Bring all tools and accessories you may need to set up your display case; you cannot be sure what will be available to you. Here is an example list of items to bring along on set-up day.

    • Hot glue and glue gun
    • Mineral tack
    • Scissors
    • Hobby knife
    • Masking Tape
    • Duct Tape
    • Iron
    • Lint roller
    • Thumbtacks
    • Glass Cleaner
    • Paper Towels
    • Ruler
    • Spare Stands and bases
    • Tweezers or forceps
    • Extension Cord
    Playful use of Lego characters is a perfect compliment for the theme of this display case.

    Playful use of Lego characters is a perfect compliment for the theme of this display case.

    Most importantly, have fun and create a display that makes you happy. By deciding to participate in the sharing of your rocks and minerals with other members of the rockhound community, you are helping to keep our rock and gem shows interesting and diverse. All the pointers and examples in this guide are presented to help you through the process of creating your own, unique display cases with less trial and error. For more information on display cases, visit your local gem, mineral, rock or lapidary club.

    Minerals and collector's items featuring and related to minerals can be displayed together to create visual interest.

    Minerals and collector’s items featuring and related to minerals can be displayed together to create visual interest.

    Petrified Wood Near Colorado Springs – Pairing Old Information with New technology!

    Cover of Gems and Minerals, August 1967 with a stone horse on the cover.

    Rockhounding is a hobby that anyone can pick up, with very little in the way of costs besides time and transportation. Colorado is a wonderland of mountains, forests and rocks. Petrified wood is always fun to find and in many places around Colorado, abundant. Let’s show you a fun way to research locations from old data sources.

    Cover of Gems and Minerals, August 1967 with a stone horse on the cover.

    Available on eBay, Amazon, and at mineral shows across the nation, old magazines are full of rockhounding information!


    By old data sources, we mean, old magazines, books and pamphlets about collecting minerals. Rockhounding was very popular in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, which lead to the production of all sorts of printed material for rockhounds and lapidary enthusiasts. Today, even if rockhounding was nearly as popular as before, the internet is the land of independent media, yet, the information from those sources is so niche, it takes people specialized in transferring that information over to bring it to light, instead of waiting around for others to research and publish, you can take charge and research many things from your computer, using information from sources like this one, The August 1967 edition of “Gems and Minerals”.
    article in 1967 Gems and Minerals about collecting Petrified wood in Colorado

    Click to see at full size


    The article, entitled “Petrified Wood in Eastern Colorado” by Eugene M. Beason, describes a large wash where petrified wood is plentiful. Due to the nature of these alluvial rock deposits, every year new material is churned up by erosion by wind and rain, so if there was ample material in 1967, there would be ample material in 2016. Property ownership is always evolving and changing and must be verified by any possible explorer.

    Map from 1967 Petrified Wood in Colorado Article in Gems and Minerals

    Original Map to the Petrified Wood Collecting area in the 1967 Gems and Minerals article.

    Many things have changed since this article was printed, nearly 50 years later. Instead of the turn being the “Skelly Station”, we can see the map is pointing to “Peyton Highway”, which runs north to go over a mountain pass and turns hard left (west) on “County Road 74/82”, which parallels the wash that is talked about in the article. I do not think there is any need to stop at the farmhouse listed in the article to ask for permission, as the ranch land gave way many years ago to the need for housing, as the populations in nearby Denver and Colorado Springs swelled, so did the growth out into the nearby countryside. 50 years ago there were just cows and a couple windmills, now there are hundreds of houses dotting the landscape. The issue is that the property in Colorado has two things going against it – Waterways can be included in property lines and property does not have to be POSTED to give first refusal to entry, as in most states in America.

    map showing petrified wood collecting area north of Peyton Colorado

    This map shows the area as shown in the illustrated map above.

    As we searched google for information on this location, the terms “Peyton Petrified Wood” were coming up nearly blank. We did find an entry for it on Mindat.org, but it did not show anything directly from this location. Additionally, PeaktoPeak, a well known website for Colorado collecting, has a bit about petrified wood from that general area. Digging through field guides to Colorado, we could not find this location listed, could it have been one of the locations that simply slipped through an information hole, getting a two page article and then just…relegated to maybe popping up in a mention in a local club newsletter. It IS possible to contact the property owner, Tim Richardson, at timothy.k.richardson@gmail.com for guided tours of the petrified wood deposits.

    map showing the distance between denver and colorado springs and petyon colorado

    as you can see, Peyton is not a far drive from Denver or Colorado Springs

    Researching where rocks are found is necessary and interesting – don’t neglect to inspect old magazines and field guides from 40, 50, 60 years ago. You never know when a good location has simply fallen through the cracks and is waiting for you to find it and come explore! You’ll find that property ownership has changed over the years, however, don’t neglect to contact current property owners about that old information – many people are excited to find colorful rocks and minerals and are surprised they are underfoot.

    photo from gems and minerals article "Petrified Wood in Eastern Colorado"

    “Looking down the wash where the good petrified wood is found. Floowaters that uprooted the tree in the foreground also uncovered new gem material.” – Photo by Eugene M. Beason.

    quote talking about how when it rained in 1967, the wash turned over new material.

    So, when ever the rain is hard in colorado, new material is unearthed!

    The Top Ten Mineral Localities on Earth (or, so we feel)

    Top Ten Mineral Localities

    The Top Ten Mineral Localities on Earth

    Philip M. Persson
    3139 Larimer St., Denver, CO, 80205
    perssonrareminerals.com
    Graduate Student, Dept. of Geology & Geological Engineering
    Colorado School of Mines

    Top Ten Mineral Localities

    I have often had collectors ask me what localities I consider to be ‘important’ or ‘world-class’ as far as diversity, quality and quantity of minerals, and I’ve also spent much time pondering this question myself. In the end, the answer is highly subjective, depending on the person’s interests and experience in mineralogy and what drives them as collectors. There are ‘mineralogical rainforests’ such as Mont Saint Hilaire, Canada or Russia’s Kola Peninsula which, while not well-known for large aesthetic crystallized specimens, host an incredible diversity of mineral species- a seemingly infinite combination of a finite set of elements which attests to the unique geologic conditions under which they form. Then there are locales that have produced iconic and beautiful examples of one or perhaps a few minerals, but are otherwise fairly ‘simple.’ Colorado’s Sweet Home Mine or the Elmwood Mine in Tennessee likely fall into this category. In my opinion, the best localities are those that successfully bridge the gap between these extremes; those that have produced beautiful, highly collectible crystals but also have a deep appeal to the academic mineralogist or serious systematic collector. The following is a brief, somewhat arbitrary list of what I consider to be 10 of the top such locales, and I hope you enjoy my musings on each mineralogical treasure chest. –Phil Persson, Denver, Colorado December 2015

    1.) Franklin & Sterling Hill, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA

    Willemite & Franklinite crystals, Franklin Mine, 15 cm across (photo © kristalle.com, Tucson Show 2008)

    Willemite & Franklinite crystals, Franklin Mine, 15 cm across (photo © kristalle.com, Tucson Show 2008)

    Franklin. The name instantly kindles an affectionate smile or nod from seasoned rare species or fluorescent mineral collectors, and perhaps a begrudging acknowledgment from collectors of aesthetic minerals like gem crystals. No matter your interests, however, the unique appeal of Franklin (and it’s slightly smaller sister deposit, Sterling Hill) cannot be denied. These two mines, both now closed, are situated in the rather bucolic Northwest corner of the much-maligned state of New Jersey, approximately 45 airline miles from New York City. The unique and varied mineralogy of Franklin & Sterling Hill (over 350 mineral species now known, a number exceeded only by Mont Saint Hilaire and a German mine whose mineral endowment can be equally attributed to the forces of nature and the persistence of German micromounters) can be attributed to the unusual forces that led to their creation.

    Passaic Open Pit with Sterling Hill Orebody under shortwave UV light at night (photo © Sterling Hill Mining Museum)

    Passaic Open Pit with Sterling Hill Orebody under shortwave UV light at night (photo © Sterling Hill Mining Museum)

    Originally thought to be seafloor volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits (previously termed ‘exhalites’), which formed near ‘black smoker’ type hydrothermal vents in a rifting environment in the late Proterozoic period, the Franklin & Sterling Hill orebodies were later subjected to fairly high-grade regional metamorphism (upper amphibolite facies) which turned the surrounding carbonate rocks into crystalline marbles, and transformed the fairly benign sulfide mineralogy of the proto-deposits into the exotic mixture it is today; defined principally by the Zn-Fe-Mn oxide Franklinite, the Zn-silicate Willemite, and the Zn-oxide Zincite. None of these minerals can be considered ‘common’ on a global scale, and two are essentially unknown outside the district. Metamorphism also introduced a suite of igneous intrusives of varying composition, from basaltic ‘camptonite’ dikes to felsic pegmatites with their own metasomatic reactions and accompanying fluids, which altered and further complicated the already diverse mineral assemblages present.

    I will not delve too deeply into the history of the Franklin-Sterling Hill District, which could (and does) occupy an extensive treatise unto itself- suffice it to say that the orebodies, which originally outcropped in a fairly spectacular fashion, have been known since at least the late 17th century and probably earlier, but metallurgical issues arising from the complexity of the ores as well as disorganization of various mining entities prevented large-scale mining until the later part of the 19th century. From ~1880 to WWII was the ‘heyday’ of Franklin & Sterling Hill, with extensive scientific investigation of both deposits by many of the leading mineralogists of the day, such as Charles Palache & Clifford Frondel. Numerous new minerals to science were described, and the genesis of the deposits was fiercely debated. The combined output of the two mines, in total some ~40,000,000 tons of ore averaging >20% Zn (grades generally unheard of today) and substantial Fe & Mn propelled the owner, the New Jersey Zinc Company, into the upper leagues of the mining industry and allowed them to expand all over the U.S and the world (Dunn 1995). When the Sterling Mine finally brought its last ore bucket to the surface in early 1986, the district had a several hundred year history of mineral collecting and mineralogical science, as well as a robust ‘local scene’ with fierce competition for choice specimens and a club which fostered the community through mineral shows and other events.

    It would take another monograph (this exists as well, authored by former-Smithsonian mineral guru Dr. Pete Dunn, and is a must-have for the serious Franklinophile) to describe the minerals of Franklin & Sterling Hill in detail, so I will just say a few words about some of the more notable species. At the top of the list of course are the ore minerals: franklinite, willemite, and zincite. With the exception of willemite (and this is debated amongst some), Franklin & Sterling Hill have produced by far the world’s premier crystallized examples of these species; in atypically-attractive euhedral crystals, up to 20 cm. on edge for Franklinite, and similarly large (or larger) for willemite. Willemite is a ‘chameleon’ at Franklin-Sterling Hill and occurs in nearly all imaginable colors and textures. Early 20th-century New Jersey Zinc Company chemist Lawson Bauer had a box of over 50 specimens (now in Harvard University’s collection) he would often have visitors try and identify. The trick is they were all willemite! Willemite even occurs rarely as flawless, gemmy prisms in attractive shades of green and yellow to blue to 4 or 5 cm. in size, which any real Franklin collector would murder their grandmother for. Zincite also occurs as sharp blood-red pyramids up to 5 cm, though 99% of it is massive.

    Next in importance and distribution in collections are probably the Mn-bearing and so-called ‘skarn minerals’, Rhodonite being the most important. Broken Hill, Australia or Brazil have perhaps produced gemmier and more lustrous Rhodonites, but as far as sheer abundance, diversity and mineral associations, nowhere can beat Franklin. Attractive pink to red rectangular prisms to 20+ cm. embedded in white calcite matrix associated with willemite and franklinite crystals comprise the Franklin ‘uber-classic.’ The best ones have been painstakingly excavated from their enclosing calcite using small dental picks and hammers. Bustamite also occurs in excellent crystallized examples, as well as a host of much rarer Mn-bearing species such as Johannsenite, Hodgkinsonite, and Leucophoenicite (all having their type-locale at the Franklin mine). Species such as these illustrate that truly ‘world class’ localities exhibit the geochemical attribute of having a mineral representing essentially every thermodynamically-stable combination of a ‘signature’ set of elements. In the case of Franklin & Sterling Hill, these elements include Zn, Mn, Fe, Si, As, O, Ca, B, Pb, Ba, and a handful of others. None of these is particularly rare in the earth’s crust, but when combined in enough ways, new minerals to science which are globally-scarce are bound to result.

    No discussion of Franklin would be complete without mentioning the fluorescent minerals. Mineral fluorescence, a spectacular property some minerals exhibit when certain outer shell (or ‘valence’) electrons are energized and emit vibrantly-colored visible light colors when excited by ultraviolet light sources, perhaps reaches its global zenith at Franklin. Over 80 minerals found at Franklin & Sterling Hill fluoresce under UV light, and many in bright and attractive combinations of color known the mineral world over. The cause for such a diversity of fluorescent minerals has been much debated, but probably involves the metamorphic and geochemically-complex nature of the deposits, as well as the abundance of certain elements such as Mn & Pb thought to act especially well as ‘activators’, or elements receptive to U.V light-induced excitation of key electrons. One of the major ore minerals at Franklin & Sterling Hill, willemite, fluoresces bright green under shortwave U.V light, and the major gangue mineral for both deposits, calcite, fluoresces bright red due to trace manganese, and together these minerals form a vivid fluorescent combination known locally as ‘red and green.’ This material has made its way into mineral collections around the globe, as have examples of minerals like hardystonite, esperite, margarosanite, clinohedrite, hydrozincite, sphalerite, roeblingite, and more. Some of these minerals, like roeblingite, margarosanite, and manganaxinite, are rare and restricted in their occurrence even at Franklin, and are highly-coveted by collectors even in modest examples. Others such as willemite, calcite and hydrozincite can still be easily collected today and are sure to delight any first-time visitor to the area.

    Finally, the huge diversity of ‘rare’ species must be acknowledged. I put rare in quotation marks because it is a relative term at these enigmatic deposits, but some minerals are ‘truly rare’ and are unknown outside Franklin/Sterling Hill, or have global amounts totally a few grams of micro-crystals. It would be futile to describe these in detail here, but suffice it to say that they have names like Gerstmannite, Walkilldellite, Hauckite, Ogdensburgite, Kraisslite, Cahnite, Charlesite, and Samfowlerite which pay homage to their shared type locality and the scientists and collectors whose passion for the district led to their discovery. While the mines of Sterling Hill & Franklin have been closed since 1986 and 1954 respectively, their legacy is proudly carried on by two superb museums and a small army of local collectors and aficionados who almost without thinking refer to all rocks not from the area as ‘foreign.’

    2.) Mont Saint Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

    Serandites to 15 cm in the Royal Ontario Museum (photo © Dave K. Joyce

    Serandites to 15 cm in the Royal Ontario Museum (photo © Dave K. Joyce)

    First Franklin, now Mont Saint Hilaire!? Surely, the collectors of aesthetic and dare I say, “normal” minerals are now really rolling their eyes and assuming I must have some hidden ugly mineral agenda. But wait! Have you not seen the lustrous, bright orange 20 cm. Serandite crystals studded with lustrous white analcime golf balls? Or the lemon-yellow tablets of bright Catapleiite with swords of lustrous red maganeptunite shooting out of them? Or the brilliant-blue cubes of carletonite? Or perhaps the gemmy red crystals of Rhodochrosite on a bed of shiny natrolite prisms? Not everything at the ‘super classic’ pair of quarries nestled in an enigmatic hillside in the Quebec countryside requires a microscope to see. But, for those with an eye for the rare and unusual, Mont Saint Hilaire truly opens up another universe, with 400+ known mineral species and more awaiting proper documentation.

    aerial photo of Poudrette Quarry ( photo © McGill University)

    aerial photo of Poudrette Quarry ( photo © McGill University)

    Mont Saint Hilaire (MSH) is a globally-significant example of a multi-phase alkalic intrusion, an unusual type of igneous rock typically associated with either extensional tectonism (rifting) or hot spot activity, both of which have the capability to bring deep-seated, ‘primitive’ mantle magmas enriched in rare elements to the surface. In the case of Mont Saint Hilaire, the unusual alkali intrusive complex formed approximately 120 years ago when the New England hot spot, a relatively fixed, long lived mantle-plume like conduit for deep magmas ascending to the surface, erupted a series of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks as the North American plate slid westward over it (Currie et al. 1986). In the vicinity of Mont Saint Hilaire, these complexes are known as the Monteregian Hills, and include other famous mineral localities such as the Francon Quarry on Montreal Island and the Oka Carbonatite complex just to the north. At Mont Saint Hilaire, the igneous intrusion consisted of a highly diverse suite of rocks ranging from gabbro at the mafic end to nepheline syenite at the felsic, critically silica-undersaturated end. The surrounding ‘country rocks’, mainly Paleozoic carbonate rocks, were also thermally ‘cooked’ by the intruding magma, and produced a contact-metamorphic rock type known as hornfels (Currie et al. 1986). The most interesting rock type produced during this intrusion are the pegmatites, which are often highly alkaline (e.g; enriched in elements such as Na & K) and contain a huge diversity of minerals (one pegmatite contained over 100 minerals!) due to the ability of such late-stage melts and associated hydrothermal fluids to transport large amounts of typically incompatible elements, such as Ti, Zr, Nb, & REE.

    The history of Mont Saint Hilaire as a mineral locality is relatively recent and started in earnest after WWII. The mountain, which is quite prominent and sticks up ~400 meters above the surrounding flat, agricultural countryside, was long before noted for its unusual igneous rocks, but generally poor exposure precluded any notice of its unusual mineralogy. Industrial-scale quarrying for road metal for the nearby city of Montreal changed this situation dramatically, when a large body of layered and zoned nepheline syenite and associated agpaitic rocks loaded with rare minerals were exposed in the 1950’s and 60’s. Quarrying, as well as scientific study of the mineralogy and geology of the mountain intensified in the 1970’s, and probably reached its zenith in the early 1980’s, at least as far as recovery of fine specimens went. Blasting and rock moving happened at large scales on a daily basis, and the owners of the main quarry, the Poudrette family, was accommodating to collectors as well as scientists. Stories of ‘walk in’ (or crawl-in) pockets abounded, and one pocket filled with amazing crystals of serandite, luecophanite, neptunite, analcime and more was said to be almost 10 meters deep and 2 meters wide, easily swallowing several collectors at a time! Collecting during these times was easy and fantastic; all one needed to do was scoop crystals into a waiting flat or bucket out of recently blasted pockets or pegmatites, and sort through it later for rare (and sometimes new!) species. One friend of mine recounted a story once of how after collecting a huge pocket filled with world-class Serandite crystals in the 1980’s, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police later paid him a home visit at his residence south of the border to inform him that his find constituted national Canadian heritage and was to be returned at least in part to Canada!

    Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and in the case of Mont Saint Hilaire it had less to do with geology and mineralogy and more with the whims of quarry management and demand for aggregate rock. The quarry slowly moved away from the more productive, pegmatite-rich zones of the intrusive complex and into the hornfels, and finally into the ‘barren’ Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of the St. Lawrence lowlands. This move, coupled with restrictions on collector access leading to long periods of essentially no access to newly-quarried exposures, meant that many wrote off MSH as being a ‘dead’ locality. The mountain is far from exhausted however as far as its mineralogical treasures are concerned, and perhaps a new, more scientifically-receptive ownership or a change in demand for road material will awaken a new era for this truly world-class mineral locality.
    Mineralogically it is impossible, as with Franklin, to briefly summarize the abundance and diversity of minerals. Suffice it to say that as with other ‘hyper-alkaline’ igneous complexes like the Lovozero Massif in Russia and Dara-I-Pioz in Tajikistan, the ‘characteristic’ elements associated with the intrusions, such as Na, Zr, Ti, Fe, F, REE, Nb, & Y occur in seemingly endless combination, leading to a huge number of different elements essentially assembled from a restricted set of elements under restricted by sufficiently diverse geologic conditions. Many of these occur of course as micro-crystals whose best euhedral development does not exceed a few millimeters, and often much less. But, equally impressive are number of minerals which occur as colorful, euhedral crystals AND are extremely rare or sometimes even unknown outside MSH.

    The ‘poster child’ (and indeed, it has been on many posters) is Serandite, the Mn-rich cousin of pectolite, which was first discovered on the isle of Rouma in Equatorial Guinea, itself an alkalic intrusion, but reaches its peak at MSH, where it forms lustrous, sometimes even gemmy salmon-pink to vibrant orange crystals to 20+ cm. Often associated with these are crystals of analcime, itself not a rare mineral but especially well-crystallized at MSH, where lustrous, sharp baseball-sized crystals are not unusual. Catapleiite, another unusual mineral (and part of the well-represented zirconosilicate family of minerals from MSH), forms superb, sometimes gemmy crystals to 10 cm, sometimes associated with other rare species. Carletonite, first discovered at MSH, occurs as beautiful, sky-blue crystals to several cm., often in attractive groups. Aegirine, Natrolite, Manganeptunite, Leucophane, Siderite, Rhodochrosite, Genthelvite, Donnayite-(Y), and Eudialyte are all notable species for the locality, some reaching their best here. While access at the moment is restricted to Mont Saint Hilaire, the large pegmatite-rich zone of the intrusion is far from exhausted, and new quarrying to supply the growing city of Montreal will surely expose new world-class minerals.

    3.) Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia

    Rhodonite: 17 Level, Zinc Corporation Mine, Broken Hill- 4.7 cm. high, (photo by Carl Bento, © Australian National Museum)

    Rhodonite: 17 Level, Zinc Corporation Mine, Broken Hill- 4.7 cm. high, (photo by Carl Bento, © Australian National Museum)

    Broken Hill is a world-class deposit in every sense of the word. Economically, it is one of the largest single mineral deposits on earth and helped start a company that it now Australia’s largest (BHP Resources). Scientifically, it is a global enigma which has puzzled economic geologists and mineralogists for generations. Culturally, it paved the way for the success of ‘frontier mining towns’ of the Australian interior which became essential to creating what is now a nation with one of the highest standards of living in the world. While not nearly operating at its former pace, the district is still the site of active mining for lead, zinc, copper, silver and gold under mid-sized mining company Perilya Resources, and exploration for new major deposits in the area is still actively underway.

    Geologically, Broken Hill is classed as a metamorphosed volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) type deposit. It began as a large, essentially flat-lying body of Zn, Pb, Cu, & Ag sulfides with other metal enrichment on the seafloor at the site of extensive and long-lived hydrothermal venting during rifting on the ocean floor in the Paleoproterzoic period, almost 2 billion years ago. Like much of Australian, the larger geologic history of the region dates far back into Archean time 2+ billion years ago, and is one reason the continent is so incredibly mineral-endowed. After ‘primary’ sulfides were deposited as a combination of ‘exhalite’ seafloor venting and settling of metalliforous hydrothermal fluids and sub-seafloor replacement of receptive host rocks, an additional thick sequence of interbedded volcanic, clastic, and sedimentary rocks were deposited, which eventually became known as the Willyama Supergroup, and important formation in the western part of New South Wales and northern Victoria (Marjoribanks et al. 1980). Around 1.6 billion years ago, the entire rock package was subjected to regional high-grade metamorphism at up to granulite facies, at 750-800 degrees C and 5-6 kilobars pressure Victoria (Marjoribanks et al. 1980). The relatively simple sulfide orebodies as well as their host rock were ‘cooked’ and recrystallized into the diverse mineralogy seen today, and perhaps more importantly, as the metamorphic process waxed and waned and new hydrothermal and magmatic fluids were introduced, the whole system was able to ‘stew in its own juices’ (to quote Brian England) and develop an even more unusual geochemistry. The resulting deposit, once a flat-lying layer on the seafloor, was then folded and refolded into the complex geometry seen today, with the result being a series of stretched, steeply-dipping ‘lenses’ which culminated in a large surface outcrop of leached and altered ore, the original ‘Broken Hill.’

    #2 Shaft, North Mine, Broken Hill (photo © Rod Wilkinson/flickr.com)

    #2 Shaft, North Mine, Broken Hill (photo © Rod Wilkinson/flickr.com)

    The human history of Broken Hill is likewise fascinating. While sporadically settled and travelled through by aboriginal peoples for thousands of years, Anglo settlers first visited the area in the 1840-50’s, though the outcrops of leached ore hinting at the bonanza hidden below did little to inspire early pioneers and prospectors. Finally, in 1883, itinerant prospector Charles Rasp staked several claims on the outcrops known as the ‘Broken Hill’ and later with his ‘syndicate of seven’ other prospectors, founded the Broken Hill Proprietary Company, or BHP (Worner 1982). By 1885, mining along the ‘line of lode’, or the main structural trend connecting mineralized lenses was well underway, and Rasp and his partners had realized a many, many fold profit on their investment (Worner 1982). Soon, Broken Hill grew to a respectable city of over 25,000, with all the accouterments associated with more genteel cities of the coast like Melbourne and Sidney. Mining probably peaked around WWII and has been in slow decline since as the main orebodies, mined in places to almost 3500 meters depth, are slowly exhausted. New exploration, however, could be promising since structural complexities and post-ore faulting mean that a large portion of the original sulfide seafloor VMS deposit could have been later isolated from the main ‘line of load’ and lie undetected at depth. Deposits such as Broken Hill often display fabulous ore grades, with 30+ % combined Pb and Zn not unusual, and significant Cu, Ag, and Au adding value as well. So, while Broken Hill has evolved into a quasi-tourist destination and a modern small outback city, it may once again boom day and night with the turning of sheave wheels and lifting of ore buckets to the surface.

    Mineralogically, there are over 300 minerals known from Broken Hill, with over 20 of these having first been described there. To collectors, perhaps the best-known are the ruby-red Rhodonite and Spessartine garnet crystals, often embedded in massive galena, which were found at one time in great abundance from the North and South underground mines and other operations. In addition to being beautiful and aesthetic, they speak of the unusual genesis of Broken Hill, in which the original fine-grained banded Pb, Zn, & Mn sulfides were recrystallized under high-grade metamorphic conditions into coarse-grained Mn-silicates and blocky galena. Classic Broken Hill minerals like bannisterite, johansennite, and bustamite formed in a similar manner, reflecting the manganese-rich nature of the original seafloor sediments. Cerussite is another Broken Hill specialty, occurring in superb, large twinned ‘snowflake’ group of reticulated crystals perhaps only exceeded in quality by those from Tsumeb, Namibia. The Sidney museum has numerous cerussite groups to 40+ cm on display, which look almost like miniature cities or MC Escher abstractions, with hundreds of beautiful interconnected crystals at set angles. Anglesite, another secondary lead mineral, also occurs as excellent crystals to over 10 cm, sometimes replacing cerussite.

    Excellent examples of malachite and azurite, amongst Australia’s finest, reflect the copper-rich nature of some of the Broken Hill ores, and were found in quantity in the early days when the supergene-enriched near surface ores were mined. Likewise, pyromorphite also forms in the supergene or oxide ores, and occurs as beautiful, sometimes large groups of intergrown prismatic crystals to several cm. in shades of green and brown. Chlorargyrite, an important secondary silver mineral found in the supergene zones, is enriched in the element bromine at Broken Hill, leading to the term ’embolite’ for this chemically-unusual secondary silver mineral. Smithsonite, the zinc carbonate mineral, occurs in a plethora of colors and varieties, as does calcite, which is often colored pink by manganese. On the rarer end of the spectrum, Raspite, Marshite and Miersite were all first discovered at Broken Hill, and all tell of the unusual conditions of secondary ore enrichment at the deposit, containing elements such as iodine, chlorine and tungsten which are somewhat unusual in ore minerals. Hedenburgite, the usually-ugly rock-forming mineral, occurs in wonderful green, lustrous crystals, as does gahnite, the unusual Zn-rich spinel. Orthoclase, colored blue by traces of lead (‘amazonite’) is another speciality, and apophyllite & inesite sometimes occur in beautiful combinations as well. Stolzite, related closely to Raspite, is another classic, occurring as attractive wulfenite-like crystals on black psilomane matrix.

    Many more species occur as micro-crystals, and new minerals to the deposit (and science) continue to be discovered to this day. The Kintore open cut, a relatively small open pit operation on one of the few remaining blocks of oxide ore in the 1970’s & 80’s, was the source of many rare species, thanks to systematic efforts of both collectors and company geologists (Worner 1982). Nowadays, good Broken Hill mineral specimens are hard to acquire, both in Australian and abroad. While many if not most miners collected ‘rocks’, many have long-since sold or given away their minerals, and while mining continues, the supply of good minerals appears to be sporadic. With some luck and persistence, good examples of the ‘classic’ minerals like rhodonite and spessartine are still available, but truly top-notch examples will drain your bank account, and examples such as the nearly 6 cm. group of gemmy parallel-growth rhodonites in the Albert Chapman collection, which most collectors would murder their grandmother for, will probably never be found again. But, the sun has not set on Broken Hill yet, and this classic and unique locality may have a new lease on life in the coming years.

    4.) Tsumeb Mine, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

    Overview of Tsumeb area with famous De Wet Shaft in middle left, May 2014 (Photo © Jean Baptiste, freewheely.com)

    Overview of Tsumeb area with famous De Wet Shaft in middle left, May 2014 (Photo © Jean Baptiste, freewheely.com)

    The Tsumeb Mine is one of, if not the world’s premier mineral locality. Though its 285+ mineral species already put it in the same league as Mont Saint Hilaire or Franklin in terms of mineralogical diversity, Tsumeb’s true accomplishment is that is has produced thousands of aesthetic, well-crystallized mineral specimens, including arguably the world’s best examples of many perennial collector favorites such as azurite, dioptase, mimetite, cerussite, and smithsonite. This unique juxtaposition of rare species known nowhere else in the world (Tsumeb is the type locality for 71 species) and large, euhedral, colorful crystals is not a coincidence- it is due to an unusual combination of complex geochemistry and development of a massive oxidation zone where supergene enrichment created a paradise for collectors and mineralogists.

    Display of minerals (including many fine dioptase specimens) for sale in Tsumeb miner’s Robbie Groebler’s home in 1974, most of which could be had for under $10 (photo © Rock Currier/Mindat.org)

    Display of minerals (including many fine dioptase specimens) for sale in Tsumeb miner’s Robbie Groebler’s home in 1974, most of which could be had for under $10 (photo © Rock Currier/Mindat.org)

    The history of the Tsumeb Mine and surrounding area could be the subject of a full-length treatise on its own, so just a brief contextual sketch will be provided here. Tsumeb is located in the Otjikoto region of northern Namibia, a semi-arid, hilly to mountainous region which is fairly sparsely populated, but rich in mineral deposits and mining districts. The orebody at Tsumeb outcropped spectacularly (the so-called ‘green hill’) above the largely flat, scrubby semi-desert landscape around it, and was known amongst the local Herero tribes for thousands of years. Small quantities of secondary copper ore, chiefly malachite, were removed by the native tribes and traded to other parts of Namibia, where they were smelted by simple means into metallic copper. The first recorded mention of the deposit by Europeans was in 1857 when missionaries traveling into ‘bushman territory’ of what was then South-West Africa (SWA) from South Africa wrote back to Johannesburg to report the ‘most incredible exposure of colored copper ores (sic) they had ever seen.’

    Smithsonite does not form nice crystals, usually botryodial masses. This one, from Tsumeb Namibia is crystallized with big individual crystals

    Tsumeb Minerals are Amazing, like this Smithsonite – Click here and find amazing photos

    Small-scale mining continued until 1900, when larger industrial development of the deposit began thanks to a new railroad connecting then quite remote Tsumeb to the coast from which ore could be transported to distant refineries. Initial production had to be hauled over 500 km. to Swakopmund, making it economically unfavorable. After SWA became a German colony, a corporation called the Otavi Minen-Und-Eisenbahngesellschaft, or OMEG was formed, which quickly removed the remains of the famous ‘green hill’, expanded it into a modest open-pit mine, and soon went underground, chasing higher and higher grades as the pipe-like orebody continued vertically down. After Namibian independence from Germany, OMEG merged into the Tsumeb Corporation, controlled at various times by Newmont Mining and other large global mining consortiums. The deposit, while not especially large on a global scale, had a unique set of mining challenges including its steeply-dipping pipe-like form and the constant danger of flooding, due to extensive paleo-karst systems housing a large aquifer. High grades (averaging 10% Pb, 4.3% Cu, 3.5% Zn, 100 ppm Ag, 50 ppm Ge), made the tremendous expenditure associated with both dewatering the mine and treating the metallurgically-complex ores profitable (Lombaard et al, 1986). When the great Tsumeb mine closed in 1996 and was allowed to flood, over $5 billion in copper, lead, zinc, silver, germanium, and gold had been produced. An effort by a consortium of mineral collectors and dealers led by Ian Bruce was made in the late 1990’s to re-open part of the Tsumeb mine for mineral specimen mining, but unfortunately this was found to be uneconomic.

    Geologically, Tsumeb is part of a small group of high-grade polymetallic, carbonate-hosted ‘ore pipe’ deposits. Mineralization is confined to dolomitic carbonate rocks of the upper Otavi formation, which is part of large supracrustal sequence overlying Precambrian gneiss and granite in northern Namibia (Guilbert & Park 2007). Mineralization occurs in a pipe-like, steeply dipping cylindrical body bounded by ‘psuedoaplite’ dikes, which are probably clastic dikes related to complex salt tectonics and salt diapirism which has been observed elsewhere in this sequence in Namibia and neighboring countries. Karst-dissolution, breccias, collapse structures, and faulting are common, indicating mineralizing fluids were probably fairly robust over an extended period. Ore grades are highly variable, but along intersections between favorable lithology and structure, massive sulfide lenses containing up to 60%(!) combined Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag & Ge were commonly found (Guilbert & Park 2007). The great wealth of collectible minerals at Tsumeb is mainly due to the great depths of oxidation and supergene enrichment of primary sulfide ores, with supergene mineralization predominating above 400 meters depth, and considerable secondary mineralization persisting to depths of 800 meters! This great oxidation depth is probably related to the permeability of the dolomitic carbonate rocks, as well as the unique influence of salt tectonics on mineralization. The unusually chemically-diverse hydrothermal fluids associated with mineralization also introduced many unusual metals such as Ge, Ga, Sb, & As, contributing to the huge list of mineral species found at Tsumeb.

    Ask any mineral collector which species he or she first thinks of when the word ‘Tsumeb’ in mentioned, and the answer will invariably be ‘azurite.’ Not only did Tsumeb produce azurite crystals of outstanding color and luster, the size was world-class as well, with specimens such as the ‘Newmont Azurite’ which features crystals to over 20 cm(!). Azurite occurs in a variety of forms, from blocky to tabular to elongate prismatic crystals. Malachite psuedomorphs after azurite are a specialty, with faithfully-preserved sharp green crystals to 10+ cm. being fairly common and occurring in spectacular large groups. Associated minerals include smithsonite, calcite, duftite, olivenite, mottramite, and more, leading to combinations with outstanding colors and aesthetics. Dioptase is probably a close second in terms of beauty and fame from Tsumeb, with the most famous and sought-after specimens consisting of rich ‘carpets’ of brilliant blue-green crystals to 2+ cm. on a matrix of snow-white dolomite or calcite. Thousands of such specimens were found in the 1960-70’s, but are now quite scarce (or expensive) on the collector market.
    Cerussite is another mineral which reaches its worldwide zenith at Tsumeb, occurring in a variety of forms and colors, from complexly-crystallized, reticulated ‘snowflake’ crystal groups (sometimes to 30+ cm!) to heart-shaped twins in beautiful limpid shades of yellow to clear. Individual crystals have been reported up to 60 cm(!), surely a record for the species. Inclusions can cause cerussite crystals from Tsumeb to appear green, blue or red, and the luster is typically high. Mimetite, one of the most common secondary minerals in both major oxidation zones at Tsumeb, also reaches a zenith here, with the most famous crystals being from the 1971 ‘gem pocket’ which produced gem-clear yellow crystals to 6 cm., with only a few dozen good specimens being found. A good mimetite from this pocket would today easily set you back several tens of thousands of dollars.

    No article on Tsumeb would be complete without mentioning smithsonite, which also probably sets a global standard at Tsumeb. Perhaps most remarkable about Tsumeb smithsonite is the variation in color, spanning colorless to yellow to pink to green to deep-blue, and seemingly every shade between. Tsumeb is also one of the few localities in which smithsonite forms well-developed crystals, often to several cm. each and with outstanding luster. As far as rarer species, it is futile to try and cover the breadth and uniqueness of rare minerals from Tsumeb. Species such as cuproadamite, alamosite, arsentsumebite, bayldonite, leadhillite, ludlockite, and olivenite demonstrate that rare does not always mean ugly. While Tsumeb as a mine is probably closed forever, the good news for collectors is that the veritable flood of specimens during the 20th century means that the average collector should be able to obtain good Tsumeb specimens for many years to come.

    Famous ‘Newmont’ Azurite; Tsumeb Mine- approximately 30 cm. across with crystals to 15 cm. (photo © American Museum of Natural History)

    Famous ‘Newmont’ Azurite; Tsumeb Mine- approximately 30 cm. across with crystals to 15 cm. (photo © American Museum of Natural History)

    5.) Kola Peninsula, Russia

      Workings of the Umbozero Mine, Khibiny Massif: K. Dembicz photo/© Spirifer Minerals 2009


    Workings of the Umbozero Mine, Khibiny Massif: K. Dembicz photo/© Spirifer Minerals 2009

    Locality number 5 risks taking us back into the realm of ‘ugly and rare’ after letting our imaginations roam the colorful crystalline landscape of Tsumeb. But wait! Have you seen the starburst-like sprays of golden astrophyllite crystals in a snow-white matrix? The gemmy, sword-like natrolite crystals to 30 cm? The delicate pink tugtupite, hackmanite, and ussingite whose neon expanses hide dozens of minerals known nowhere else in the world? The Kola Peninsula, extending into the Arctic region of northwestern Russia to the east of the Scandinavian Peninsula, is truly a world-class mineral locality and geological treasure house. While I am deviating somewhat from the ‘single locality model’ in including the Kola Peninsula (an almost 100,000 square kilometer area), I think this inclusion is justified in that the main mineralized areas, the Khibiny and Lovovero Massifs, are in fairly close proximity to each other, and show strong geological, temporal, and mineralogical similarities.

    The Kola Peninsula (taken here to include to massifs of Khibiny & Lovozero) were long shrouded in mystery to western collectors and mineralogists, and for many still conjure images of distant snow-covered slopes and small ‘rocks’ with arrows on them. Part of this mystery is political, as the region is in a remote part of what was up until 1994 the Soviet Union, and the strategic nature of the mineral deposits at Kola as well as Cold War tensions limited communication with outsiders about the treasures of the region. Inside Russia (and the USSR), however, is a rich history of geologic exploration at Kola. While native peoples of the Inuit culture made Kola home for thousands of years and surely took note of the unusual appearance of many of the rocks there, ‘modern’ exploration began in earnest in the 1920’s with the discovery of massive deposits of magmatic apatite at Lovozero (Pekov 2000). Since the USSR had limited ability to import outside resources and did not have large known ‘conventional’ phosphate ores, the rather unusual initiative was taken to begin mining these apatite ores for their phosphorous content, a critical ingredient in the ‘state farm collective’ program of industrial agriculture.

    ‘Stars’ of Lamprophyllite in Nepheline, Umbozero Mine: K. Dembicz photo/© Spirifer Minerals 2009

    ‘Stars’ of Lamprophyllite in Nepheline, Umbozero Mine: K. Dembicz photo/© Spirifer Minerals 2009

    In the 1930’s, as the apatite mines were developed, leading Soviet mineralogist and geochemist Alexander Fersman visited the area and took note of the mineral eudialyte, a complex silicate enriched in Zr and REE’s. Loparite, another complex REE species, was discovered in 1934, and soon an outpost of the USSR Academy of sciences was established at Khibiny (Pekov 2000). Loparite generated much interest both to scientists and the government, as it was a potentially-economic ore of the strategic metal niobium, as well as other rare metals. In fact, much of the development of the rare metal industry in the USSR was shrouded in secrecy, even to those involved in it. Exploration and mining in Kola ceased temporarily during WWII, when many of the mills and mining operations were converted in munitions plants and military equipment factories. Mining and exploration resumed after 1945, but this period leading up to Stalin’s death was somewhat of a dark period for Kola, as most labor at the mines was in the form of ‘gulag’ prisoners, many there for political reasons. Nonetheless, scientific inquiry into the unique geology of the region continued, with the publication of ‘Petrology of the Lovozero Massif’ in 1972 by Bussen & Sahkarov marking a research milestone (Pekov 2000).

    Exploitation of both apatite and rare metal ores continued at a fairly steady pace through the early 1990’s, when democratization of the country and the fall of the USSR brought a slowdown in heavy industry, which has continued until today is some areas. Research on the peninsula, however, continued to be strong, with many papers and significant discoveries by scientists such as A.P. Khomyakov, I. Pevok, P. Kartashov, and others. Apatite mining at the Kirovskii mine on the Khibiny Massif and several locations on Lovozero continues today, but unfortunately many rare metal operations such as the famed loparite deposit at Umbozero have fallen in disrepair. Hopefully, with economic strengthening of Russia and renewed global interest in rare metals, particularly the largely-untapped eudialyte ores, mining will return full-force to the region, and with it new mineralogical treasures to be found.

    The great Russian mineralogist A.P. Khomyakov in his laboratory in Khibiny in 1992, with list of possible new minerals behind him (photo © O.T. Ljostad/mindat.org)

    The great Russian mineralogist A.P. Khomyakov in his laboratory in Khibiny in 1992, with list of possible new minerals behind him (photo © O.T. Ljostad/mindat.org)

    Geologically, Khibiny and Lovozero are quite complex, but can be explain most simply as a pair of complex multiphase alkalic igneous intrusions of Devonian age, each with a surface expression of ~600 km2, which have intruded the Archean crystalline rocks of the Baltic Shield (Pekov 2000). The intrusions are in deep graben-like structures, likely related to syn-intrusive rifting, and are partly filled with middle Paleozoic age volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks. The main rock types in the massifs are nepheline syenites and related silica-undersatured, nepheline and sodalite-normative alkaline igneous rocks, but there is also a complex suite of mafic rocks ranging from trachyte to phonolite to gabbro, an important piece of evidence in the interpretation that alkalic intrusions often have genetic links to primitive mantle-derived mafic magmas in intraplate settings (Pekov 2000). Enrichment in phosphorous of one of these magmatic pulses led to the development of an immiscible, possibly late-stage melt from which large quantities of primary magmatic apatite were about to crystallize (Pekov 2000). The diversity and rarity of the rock types encountered at Lovozero and Khibiny indeed led to a whole new nomenclature for such rocks- urtites, lujavrites, foyaite, riscchorites and malignites are all important and rare alkalic rocks at Kola. The multiphase and chemically-variable nature of the intrusions created spectacular layering and zonation, both vertically and in cross-section, of different rock types. Both intrusions included eruptive phases and concordantly shallow intrusive units showing spectacular poikilitic (sieve-like mineral intergrowth) textures and evidence of subsolidus crystallization (Pekov 2000). With subsolidus (below the normal melting curve of that mineral assemblage) crystallization came widespread metasomatic alteration, in which one element is removed and replaced by a different element, typically by hydrothermal fluids. Metasomatism and related pegmatite formation are undoubtedly the main factors in establishing the incredible mineralogical diversity of Khibiny & Kola. Pegmatites are abundant in numerous rock types of both massifs, and while often small (a large pegmatite might be ~20 x 1.5 m), they can contain an amazing abundance of minerals: one pegmatite encountered underground in the Umbozero loparite mine contained over 80 minerals! Finally, the sub-Arctic setting of the massifs and lack of appreciable vegetation combined with extensive glacier scouring and erosion means that exposure is generally excellent, and many new pegmatites and mineral localities are discovered each field season.

     Loparite-(Ce) twins of matrix to 1 cm: Khibiny. (photo © B. Kantor/mindat.org)


    Loparite-(Ce) twins of matrix to 1 cm: Khibiny. (photo © B. Kantor/mindat.org)

    Mineralogically, 507(!) different mineral species have been reported from Khibiny, and 376 from Lovozero. Truthfully, both massifs include dozens of individual localities, but they generally share such strong genetic and chemical characteristics that for the sake of discussion they will be referred to as a single locality here. Starting on the aesthetic end of the mineral spectrum, many collectors will be surprised to learn that both Khibiny and Lovozero have produced spectacular, beautiful crystallized specimens of numerous minerals. Perhaps best-known is astrophyllite, a complex Na-Ti silicate which occurs as golden sprays of radiating crystals to 10+ cm in snow-white matrix. Eudialyte, a rare species which is sometimes a rock forming mineral(!) at both massifs, rarely occurs as sharp, bright pink to red crystals to 5+ cm. Natrolite, a common mineral both in the more evolved rock units and the pegmatite’s of Kola, occurs as sprays of gemmy, sharp clear crystals up to an impressive 30 cm. Loparite, the important ore of Nb & REE’s, occurs as sharp black cubic crystals to several cm, sometimes in attractive interpenetration twins. Neptunite and Lorenzenite, two chemically-different but somewhat similar looking minerals, occur in attractive dark red to black crystals up to the size of a finger. Elpidite, the rare Be silicate, occurs as large hand-sized sprays of radiating white crystals. Kovdorskite, a rare Mg phosphate from the Kovdor apatite mine, occurs as beautiful clear crystals to several cm. The rare fluoride Villiaumite (NaF) rarely occurs as euhedral crystals, but forms attractive ‘nests’ of bright red cubic cleavages to 20+ cm in some pegmatites.
    In terms of ‘rare’ species (rare being a relative term at Kola), there are hundreds of minerals, and a monograph could (and has) been written on them. Suffice it to say that most occur as attractive crystals <1 cm., while others are only massive, but many, massive or otherwise, have beautiful color and texture, which renders them desirable collection specimens nonetheless. Pegmatite such as the Shkatulka pegmatite in the Umbozero Mine and the pegmatites of Kukisvumchorr Mountain at Khibiny are world-renowned for their complexity. Many are beautiful even to the lay-person, presenting coarse-grained intergrowths of red eudialyte, green amazonite, giant microcline and nepheline crystals, chlakovite, ussingite, and tuptupite and delicates shades of crimson and pink, and smaller ‘nests’ of vibrantly colored REE and rare metal-bearing minerals. Given that most of these pegmatite’s were discovered as surface outcrops and have never been mined, the treasures of Khibiny & Lovozero should be accessible for generations of mineralogists to come.
    6.) Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District, USA

    Galena on Fluorite: Denton Mine, Harris Creek Sub-District, Hardin Co. Illinois (photo © MIM Museum, Beirut)

    Galena on Fluorite: Denton Mine, Harris Creek Sub-District, Hardin Co. Illinois (photo © MIM Museum, Beirut)

    In light of many of the preceding localities such Mont Saint Hilaire and Tsumeb whose world-class status is indisputable, I was a little hesitant to include the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District in the Midwestern USA to the ‘top ten’ list, but as much as I tried to ignore it, it kept coming back into my mind. While certainly not as diverse as Mont Saint Hilaire or unique as Tsumeb, the fluorite mines of Southern Illinois and northern Kentucky constitute one of the earth’s premier endowments in beautiful, crystallized mineral specimens. During their operation from the early 19th century up until 1996, literally tens of thousands of fine specimens of fluorite, calcite, sphalerite, galena, witherite, and more were saved, and there is scarcely a serious mineral collector in the world who does not own a specimen from the district. Combine this abundance of specimens with a seemingly endless variety in color and form in this (albeit limited) species list and you have the makings of a world-class locality.

    Fluorite: Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Illinois- 7 cm. across (photo © James Elliot/FMI: now in the MIM Museum, Beirut)

    Fluorite: Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Illinois- 7 cm. across (photo © James Elliot/FMI: now in the MIM Museum, Beirut)

    The history of mining and minerals from the Illinois-Kentucky fluorspar district is closely linked to the history of the Midwestern US and the westward migration of pioneers and prospectors in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the early 19th century, Southern Illinois was still a fairly wild and undeveloped region, with local Indian tribes outnumbering white settlers. This changed as word of rich outcropping of galena ore (associated with then less-valuable fluorite) were found along the banks of the Ohio river near what is now Cave-in-Rock, and prospectors as well as farmers began settling the area. Mining in the 19th century focused mainly on galena/sphalerite Pb-Zn ores, and it was not until a steelmaking process in the 1880’s required fluorite for flux that mining in the district shifted to the massive fluorite (or ‘fluorspar’) deposits (Goldstein 1997). Before WWII, most mining was focused on the Rosiclare area, but this moved to Cave-in-Rock in later years, with large underground mines such as the Minerva #1, Denton, and Annabel-Lee accounting for most of the fluorite production in the later 20th century. Goldstein (1997) noted over 95 individual mines in the Illinois side of the district, and over 130 on the Kentucky side, though to be certain many of these are small prospects, and a handful of large mines on the Illinois side accounted for 75% of modern production. The district supplied over 90% of the US fluorite production, and large amounts of lead, zinc and barium were also recovered (Goldstein 1997). Unfortunately while the huge fluorite reserves in the district are probably far from depleted, rising production costs and cheap imported Chinese fluorite made mining economically unfeasible in the late 1990’s, and the last mine, the Annabel Lee, closed in 1996, marking the end of over 200 years of fairly continuous mining in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District.

    Geologically, the Illinois-Kentucky fluorspar district seems deceptively simple, but in reality is part of a complex and still-poorly understood region which has been affected by processes ranging from faulting to sedimentation to unusual igneous intrusions. The surface and near-surface (upper few kilometer) geology is dominated by sedimentary rocks ranging from middle Devonian to early Pennsylvanian in age (Goldstein 1997). The fluorite-barite-galena-sphalerite orebodies occur as two generalized types, bedding-replacement deposits which are mainly horizontal and controlled by stratigraphy, and steeply-dipping veins which follow structures and can extend to great depths. Really, these two ore deposit styles are probably related, as the ‘bedding replacement’ deposits require a structural conduit for mineralizing fluids to reach a favorable limestone bed where replacement can occur. Both orebody types occur in a large anticlinal structure known as Hick’s Dome, whose uplift is probably related to regional compression as well as emplacement of a potential (never interested by drilling) deep alkalic intrusion, which may have been the source for fluorine for the deposits. The Illinois-Kentucky fluorspar district sits in the most heavily faulted area of the Midwestern USA, and these faults provided the ‘structural plumbing’ necessary for creation of the numerous ore deposits. The ‘smoking gun’ showing genetic connection between alkalic intrusive rocks and the fluorite deposits would probably involve isotope and trace element geochemical work, testable by modern methods, but little serious research on the fluorite deposits has occurred since mining ceased in 1996. Current literature suggests that locally-derived brines (salty fluids) from probably evaporitic beds within the limestone package mixed with magmatically-derived fluids, which may have triggered mineralization and precipitation of fluorite (Grogan & Bradbury 1967). Whatever the case, the combination of large, extensively-mineralized areas and a propensity for brecciation and attendant open pocket formation in the district proved to be a bonanza for mineral collectors.

    Without a doubt, the premier mineral from the Illinois-Kentucky fluorspar district is, as the name suggests, fluorite. Fluorite from the district probably shows more variation in color than at any other locality, ranging from purple to blue to yellow to gray to pinkish and every shade in-between. The only ‘dominant color’ missing is the rich greens of the North Pennines Ore Field fluorites from the UK, though green crystals were found rarely in several of the older Illinois mines. Perhaps most famous and coveted are the large, gemmy groups of cubic crystals showing crisp color zonation, typically yellow with violet edges or vice-versa, from mines such as the Annabel-Lee, Minerva #1, and Denton. Most of these came out from ~1980-1995, and pockets were often so abundant during this period that high-quality fluorite sold either by the pound or by ‘the table’ at shows or at a miner’s residence. Competition for top specimens was fierce, however, and prominent dealers in the region such as Ross Lillie, Dan Weinrich and Mark & Joe Kielbaso have many stories about racing down to Cave-in-Rock or Rosiclare to see ‘the next big find’ moments ahead of their competition (Goldstein 1997).

    The early years (~1900-1950) of fluorite production included important specimen-producers such as the W.L. Davis-Deardorff mine, which produced delicate violet fluorite crystals on a distinctive drusy quartz matrix, and the Hill-Ledford, which produced some of the largest single fluorite crystals in the district, up to 45 cm across! Sadly, as they had little value at the time due to their perceived commonness, many were either damaged upon removal, or broken down into ‘spar octahedrons’ which are produced by exploiting fluorite’s two perfect cleavage directions with a small hammer. During this period, many fine examples of galena and sphalerite were also found, with galena crystals from the Hill-Ledford mine sometimes reaching 15 cm on edge. The Minerva #1 mine, discovered somewhat accidentally when a night-shift driller salted their drill hole cuttings to hide their nighttime work absences, became the premier locality for the rare barium minerals witherite and benstonite from the late 1940’s up to the 1980’s (Goldstein 1997). Witherite occurs there as sharp white to yellow barrel-shaped crystals up to 15 cm, sometimes aesthetically isolated on fluorite or barite matrix.

    Witherite: Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County, Illinois, 7.5 cm (photo © Joe Budd/irocks.com)

    Witherite: Minerva #1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County, Illinois, 7.5 cm (photo © Joe Budd/irocks.com)

    Barite is another fairly ubiquitous species from the Illinois-Kentucky fluorspar district, with the best crystals coming from the Minerva #1 and Denton mines, often associated with colorful fluorite and calcite. In the 80’s and early 90’s, the Denton and Annabel-Lee mines amazed the world with their brilliantly lustrous, golden-yellow calcite crystals, often as large twins on matrix. Celestine, a somewhat rare mineral for the district, was found as excellent blue-gray crystals to 5 cm on fluorite from the Annabel-Lee mine (Goldstein 1997). Galena, having previously consisted of sharp but somewhat dull crystals from the W.L. Davis-Deardorff and Hill-Ledford mines, was found as brilliant cubo-octahedrons on purple fluorite at the Denton mine. Many fluorite crystals show fascinating dissolution textures, where later fluids have corroded them into bizarre shapes and sometimes deposited new minerals, such as paralstonite and smithsonite. Strontianite in attractive yellow to white sprays was sometimes associated with these altered fluorite crystals as well, and occasionally, perfectly circular ‘holes’ would be seen in otherwise unaltered fluorite crystals where inclusions of spherical barite had dissolved, sometimes called ‘drillholes’ by the miners. While current economic conditions are not bright for the return of fluorite mining to the Illinois-Kentucky fluorspar district, the good news is that the sheer number of specimens produced means that every collector can own a piece of this world-class mineral locality for many years to come.

    7.) Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona USA

    Bisbee Masonic Lodge holding a 1887 meeting in a huge ‘cave’ in the Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee, Arizona (photo © Library of Congress)

    Bisbee Masonic Lodge holding a 1887 meeting in a huge ‘cave’ in the Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee, Arizona (photo © Library of Congress)

    Bisbee, situated in the rolling scrub oak hills of far southern Arizona just north of the Mexican border, is a world-class mineral locality in every sense of the word. From the late 1870’s up until 1975, Bisbee produced 3.6 million tons of copper, 161,000 tons of zinc, 147,000 tons of lead, 100 million ounces of silver, and 2.7 million ounces of gold, making it one of the richest mining districts in the world for its size (Graeme 1981). Bisbee’s lasting legacy, however, will probably have more to do with the thousands of fine and colorful mineral specimens it produced than metal statistics. Collections all over the world include crystals of azurite, malachite, native copper, calcite, and more from Bisbee mines. Additionally, while mining for copper at other metals no longer takes place at Bisbee and the community has embraced a more artistic side and tourism, research on the ore deposits is ongoing and many new species, both to the district and to science have been discovered since mining stopped.

    Cuprite (2.5 cm. crystal) on malachite from the Southwest Mine (specimen and photo © Richard Graham)

    Cuprite (2.5 cm. crystal) on malachite from the Southwest Mine (specimen and photo © Richard Graham)

    The mining history of Bisbee is fairly recent, beginning in the late 1870’s when prospectors Jack Dunn and George Warren visited the area from nearby Tombstone, a recently-established silver camp, and noted abundant outcrops of colorful gossan, a good indicator of mineralization at depth (Graeme 2008). They worked the near-surface ores over the next several years, ad eventually the Copper Queen mine was developed in the early 1880’s. The Copper Queen, a series of high-grade supergene orebodies in Naco limestone, featured not only high copper grades but spectacular ‘caves’ lined with stalactites of azurite, malachite, and other secondary copper minerals. Thanks to the foresight of these early miners, many of these specimens were preserved in prominent East Coast museum collections, but many more were destroyed and melted down for their copper content during mining. Mining accelerated in the 1880’s and 90’s as additional high-grade, near-surface copper orebodies were discovered, and Bisbee quickly grew into a typical frontier ‘boom town’, with businesses crowded into the narrow Brewery Gulch downtown.

    Azurite with Malachite: Czar Mine (14.5 cm across; specimen and photo © Joe Budd & irocks.com)

    Azurite with Malachite: Czar Mine (14.5 cm across; specimen and photo © Joe Budd & irocks.com)

    James Douglas started the Phelps & Dodge Mercantile company, which acquired claims adjacent to the Copper Queen which ended up propelling the company into one of the world’s largest copper producers of the 20th century, the famous Phelps Dodge Corporation. The Copper Queen mine operated independently by the Copper Queen Mining Company, but after ~1920, pressures to consolidate meant that the mines were acquired by Phelps Dodge, which ruled mining in Bisbee for the next 50+ years (Graeme 2007). Mines such as the Czar, Holbrook, Copper Queen, Southwest, and Junction mined fabulously rich and extensive copper ores, with significant recovery of Au, Ag, Pb, & Zn as well. Miners were long aware of the value and beauty of good mineral specimens- many anecdotes exist about miners trading fine minerals for haircuts, drinks, and often cash from visiting mineral dealers and museum curators (Graeme 2008). The final chapter of mining at Bisbee involved the type of large tonnage, low-grade open pit mining now favored in Arizona, focused on the porphyry from which most of the high-grade veins and carbonate-replacement deposits originated. This mine, the Lavender Pit, is still quite visible today, dominating the south end of Bisbee. Relatively small-scale mining of some remaining high grade portions of orebodies in the Junction and Holbrook mines continued into the early 1970’s as well, but these closed eventually due to rising costs and lower yield (Graeme 2008).

    Spinel-twinned group of Native Copper Crystals: Bisbee, Arizona (5.3 cm, specimen and photo © Joe Budd & irocks.com)

    Spinel-twinned group of Native Copper Crystals: Bisbee, Arizona (5.3 cm, specimen and photo © Joe Budd & irocks.com)

    The geology of Bisbee has been studied in detail since Frederick Ransome of the U.S. Geological Survey published his landmark monograph in 1904. Bisbee, like much of southern Arizona, in underlain by Precambrian schist and quartzite of the Pinal group, which in turn is overlain but 1600-2000 meters of mostly Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, dominantly limestone (Graeme 2008). Beginning in the Jurassic period ~180 million years ago, igneous activity and associated faulting introduced massive amounts of pyrite to the Bisbee area, which replaced selective limestone beds and also was associated with minor copper, silver and gold (Anthony et al. 1995). Later, during regional extension associated with basin-and-range tectonics across southern Arizona in the Cretaceous to Eocene periods, many large copper-bearing porphyry intrusions were emplaced, including Ray, Morenci and Bagdad. At Bisbee, however, a similar copper porphyry, the Sacramento stock was emplaced much earlier, around 104 million years ago, and high-grade vein deposits were probably concurrent with this intrusion (Bain 1952, Anthony et al. 1995). Lead-zinc deposits of the carbonate-replacement type were formed during this event, and finally, somewhat later, a third major pulse of mineralization overprinted some earlier Cu-Pb-Zn deposits, enriching them in unusual metals such as tin, bismuth, tungsten, tellurium, and antimony (Graeme 2008). Uplift and erosion during the more recent Eocene period led to the devlopment of extensive supergene enrichment zones in many deposits, in which most of the colorful and well-crystallized minerals reside. It is this complex and multi-stage geologic history that gave Bisbee its unique mineralogy.

    The mineralogy of Bisbee is rich and varied, with over 322 mineral species reported (Graeme 2008). The ores are often highly complex, with assemblages of rare tin, tungsten, and tellurium minerals that are just beginning to be understood. Of course, the stars of Bisbee are azurite and malachite, both occurring in quantities large enough to be considered major ores in the early years. Crystals of azurite from Bisbee occur in a variety of forms, from classic ‘rosettes’ of flattened blocky crystals, to elegant prismatic blades to 10+ cm on matrix. Tsumeb and the new Milpillas mine not far from Bisbee may be close competitors for the title of ‘world’s best azurite’, but Bisbee can hold its own, specimen-for-specimen, with most anything from these locales. Malachite often replaces azurite at Bisbee, and sharp psuedomorphs in clusters to 20+ cm are a specialty. Cuprite is another species for which Bisbee is world-renowned, with the best specimen consisting of 2.5 cm, lustrous, gem-red crystals on malachite; truly a spectacular piece. ‘Chalcotrichite’, or fibrous nests of cuprite needles, is common, often associated with native copper. Native copper was locally abundant at numerous levels in the major mines, and fine crystals, often showing spinel-law twinning, occur in hand to basketball-sized groups, giving the Michigan Copper Country a ‘run for its money.’ Calcite is a particularly varied and beautiful Bisbee mineral, often colored by inclusions of various copper minerals, resulting in bright red or green to blue groups. The ‘caves’ of the early supergene enrichment zones contained huge quantities of ‘floss ferri’ aragonite and delicate groups of calcite crystals showing stalactitic growth features.

    Spangolite with cuprite: Czar Mine, Bisbee, Arizona: crystals to 1.7 cm (photo & specimen © Harvard University)

    Spangolite with cuprite: Czar Mine, Bisbee, Arizona: crystals to 1.7 cm (photo & specimen © Harvard University)

    Bisbee is the type locality for 7 species, including the rare and beautiful copper minerals Spangolite and Paramelaconite, both highly prized today. Shattuckite, another rare copper mineral, was also discovered at Bisbee. Turquoise, while not associated with historic mining at Bisbee, was found in considerable quantity and quality in more recent years adjacent to the Lavender open pit. Paratacamite, Covellite, Conichalcite, Claringbullite, Conellite, Chalcoalumite (TL), and brochantite are colorful and reasonably abundant at Bisbee, despite being globally rare copper minerals. Recent research on Bisbee has added numerous new species to the list, and the previously ignored ‘massive sulfide ores’ of deep mines like the Campbell and Holbrook are now recognized as having very unusual geochemical signatures, with strong enrichment in indium, gallium, tungsten, tin, and tellurium, suggesting the genesis of the deposits likely involved multiple geochemically unusual hydrothermal fluids. Phelps Dodge successor Freeport-McMoran has been considering re-opening and expansion of the Lavender pit in Bisbee in recent years, so when copper prices improve, we may once again see mining return to the great town of Bisbee (Jaworski pers. comm. 2014).

    8.) The Ojuela Mine, Mapimi, Durango Mexico

    Famous Roebling Suspension Bridge at Ojuela (photo © mexconnect.com)

    Famous Roebling Suspension Bridge at Ojuela (photo © mexconnect.com)

    Mention the Ojuela (pronounced O-whale-ah) mine to collectors and visions of vibrant green Adamite pinwheels, neon yellow Legrandite sprays, and rich orange Wulfenite groups are sure to be conjured, or perhaps the 310 meter length of the famous Roebling suspension bridge, the longest in Latin America, contrasting with rugged desert landscapes. The Ojuela mine, located in the state of Chihuahua close to its border with Durango in north-central Mexico, is home to over 137 mineral species, with 7 of them having their type locality there. Over 6 million kilograms of silver and 49,000 kilograms of gold were produced from Ojuela, in addition to substantial lead and zinc, totally in value to over 2 billion dollars in nearly 400 years of production (Panczner 1987). Its history is rich as well, from the discovery of the deposits by Spanish Jesuit priests in 1598 up until today, where mining, mainly for mineral specimens, is ongoing (Haghenbeck & Haghenbeck 2011).

    Famous ‘Aztec Sun’ Legrandite; ~20 cm, Ojuela Mine (photo © Jeff Scovil & the Mineralogical Record)

    Famous ‘Aztec Sun’ Legrandite; ~20 cm, Ojuela Mine (photo © Jeff Scovil & the Mineralogical Record)

    Mining for silver began in the early 17th century and continued at a small scale before accelerated in the mid-19th century with the importation of modern mechanized mining methods from Europe and the USA. To solve the conundrum of connecting mining operations with the town located across a deep, rocky gorge, a huge pedestrian suspension bridge measuring 310 meters across was constructed in 1898 by John Roebling & Sons (Haghenbeck & Haghenbeck 2011). John Roebling’s son, Washington Roebling, was a leading mineral collector of his era, so the improvement of Ojuela, already then known for fine minerals, must have been of particular satisfaction to him. Mining at Ojuela continued to grow up until the Mexican revolution in 1910, when the country was swept into chaos and Penoles, the large mining conglomerate in charge of operations, was nationalized (Haghenbeck & Haghenbeck 2011). After the revolution, mining continued, eventually creating over 450 kilometers (!) of underground workings. Large-scale mining ceased in 1945, but since that time, small groups of miners organized under collectives or cooperatives have produced a mix of silver-polymetallic ore and mineral specimens. Mineralogists of the early 20th century such as W.F. Foshag and Dan Mayers helped popularize the unusual and colorful minerals of Ojuela, and miners found that they could make better wages collecting crystallized minerals than mining ore, a tradition that has continued up until today.

    Adamite ‘pinwheels’ on matrix to 4 cm from the Ojuela Mine (photo © Jeff Scovil)

    Adamite ‘pinwheels’ on matrix to 4 cm from the Ojuela Mine (photo © Jeff Scovil)

    The geology of the Ojuela Mine and the Mapimi region is dominated today by typical basin-and-range topography and structure, with similar mountain ranges, valleys and landscapes to Southern Arizona or New Mexico. Precambrian age granite and schist is overlain by a thick sedimentary sequence, dominated at Ojuela by Cretaceous limestones and dolomites (Panczner 1987). The Ojuela mine exploits not one but seven different pipe-like orebodies, called ‘chimneys’, and associated ‘mantos’, or carbonate-replacement orebodies controlled mainly by stratigraphy. These chimneys and manto deposits extend to depths of over 900 meters, with oxidation occurring at depths of up to 500 meters (Panczner 1987). Similar to Tsumeb, this great depth of oxidation and supergene enrichment couples with ‘receptive’ carbonate host rocks are largely responsible for Ojuela’s great mineralogical diversity. 4 main mineralization styles occur at Ojuela: copper-enriched ‘contact’ ores, lead-zinc ores, silver-lead ores, and the ‘barren’ carbonate zone (Panczner 1987). Each of these zones contains different minerals assemblages.

    Mineralogically, the Ojuela mine is perhaps most famous for its arsenate (arsenic-containing) secondary minerals, such as adamite, legrandite, and kottigite. Adamite, perhaps the most famous mineral from Ojuela, occurs as spectacular ‘pinwheels’ on vibrant green crystals to several cm each, as well as sharp individual crystals, typically on an aesthetically-contrasting gossan matrix. Cuprian adamite is relatively abundant at Ojuela and has a distinct blue-green shade different than copper-free adamite. The most desirable, however, is the manganoan adamite, colored purple and occurring as vivid bundles of crystals to 5+ cm on matrix. These purple adamites caused quite a stir in the mineral world when a major pocket was discovered in 1981, and Texas oil man Perkins Sams spent many thousands of dollars of several top examples now in the Houston Museum of Nature & Science. While adamite is still being found at Ojuela, most modern production consists of small crystals in vugs in matrix, and it appears the often very large (and very inexpensive by modern standards), plates of pinwheels or bladed aggregates of crystals are a thing of the past.

    Wulfenite on Mimetite: Ojuela Mine (7 cm, specimen and photo © Joe Budd & irocks.com)

    Wulfenite on Mimetite: Ojuela Mine (7 cm, specimen and photo © Joe Budd & irocks.com)

    A close second to adamite from Ojuela is legrandite, another rare zinc arsenate species which reaches its zenith at Ojuela. Probably the most famous specimen, consisting of an aesthetic ‘V’ pair of sharp yellow crystals to 20 cm(!) is known as the ‘Aztec sun’ and for many years was the centerpiece of the Dr. Miguel Romero collection (it is now in the MIM museum in Beirut). Its sale and the extraordinary price (rumored to be around $2 million USD) associated with it also became a talking point in the mineral community, and in a curious case of ‘trickle down economics’, all other legrandites, even thumbnails, seemed to see a concordant increase in their price tags. Nonetheless, enough legrandite was produced that the average collector can still acquire a modest example of this beautiful and classic species from the Ojuela Mine.

    Other rare and beautiful arsenate species from Ojuela include brilliant green Austinite crystals, blue Kottigite sprays, and blue-gray Symplesite blades. Equally famous (and much more abundant today) are specimens of green, botryoidal mimetite hosting lustrous orange wulfenite crystals, up to several cm in size. Wulfenite from Ojuela is somewhat unusual in its variety of crystal forms: almost equant, pseudo-cubic crystals are not uncommon, as are elongated, dipyramidal crystals. In recent years, many excellent, very aesthetic examples of this combination have been found. Hemimorphite is another attractive zinc mineral which is abundant at Ojuela- groups of parallel white prisms forming an almost botryoidal ‘carpet’ on gossan matrix have been found up to 40+ cm. Several minerals also noted from Tsumeb occur as attractive examples from Ojuela, such as bayldonite, tsumcorite, and duftite. Additionally, Ojuela is the type locale for a number of species, including the rare arsenates lotharmeyerite, mapimite, ojuelite, and miguelromeroite. Continued mining by cooperatives and independent specimen diggers mean that good minerals and perhaps new species will be found at Ojuela for many years to come.

    9.) San Diego County, California Gem Pegmatites

    Famous 25 cm-wide ‘cadelabra’ blue-capped Elbaite Tourmaline from the 1972 Tourmaline Queen Mine find (photo © Harold & Erika Van Pelt)

    Famous 25 cm-wide ‘cadelabra’ blue-capped Elbaite Tourmaline from the 1972 Tourmaline Queen Mine find (photo © Harold & Erika Van Pelt)

    Gem pegmatite districts, typically of the Lithium-Tantalum-Cesium (LCT) pegmatite family, are not especially rare on earth, with good examples occurring on most continents, including the mountains of Pakistan/Afghanistan, Minas Gerais State in Brazil, and Oxford County Maine, USA. What makes the pegmatites of Southern California special however, is their concentration, both of individual pegmatites and of collectible (and often beautiful) mineral species. While gemmy, polychromatic crystals of tourmaline, spodumene or beryl first come to mind when San Diego County in invoked, the district is also an important source of fine crystallized examples of rarer species such as stibiotantalite, rynersonite, hydroxlherderite, and hambergite. Mining for gemstones and mineral specimens has enjoyed an almost 125 year history, continuing today, and interest and appreciation for the minerals of the region, particularly tourmaline, are probably at an all-time high today.

    George Kunz examining crystals of spodumene var. Kunzite around 1905.

    George Kunz examining crystals of spodumene var. Kunzite around 1905.

    A large kunzite crystal in the Harvard collection from the same find (both photos © Bill Larson/palaminerals.com)

    A large kunzite crystal in the Harvard collection from the same find (both photos © Bill Larson/palaminerals.com)

    The rolling, Mediterranean-like hills around Mesa Grande and Pala were quite pastoral in the late 19th century, with farming and ranching occurring around scattered small villages. In 1898, Mesa Grande local Gail Lewis discovered small crystals of bicolor tourmaline loose on the surface of what would become known as the Himalaya pegmatite, and filed a claim on it. Given the strong market for US gemstones at the time, the chief promoter of this market, George Kunz of the Tiffany company of New York, soon got word of the new California tourmaline discovery, and sent secret company agents to investigate the potential for a new gem district (Fischer 2008). Kunz’s men soon began mining tourmaline and other pegmatite minerals at the Himalaya and nearby pegmatites on their own, with most good colored tourmaline going to China for carving into ornamental snuff bottles and other items which were then very much in demand there (Fischer 2008). In 1902, the pegmatites around Pala were discovered, and soon after, a number of crystals of bright pink spodumene were found, to be named ‘kunzite’ in honor of George Kunz. After the Chinese revolution in 1912, demand for carving-grade tourmaline plummeted, as did gem demand in general in the US around the world war periods (Fischer 2008). It was not until the 1950’s, as mineral collecting became increasingly popular in the US along with demand for colored gems that pegmatite mining resumed in San Diego and Riverside counties. Several spectacular discoveries in the 1970’s and 80’s, most notably the 72 find of huge blue-capped pink tourmaline crystals at the Tourmaline Queen Mine. Mines such as the Stewart, Tourmaline King & Queen, Himalaya, and Little Three enjoyed fairly frequent pocket discoveries throughout the middle 20th century, and some are still operating today, though generally on a ‘hobbyist’ or ‘weekender’ level by collectors with other primary forms of employment. Indeed, the challenges of pegmatite mining are perhaps best exemplified by the months leading up to the great 1972 ‘blue cap pocket’ at the Tourmaline Queen Mine, in which miner John McLean and others tunneled over 6 meters through hard, unmineralized, barren pegmatite only to change course slightly into a world-class crystal pocket (Larson 2008). Still though, the search for gems has inspired many a miner and collector, and this search continues today at mines such as the Oceanside and Cryo-Genie.

    Stibiotantalite crystals on Rubellite Tourmaline (2.6 cm across), Himalaya Mine (specimen and photo © irocks.com)

    Stibiotantalite crystals on Rubellite Tourmaline (2.6 cm across), Himalaya Mine (specimen and photo © irocks.com)

    Geologically, the gem pegmatites of San Diego County share many similarities with other great gem pegmatite provinces of the world. They are of the lithium-tantalum-cesium (LCT) geochemical family, which are highly evolved pegmatites characterized by stong enrichment in large ion lithophile (LILE) elements such as lithium, cesium, rubidium. They also contain significant boron, fluorine and beryllium, important elements for the formation of tourmaline, topaz, and beryl. Additionally, many pegmatites can be subdivided into rare element (containing minerals such as stibiotantalite and samarskite-(Y)), and phosphate (containing large ‘nodules’ of various phosphate minerals) affinities. In San Diego County, these pegmatites have intruded Cretaceous-age granite plutons of the Peninsular range batholith (Fischer 2008). Pegmatites have been dated at ages of ~93-98 million years, while the main host granite is ~101 million years old (Fischer 2008). This age relationship is typical for highly evolved gem pocket-bearing LCT pegmatites, which form as residual granite melt becomes increasingly enriched in incompatible elements, water, and other volatiles and eventually intrude surrounding, already cooled rock to form much coarser-grained, chemically-complex dikes. Many of the gem-producing pegmatite’s of San Diego County extend along their strike for 100’s of meters, but are only 1-2 meters thick, with spectacular mineral zonation. Unidirectional solidification textures (formed as undercooled magma crystallizes against cold wallrocks) show large euhedral crystals which point inward perpendicularly from pegmatite walls, and at their terminations, a core zone enriched in massive lepidolite, tourmaline and other rarer species may sometimes open up into the much-coveted miarolitic gem crystal pocket. While many pegmatites are strongly deformed by subsequent uplift and faulting, the arid climate combined with fairly near-surface (<5 km) emplacement of the pegmatites means that exposure is excellent, and almost all pegmatites known today were discovered from surface outcrops. Mineralogically, the San Diego County pegmatite district is fairly diverse, with over 120 minerals known from the pegmatites. The most famous mineral from San Diego County is probably tourmaline, or more specifically the lithium-bearing tourmaline species elbaite. Elbaite occurs in virtually all shades, from hot pink to deep blue to emerald green to nearly jet-black. Probably the most famous tourmaline crystals known today (we will avoid thinking about the many thousands of fine crystals which were destroyed by carving demand by the Chinese in the late 19th and early 20th centuries) are the large (up to ‘beer can’ size!) blue-capped rubellite crystals found in 1971 & 1972 at the Tourmaline Queen Mine. The nearby Tourmaline King pegmatite also produced outstanding, sometimes very large ‘watermelon’ and green-capped pink crystals during this era, sometimes in clusters up to 30 cm. The famous 28 cm-high ‘steamboat’ specimen on display at the Smithsonian is one such example. The Stewart mine produced thousands of elongated rubellite crystals with distinctive ‘hot pink’ color, and similar crystals were found at the Pala Chief mine (Fischer 2008). In the 1980’s and 90’s, many fine elbaite crystals showing horizontal color bands of blue, green and pink were found at the Himalaya mine. Recently, large sprays of similarly color-zoned crystals with curious ‘tapered’ habit have been found at the Cryo-Genie mine. Fine tourmaline continues to be found today in San Diego County. Next in fame to tourmaline is probably the beautiful pink variety of spodumene, kunzite, first discovered in the Pala Chief mine and nearby Katerina and Vanderberg pegmatites in the early 20th century. Kunzite occurs as flattened tabular, gem-clear pink crystals up to 28 x 15 cm! Indeed, the largest known Southern California kunzite was actually just discovered in 2010 at the Oceanview pegmatite. Beryl also occurs in numerous varieties from heliodor (yellow-green) to goshenite (clear), but probably the most famous crystals are the sharp, gemmy flattened hexagonal pink morganite crystals from pegmatites such as the White Queen, Oceanside and Elizabeth R. Attractive clear to light blue beryl crystals also occur at pegmatite’s including the Beebe Hole and Pack Rat (Fischer 2002). Topaz is somewhat less common in San Diego County, but does occasionally form excellent, gemmy light blue to clear crystals to 10 cm, most notably at the Little Three mine, which has also produced striking combinations of gemmy spessartine garnet with schorl tourmaline on albite (Fischer 2002). [caption id="attachment_835" align="aligncenter" width="498"]Blue Topaz: Little Three Pegmatite (photo © Robert Weldon/GIA) Blue Topaz: Little Three Pegmatite (photo © Robert Weldon/GIA)[/caption]

    Notable rarer species from San Diego County pegmatites include dark red, lustrous crystals of Stibiotantalite with rynersonite (type locality), both rare tantalum oxides. Fine yellow to brown crystals of danburite, a boron species which is occasionally found in evolved LCT pegmatites, were sometimes found at several pegmatites. Hambergite, a rare boron beryllium siicate, is found in good crystals at several pegmatites as well, only recently eclipsed by spectacular discoveries in Madagascar and Pakistan. While not quite as aesthetic, the rare species boromuscovite was first discovered at the Little Three mine, where it is reasonably abundant. Nice pink to clear crystals of fluorapatite were often associated with quartz, though the most desirable apatites are attached to vibrantly-colored tourmaline crystals, making handsome specimens. Numerous rare phosphate minerals, such as jahnsite and hureaulite also are found in a number of San Diego County pegmatites. Continued mining in San Diego County means that fine mineral specimens will likely be available for many years to come.

    10.) Jachymov District, Bohemia, Czech Republic

    Jachymov Village in winter (photo © prague-guide.co.uk)

    Jachymov Village in winter (photo © prague-guide.co.uk)

    This last, but certainly not least locality was a difficult choice for many reasons, the obvious being that there are dozens of other localities around the world that could be considered ‘top ten’, and I’m many a reader is groaning at this very moment about my failure to include their favorite locality. Another is that there are numerous other ‘world-class’ districts in Europe which are geologically quite similar to Jachymov, such as Freiberg, Germany and Kongsberg, Norway. Nonetheless, I think Jachymov is a worthy addition to the somewhat arbitrary ‘top ten’ list for several reasons. While often forgotten by modern collectors due to scarcity of good specimens on the market and the fact that most mining occurred so long ago, Jachymov is in fact a mineralogical powerhouse, with 429 minerals reported from the district, and 46(!) of these being type localities. Many of these type locality species are not obscure, ugly rarities but in fact globally-important minerals, including uraninite, bornite, and yes, fluorite! This begins to hint at the historical importance of the district in establishing the science of descriptive mineralogy, and the centuries-long mining history there. Additionally, Jachymov is probably the world most important example of the economically-important ‘5 element vein’ type of ore deposit, which will be discussed more in detail later.

    Proustite crystal group from Jachymov (4.5 cm across; photo & specimen © Weinrich Minerals)

    Proustite crystal group from Jachymov (4.5 cm across; photo & specimen © Weinrich Minerals)

    The Jachymov District (also known as the Joachimsthal District) is situated in the Erzgebirge (literally ‘ore mountains’ in German) mountains, a range of mainly low (<2000 m), rolling, heavily forested mountains near the German border with the northwestern Czech Republic. The history of the district stretches back to the beginning of the 16th century, when the Kingdom of Bohemia ruled the region (Majer & Podlesi 1994). In 1516, rich silver veins were discovered in outcrop at Jachymov, and such a mining rush was created that production at the already well-established mines in nearby Saxony was significantly depressed, and banks and well-to-do merchants all over central Europe scrambled to invest in mining there (Majer & Podlesi 1994). By 1520, over 4000 miners and their families inhabited the ‘free mining town’ of Jachymov, and this rose to over 13,000 by 1525 (Majer & Podlesi 1994). The main purpose of mining at Jachymov in this era was production of silver to provide currency for the Kingdom of Bohemia, and it did so quite well, with over 2.2 million coins already produced by 1528, from 25 open pit and underground mines (Majer & Podlesi 1994). Indeed, even modern currency owes a nod to Jachymov, as the coins minted there were originally called ‘Joachimsthalers’, or ‘thalers’, which was corrupted over time to the word ‘dollars’ (Tyler 1930). Unfortunately, the rich, near-surface silver ores were fairly exhausted by 1550, and Jachymov lay somewhat dormant for a period, though some mining for silver continued, as well as for elements such as nickel and cobalt (then used as a pigment in paints). However, a new boom would come much later, thanks to the presence of a mysterious dense, black colloform mineral the miners called ‘pech blende’ or ‘black ore’, which would turn out to be uraninite (pitchblende). Scientists as early as the great 16th century metallurgist and early mineralogist (though a physician by training) Georgius Agricola noted the ‘bad health effects of inhalation of pech blende dust’, though he had no idea this was caused by exposure to radiation. [caption id="attachment_838" align="aligncenter" width="580"]Illustration from Georgius Agricola’s seminal 1556 book ‘De Re Metallica’ illustrating mining at Jachymov (photo © fotosearch.com) Illustration from Georgius Agricola’s seminal 1556 book ‘De Re Metallica’ illustrating mining at Jachymov (photo © fotosearch.com)[/caption]

    Fast-forward 300 years to the mid-19th century, when it was found that uranium salts, when added to ceramics, could produce beautiful shades of neon green, yellow and red, and the ceramic industry of Bohemia for many years featured brightly-colored enamelware made with such additives (Frame 2015). Later, when Marie Curie isolated the element radium, the rich uranium ores of Jachymov became a main source for this miraculous new element, whose curative powers (when applied to chemotherapy) were recognized early, but whose negative powers (to create the very cancer and other ill health effects it sought to cure) were regrettably not understood until much later. During Victorian times, people all over Europe rejoiced in the supposed curative powers of radium, and items such as radium toothpaste, mouthwash, and ‘5 cent x-rays’ were touted for their health effects (Frame 2015). In 1912, the ‘Marie Curie-Sklodowska Radium Palace’ opened in Jachymov, where visitors could bathe in geothermal springs, which supposedly contained radium, and indulge in various radium health treatments. Unfortunately by the time Marie Curie herself realized the deadly reality of radium, she was already in the advanced stages of terminal thyroid cancer, but her scientific discoveries would and had already changed the world, and would pave the way for the next era of mining at Jachymov. After WWII, when Bohemia and Jachymov descended behind the ‘iron curtain’ of the Soviet Union, Jachymov became a strategic asset, and the larger East German region was the number one supplier of uranium for both energy and nuclear arms to the USSR (Frame 2015). From 1948 to 1962, thousands of laborers, many of them political and other prisoners, labored in the Jachymov mines to extract uranium ore. All of this was highly clandestine, of course, and much is still unknown about Jachymov during this period. By the fall of the iron curtain and the breakup of the Soviet Union in the early 1990’s, mining was mostly gone at Jachymov. Today, the town is somewhat is disrepair, having never economically recovered from the cessation of mining and state planning of every detail of life there during Soviet times, but a modest tourist industry caters to those interested in the fascinating history of the area, as well as several nearby health spa resorts.

    ‘Pitchblende’ Uraninite, 6 cm across, from Jachymov (photo © Jeff Weissman/mindat.org)

    ‘Pitchblende’ Uraninite, 6 cm across, from Jachymov (photo © Jeff Weissman/mindat.org)

    Geologically, Jachymov is part of the great Erzgebirge Mountains metallogenic province, which includes the famous Freiberg district ~100 km away. The main host rocks to the over 200 veins occurring at Jachymov are differentiated granite plutons which have intruded Precambrian metamorphic rocks uplifted during the Hercynian orogeny, mainly schists and amphibolites (Ondrus et al. 2003). The veins are hydrothermal in nature and exploit older faults along which basalt or porphyry dikes related to the granite emplacement occur. The exact timing of mineralization and its relationship to the dikes is not understood, but pitchblende mineralization, associated with carbonates, is thought to be early (close to intrusion of the Hercynian granites around ~300 Ma), and emplacement of silver, cobalt, bismuth and arsenic sulfide ores occurred later, associated with tertiary volcanism (Ondrus et al. 2003). In many cases, earlier, fairly chemically-simple uranium ore veins were overprinted by chemically-complex ores of the ‘5 element’ affinity, containing Ag, As, Bi, Ni, & Co. It is this long-lived and complex mineralizing systems, exploiting the same structural conduits over time, which is probably responsible for the great mineralogical diversity at Jachymov, as we have seen at other world-class localities.
    Mineralogically, Jachymov is best known for 3 groups of minerals: silver-containing species, arsenic-containing species, and uranium minerals. While much native silver was mined in the early days, little of it has survived until today, and none of the spectacular wires found at nearby Freiberg were found at Jachymov. However, fine crystals of blood-red proustite to 4 cm, lustrous black acanthite crystals on calcite to several cm, and other secondary silver minerals more than make up for this. Also famous from Jachymov are often large colloform specimens of lustrous black pitchblende uraninite, sometimes in great sizes. While these do not make good specimens to store in your home for obvious reasons, the upside is that the breakdown of primary uraninite at Jachymov resulted in over 80(!) secondary uranium minerals, including colorful examples of zippeite (TL), Metauranopilite (TL), Psuedojohannite (TL), its namesake jachymovite (TL) and more. Additionally, in the ‘5 element veins’, good examples of the classic Ni, Co and Ag arsenides occur, including nickeline, annabergite, rammelsbergite, skutterudite, and safflorite. Finally, a diverse list of secondary arsenates also occur, many forming colorful microcrystals and some in larger crystallized examples. While mining at Jachymov is probably finished, the rich history and mineralogical heritage, from inspiring Agricola’s ‘Der Metallica’ in the 16th century to new mineral discoveries today, will ensure Jachymov is not forgotten.

    This article was brought to you by Phillip Persson of PerssonMinerals.com

    2015 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Rockhounds in your life!

    Cut That Agate Retail Packaging

    Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is fast approaching, time to find that perfect gift for your rock loving friends and family.

    Without further adou, these items have caught our eye over the past few months and would make great gift ideas for the people on your list –

    #10UV Blacklight – Tried and True, We have seen these UV lights popping up at mineral shows and field collecting trips as a great inexpensive way to test UV reaction on specimens you find (for sale or on the ground!) – Do note, this is for a LW light, different than a SW light, most minerals react in one or the other, and sometimes both. LW is still, just as important and inexpensive SW lights are much less compact and much more expensive. This seller on eBay has sold HUNDREDS of these lights with nary a negative feedback to be seen. We can highly recommend one of these lights to all rockhounds, everywhere – a perfect stocking stuffer!

    Photo of LW UV Light

    12 LED Long Wave Ultraviolet Light, Perfect for all Rockhounds!

    #9Gem Hunt – Digging in the sand is fun – different than those plaster based kits, this pseduo-rockhound kit just needs water to unlock the hardened sand block, featuring 12 gem pieces, including blue zircon, garnets, amethyst, herkimer diamond and much more. Perfect gift for all ages over 5 – small parts and possible sharp crystals. NoteThe owners of this site also own CutThatAgate – Which is why we can assure you, Everybody LOVES GemHunt! This product was previewed and demonstrated at the Denver Colosseum show in 2015 to rave reviews. Now, featuring a super informative 16 page full color booklet that explains the basics of gemstones and gives in-depth information about the stones included in the kit. $34.99 + $8.00 shipping from CutThatAgate.com
    Gem Hunt - Find Gems and learn about Gemstones!

    #8Lapis Rough – Most Watched Item on eBay Minerals We have purchased rocks for presents before, sometimes a hit, sometimes a miss – however, think about this – This Lapis lot is one of the MOST WATCHED MINERAL auctions on eBay! A half pound of bright blue Lapis is sure to make anyone happy – from the beautiful color, to the history, there is so much to love about Lapis.
    Lapis Lazuli Rough

    #7The perfect Rock Hammer – 22 Ounce Estwing Rockhammer Rock Hammers! They get lost, they get borrowed, they rarely ware out. In fact, some rock hammers are prized possessions, bestowed upon with luck, passed on like a religious relic. Nobody has enough of these. “Oh, ANOTHER rock hammer”, is not something that comes out of a rockhound’s mouth. For the novice, we have had people bring claw hammers to field trips, those people were not lucky enough to have a person like you in their life – Give love, Give a Rock hammer. This 22 Ounce Estwing is EXACTLY what they want!

    22 ounce Rock Hammer by Estwing

    Every Rockhound needs a few of these!

    Cut That Agate Retail Packaging
    #6Cut That Agate – Don’t smash that geode! Then again, those raw geodes are inexpenvise and smashing things does give you a cathartic experience, but, it rarely gives you a nice split geode. We introduced Cut That Agate for this very reason – Choose between five different types of stones – Quartz Geodes, Orange and Blue Agates, Ammonite and Calcite Septarian Nodules, all split in half, polished on both sides and put back together with a strong glue that dissolves quickly in water. You can not pull these apart, but after a couple hours soaking in water, these rocks will split into two perfect specimens, ready to be displayed for years. Cut That Agate is a super gift item, a premium version of these break your own geode sets, great for ALL ages, no tools required, just add water to the jar included. 12 page booklet featuring information about each type of stone available, how agates form and more! Buy one of these for $24.99 at CutThatAgate.com – Buy all 5 versions and get them for a discounted price!

    The five varieties of Cut That Agate

    Buy All 5 Varieties and Save! Buy 4, get the 5th one FREE!

    Sample Mindat Sponsorship

    Sample Sponsored Page on Mindat.org


    #5 Name a Mineral or Locality Page in Honor of someone – Mindat.org – Every single person who likes rocks has visited this website. Mindat.org is a treasure trove of information, a message board with tons of people to talk to, articles galore, tons of content that people enjoy everyday. Mindat.org offers a fun option to use as a gift, sponsor a mineral page! That’s right, you can sponsor a page in someone’s name, or your own, so pick a mineral, like Glauberite! – I think Sulphohalite is still available! Pick a mineral page not sponsored and connect with Mindat! It makes a great gift!

    #4Blue Cap Productions Mineral Shows/Events/Subjects DVDs – Blue Cap Productions makes amazing DVD’s of Mineral Shows and Mineral Topics and now YOU can get 50% off these videos until December 15th on BlueCapProductions.com with coupon code ” GOBBLE15″. These videos capture the experience of minerals in HD super quality – interviews with dealers, collectors, miners, movers and shakers, you just can not go wrong with these videos – Buy one for you or a friend today!
    wheretofindxmasgiftsforrockhounds002

    #3Saruca® Gem & Mineral Concentrator After using one of these fine pans, oh mama, you are never going to want for another pan! We have found this flat bottomed pan to be our favorite method of alluvial gem hunting. From specks of gold to gem material, the flat bottom of the Saruca pan is going to help while panning like nothing else. You get much better control of the material as opposed to the classic stepped pans.
    wheretofindxmasgiftsforrockhounds011

    #2Tumbler – We have talked to at least four parents this year who asked about Rock Tumblers for their kids. Rock tumbling is a blast! We are constantly spinning out barrels, 30 pounds at a time – and for the beginner we have a few selections.
    #1 – We just love this all in one set from Amazon
    #2 – Check out RockTumbler.com for articles and suggestions, kits and tumblers. They really know what is best for you.
    #3 – Harbor Freight sells a double barrel unit that, when on sale, is well worth the price. However, this unit does not come with grits, you NEED to buy the warranty because odds are, you will end up replacing something in two years, plus, you will want to upgrade the rubber belts they supply with the unit. Even though it comes with five replacements ones, a unit that is acting up can go through five belts in five weeks. Put a nicer belt on and you’ll rarely think of replacements, maybe every year or two of continuous use.
    wheretofindxmasgiftsforrockhounds013

    #1Mineralogy By John Sinkankas This book was last published in 1993 yet no text has come close in terms of ease to understand and explanation of basic concepts of Mineralogy. If one were to read this cover to cover, you would know more about Mineralogy than some advanced mineral collectors. This text is designed for all levels of knowledge, We would think most 6th graders could wrap their heads around much of this book – Get a used copy on Amazon for a friend and be someone’s hero – If someone has a basic interest in rocks, they are going to love this book. No color photos, but no stodgy, poorly written text. This is just a solid book.

    The Must Own Book for all interested in Minerals

    The Must Own Book for all interested in Minerals

    So, if it is still 2015 by the time you read this, or 2016, 2017, my golly, 2018, we bet these products will serve as great gift ideas for years to come!

    Some kids grow up to become mineral dealers, some grow up to become geologists – Two views

    3.85 Diamond Found at Crater of Diamond State Park

    Two articles online brought an interesting slice of life to kids with rocks and minerals in their pockets and in their minds. Lots of children become interested in rocks and minerals, like any other popular natural science, kids all over have the thoughts of becoming a geologist. Fewer kids have the thoughts of becoming professional dealers of minerals, rocks and fossils. These two articles give a look into two different types of kids, one who became a very successful mineral dealer and another who became a professional geologist.

    Rosie Cima did a wonderful write up about mineral dealer Robert Lavinsky, or, Dr. Lavinsky, as we find out in the article found on the Priceonomics website, The Very Model of a Modern Mineral Dealer. In this article we get a picture of Robert Lavinsky, owner of The Arkenstone, from boyhood facination with rocks and minerals, into college, selling minerals became a main focus of his life, trumping his doctorate degree in Molecular Genetics.

    This is the type of kid who is mixed with a passion for sales and an equal passion for collecting. Like this bit from the article shows

    At some point during the interview, when asked why the market has grown as rapidly as it has, he attributes a lot of it to people realizing that they could own minerals in the first place. Because who wouldn’t want to?

    “I can have these amazing, beautiful objects that are tens of millions of years old in my house!” he shouts. He certainly does.

    Stibnite specimen, photo from irocks.com

    Stibnite specimen, photo from irocks.com

    On the other hand, we have children who don’t have the same drive for sales. With those kids with rocks in their pockets we have this great guest blog on the AGU blogosphere, this writer, Evelyn Mervine, on her Georneys site, had her mother submit a guest article on what it was like to grow up nurturing a future geologist.
    Barbara Mervine has a great viewpoint on raising a young geologist, as you can see in this quote.

    Geologists are often born, not made. Shortly after birth, the parents of a born geologist notice something different about their child. Some parents try to interest their young child in other subjects, such as birds or stamp collecting. However, it is best to just give up and accept that your child is different.

    Barbara has several words of wisdom, what to expect when raising a future geologist, like this one…

    The parent of the geologist dreads the day that the child becomes a teenager and begins learning to drive. That is because now the child’s habit of looking for rocks while in the car becomes looking for rocks while driving a car. Rock cuts on highways are a danger that all parents of geologists should be aware of. For example, Evelyn was once traveling with a group of geologists from MIT when they stopped the van along the side of a major highway. All the geologists piled out to go look at a rock cut. The police man who gave them tickets for illegal stopping on a highway was not impressed with their excuse that millions of years of history was revealed right there before his eyes. He pointed out that hundreds of cars were right there going by at high speeds. Obviously, the police man did not have a brother or sister who was a born geologist.

    Both articles are well worth checking out
    Rosie Cima’s Priceonomics article The Very Model of a Modern Mineral Dealer —> http://priceonomics.com/the-very-model-of-a-modern-mineral-dealer
    Barbara Mervine’s Guest Post on Georneys Blog for AGU The Care and Feeding of a Geologist —> http://blogs.agu.org/georneys/2011/10/12/the-care-and-feeding-of-a-geologist-a-guest-post-by-barbara-mervine/

    How to prepare your 4×4 for rock collecting – Rockhounding Preparedness Series

    How to prepare your 4×4 for rock collecting.

    Rock collecting may be a popular, family oriented activity, but how often do you think of the safety of your family first when you go off the beaten track to hunt for that one, perfect example of a billion-year-old rock? How often have you heard of people being stranded without food and water for days, just because the driver did not check his vehicle before leaving home? Don’t let this happen to you and yours! Simply follow the few easy-to-follow tips listed here to reduce the possibility of vehicle breakdowns when you could be hundreds of miles away from the nearest repair shop.

    Check radiator hoses.
    This might appear to be self evident, but according to the AAA, engine overheating is the leading cause of vehicle breakdowns in America. Radiator hoses must be firm to the touch, and free of oil, and even oil residue. Oil degrades the rubber of radiator hoses, which makes it imperative that oil contaminated hoses be replaced before your next trip.

    Check all V-, and other drive belts.
    You may think your belts are OK, but the most damage occurs when the pieces of a broken drive belt work themselves in under the other drive belts. This can cause all your belts to jump their pulleys, and because of their high rotational speed, the flying pieces can destroy the radiator, the battery, the radiator fan, and critically important wiring. When in doubt, don’t procrastinate, replace all the belts, and observe the proper tensions on all.

    Check the charge rate.
    The proper rate of charge on 12 V vehicles is 14.2 – 14.6 Volt. Anything above or below this value is indicative of a faulty alternator, or maybe worse, damage to wiring in places where you cannot repair it in the wilderness, so fix it now, while you can.

    Check battery condition.
    Don’t just look at the outside, and maybe clean off acid accumulations. A battery needs to be able to deliver specific currents at certain times, such as during starting. Have an authorized battery dealer perform a draw test, to determine the ability of the battery to deliver sufficient starting current. Also, compare the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell against the specs for your battery. Differences of one or two percent are normal, but differences or deviations that approach 5% are not, and you should replace the battery.

    Getting Jump Started in the Desert

    You don’t even want to THINK about how much it costs to get a jump start in the desert, 80 miles from nowhere.

    Check the suspension.
    Check the suspension and steering systems for excessive free play between related components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, steering dampers, draglinks and control arms. You may think that since the tie rod ends have been a little loose for the last two years, they are OK because they have not pulled from their sockets yet, but off-road driving places extreme loads on a vehicle, and the last thing you want to happen is to lose your steering while going down a steep, rocky hillside. Think of your family, and replace all worn components before you leave home.

    Check the brake system.
    Check the entire system for signs of leaks, and do NOT forget to check the slave cylinders inside the brake drums. These cylinders can lose up to 60% of their effectiveness before they even start to show signs of leaking, which means you could be driving around with less than 50% of your braking capacity. Moreover, if you had been topping the brake fluid reservoir regularly, but cannot see a leak, remove the master cylinder from the brake booster to check if the brake fluid is not leaking into the booster. If this is the case, replace the entire master cylinder because you can never be sure the rubber seal kits available today will not fail you when you need them most; such as when you are going down a steep, very narrow mountain pass, with a 1000-foot drop off, and no safety barrier.

    Basic Preparedness is Essential for Rockhounding!

    Better safe than sorry.
    Performing basic vehicle maintenance procedures before heading into the wilderness is not a hassle: it is a vital precaution against being marooned hundreds of miles from the nearest repair facilities. It is also great way to prevent potentially fatal accidents caused by parts that failed because they should have been replaced months ago, but was not. Think of the safety of your family, if not your own, get your vehicle into great shape, and enjoy the rock hunting, which is what you go into the wilderness for, right? Only make sure that by taking care of your vehicle, you can safely make it out again!

    Writing an Article – Sharing a Location – For WhereToFindRocks.com

    WhereToFindRocks.com was made to share public collecting locations, taking away the mystery of rockhounding and inviting more participants to our hobby. Several individuals have produced articles for WhereToFindRocks.com and we always welcome more submissions! We can never have too many!

    Just in case you think this is merely an altruistic cry for submissions, let me inform you, submitting an article to WhereToFindRocks.com can be very beneficial!
    If you submit an article, you are allowed to have a linked banner at the top and bottom of your article. If you have a rockshop/show/club to promote, you can work that into your article. For example, a great regional show trip often includes a rockhounding trip. Promote your show or local rock shop with a field trip article. Write an article to promote your local rock club and a field trip you have gone on with the club.

    We only ask that you follow our main rule…

    Any location published on WhereToFindRocks.com must be available to the public via open access given by the owner or government or a pay to visit location. While access to locations changes all the time, we strive to showcase locations that are open to the general public.

    We ask that you submit articles between 500 and 2000 words long. You need to include a few photos of the area, material that comes out of the area and pinpoint the location on a map. We ask for at least 6 photos. You may also include a banner, no larger than 600 pixels wide, which can link to your website.

    Here are some examples

    Of course we love photos of holes in the ground, because we love what comes out of the holes.

    Of course we love photos of holes in the ground, because we love what comes out of the holes.


    Pocket photos help to set the mood – any sort of photos with the digging are super

    Remembering Byron Weege
    Photos of people at the location, always timeless!

    Collecting in the Field
    Photos of people collecting, or rockhounding

    Maps with labels are super!
    We like to create interactive google maps, if you give us whatever map you have, we can make a google map out of it.

    Lost Mine Field Trip, the booty
    And show us what you could expect to find on a day collecting, if you work hard!

    E-mail us directly at
    FortySevenPress@gmail.com
    to submit your rockhounding article for
    WhereToFindRocks.com

    Top 10 International Mineral and Gem Crystal Shows

    Top 10 International Mineral Shows

    By Jeremy Zolan

    The newest finds and choicest mineral specimens are always the hottest items at the world’s biggest mineral shows. The most popular mineral shows are those that allow both businesses and the public the best and most exclusive specimens at the most competitive prices. Displays and activities also make shows notable. Many museums take the privilege to display extraordinary specimens rarely seen by others aside from the curators if they fit with the theme of the show, which many but not all shows have. Here is a selection of ten shows that currently attract the most notable attention, of course, as with all things in this world, in a few years, some of these shows might have ceased to be and new events will rise up.

    #1 Tucson Mineral and Gem Shows- Tucson, Arizona, USA

    One of the largest shows in the world, The Tucson Mineral and Gem Shows are held for about a month, starting in late January and running until mid-February. The environment is exciting and busy, perhaps overwhelming for some. At the main show at the end of the events, Vendors are typically larger, more established dealers selling mostly mineral specimens, but a few sell fossils or lapidary material as well. The displays at the show are very well known for highlighting extremely fine specimens with exciting themes. 2014’s main show theme was Diamonds and Gold. One of the greatest mineral show displays in history was featured at the 2008 Tucson Mineral and Gem show- the American Mineral Treasures exhibit. This show united many of the US’ finest native specimens in the same display cases.

    Here is an ad for ONE of the shows, the Tucson Gem and Rock Crystal Show!
    Tucson Mineral and Gem Show Ad

    #2 Denver Gem and Mineral Show- Denver, Colorado, USA

    The majority of the largest and most popular mineral shows in the US are held in the Southwest. The Denver Gem and Mineral Show certainly fits that category. This show is very similar to the TGMS show and is also themed. The 2014 show’s theme was be agate. It generally attracts a very similar crowd of dealers as well. The displays are especially famous- many of the world’s famous mineral museums and greatest private collectors put in mouth watering specimens.


    The-Vug tours the Denver Mineral Show
    DenverColShow-blogspot
    Official site: http://www.denvermineralshow.com/

    #3 Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines show, France

    Outdoor mineral shows are always a great time, especially if they are held in an ancient mining town like the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines Show! The gorgeous scenery and rich history of the French countryside setting make this perhaps the world’s most scenic major mineral show. It is one of the premier mineral events in Europe as well and has thousands of visitors. Last year was the 50th anniversary of the show. Check out this show from Thursday through the last weekend in June if you’d like to attend a superb European event!

    SainteMarie
    Official site: http://www.sainte-marie-mineral.com/an_index.php

    #4 Munich Mineraltage – Munich, Germany

    This show takes place right around Halloween, late October, first days of November, typically. The show is located in three huge halls, which are formerly airplane hangers! The whole Trade Fair Center is the old Munich airport, converted into a giant convention center. The show has over 1,000 dealers from all over the world, separated into areas for mineral dealers, lapidary, fossils, crystal healing, and all sorts of other fun niches. Each year the show has a theme and the exhibits are never short of amazing. The show is run by the Keilmann family and you can see them breezing by on their scooters from hall to hall, ensuring that the show runs like clockwork.

    munichmineraltage
    Official site: https://munichshow.com/en/

    #5 Tokyo International Mineral Fair- Tokyo, Japan

    First held in 1988, the Tokyo International Mineral Fair is the largest and oldest mineral show in Asia. This show is focused on compact and high end booths geared towards a retail rather than wholesale audience. Rare and systematic mineral dealers are fairly numerous at the show due to the higher than average national interest in systematic mineral collecting. This is a good show to go to for those who are looking for unusual or specialized material. Japan also has many mineral localities that have produced wonderful specimens that are rarely if ever seen in the west. This is a great event to look at or purchase unique local Japanese material. The next show is being held on December 6th through 9th in 2014.

    tokyomineralshow
    Official Website: http://www.tokyomineralshow.com/english/

    #6 Rockhound Gemboree- Bancroft, Ontario, Canada

    Every summer during the first weekend in August, Canada’s largest show is held in the nation’s heartland of mineral collecting. Bancroft is widely referred to as “Canada’s Mineral Capital” for having an abundance of abandoned mines and other mineral collecting localities open to the general public. This mineral show usually has an excellent selection of local material and esoteric specimens. It often attracts smaller dealers as well as major Canadian dealers. Swapping specimens is also encouraged at this show. Visitors looking for a fun outing in nature should consider mineral collecting in the region. Ask local museums or dealers what their recommendations are based on your experience. Many different kinds of minerals can be found like apatite, sodalite, rose quartz, and fluorescents.

    rockhoundgemboree
    Official site: http://rockhoundgemboree.ca/

    #7 Quartzsite Gem and Mineral Shows- Quartzsite, Arizona, USA

    This event has been an agate licker’s paradise for nearly 50 years. This unique series of mineral shows is held outside and dealers often sell specimens out of their RVs. Quartzsite offers a total of nine show locations with events being held from mid January to late February. These events are great for bartering or swapping of all kinds so bring plenty of trading material if you plan on going! While you are in Arizona for this event, you also may want to check out the many world famous mineral and gem shows in Tucson which happen at the same time.

    quartzsite
    Website: http://xpopress.com/QZ-show-schedule.html

    #8 NY/NJ Mineral Fossil, Gem, and Jewelry Show- Edison, New Jersey, USA

    The NY/NJ is the newest out of all the shows in this list but is a true up-and-comer. It is held yearly in Edison, NJ during mid-April and over 300 dealers attend making it the largest current mineral show held in the NYC metro area. There is something for everyone at this show and dealers selling material ranging from very inexpensive to the finest quality are present. Many dealers also have a small selection of locally dugs specimens too. Though the focus is mostly on minerals and fossils, jewelry and lapidary materials are sold in abundance too. The displays at this new show have big hits. They have featured wonderful classic East Coast specimens that have both been dug recently or are of historic importance.

    Official Website: http://www.ny-nj-gemshow.com/

    #9 Houston Fine Mineral Show- Houston, Texas, USA

    The Houston Fine Mineral Show is one of the few major mineral shows that is free to the public to attend. Texas is home to many of the US’ finest recently assembled collections and their collectors, which means the displays at this event are typically some of the best that can be imagined. Dealers at this show typically specialize in fine minerals, meaning their specimens are of very high quality but are often quite expensive. Many of the world’s most advanced collectors visit this show and it serves as an important place for them to meet as well as purchase specimens.

    houston
    Official Website: http://www.westwardminerals.com/finemineralshow/pages/houston.html

    #10 Changsha Mineral and Gem Show – Changsha, Hunan Province, China

    China has been cranking out plenty of new specimens over the past two decades so it should not be surprising that mineral collecting is getting extremely popular in this country. This is a new phenomenon; mineral specimen collecting culture is fairly new to China in comparison to other nations. Hunan province, where Changsha is located is home to many mineral specimen producing mines that are currently being worked. This mineral show is very large and growing quickly. It attracts international dealers and may soon become the largest mineral show in Asia. The 2014 show is being held May 15th through 20th.

    changsha
    Official site: http://www.changsha-show.com/html/en_index/

    UV Light usage in mineral collecting – A Review of a dual band light under $100!

    UV Kit, includes the lamp, 10 mineral specimens, safety glasses and a cd full of information.

    I finally got tired of not having a UV light to use in the field. Years ago I had a nice unit with dual LW/SW and a 12v cigar lighter plug, which worked with lots of portable battery packs and in my car for those nighttime visits to classic UV locations. Sadly, this light was lost and replacing it would be a few hundred dollars.

    But, you never know how much you miss something like a good UV light until it is gone. There are just so many things a UV light helps with when checking out minerals. From the visual identification to seeing if a purchased specimen is glued, a good UV light pays for itself, quickly.

    I was excited to read about the improvements to UVTools.com handheld Lamp, an all in one unit with a long wave bulb and a strong short wave bulb powered by 6 watts, a decent output, for just under $100. The kit comes with the light, which requires 3D batteries, a sample of minerals to test the light with shortwave and longwave reactive specimens. Safety goggles and a cd rom with study guides and informative literature complete the package, all in all, it gives a great start to any beginner, while the advanced collector will appreciate the power this highly portable hand held unit produces. I found the LW light to be very bright and it made some of the fluorites in my collection to glow bright white/blue. The shortwave light gives a bright reaction, but typically from a distance of no more than 6 inches from the lamp. It will not light up a hillside, or even a whole flat of minerals, but it is perfect for “one on one” specimen viewing.

    Below: Photos of the kit, the minerals that came with it and some UV reaction from those specimens.

    UV Kit, includes the lamp, 10 mineral specimens, safety glasses and a cd full of information.

    UV Kit, includes the lamp, 10 mineral specimens, safety glasses and a cd full of information. Available from http://UVTools.com

    Shortwave Photo Sample two Calcite rhombs glowing bright red

    Shortwave Light Sample (photo taken with Galaxy S2 Phone)

    Longwave Light Sample (photo taken with Galaxy S2 Phone)

    Longwave Light Sample (photo taken with Galaxy S2 Phone)

    You can purchase this UV Lamp from the manufacture, directly at http://www.ultraviolet-tools.com for $99.99.

    There were two interesting things I learned by using this UV light. This agate deposit near my house became that much more interesting when I found out that every single piece of agate glows bright green under shortwave light. That means there is a lot of uranium in the area, which is giving the agate that color. Then, a hill over from that agate deposit, at another agate deposit, the brown crust on some of the agates was determined to be an uncommon variety of feldspar, after it was found that these crystals, in micron size, were glowing bright pink, typical of the species. You might wonder, so what, crusts of brown on agate? Well, the sweet thing is that these agates would now glow three different colors, green, pink and orange, sometimes yellow, as well. Three color rocks are what it is all about, so being able to notice the brown crusty bits on some of the agates helps identify them for further UV evaluation! It should be no surprise, those glowing agates include the local petrified palm root and what I like to call “Manix Lakebed Agate” which is a slurry of reeds, roots, rods and roughage from the lake that got silicated into a variety of translucent gel agate in shades of clear to black with red inclusions to a thick jasper-like layered wad of organics in stripes of black, red, cream and white. All of these organic masses were ripe with uranium! Several uranium deposits dot the mountains to the south, UV light is a great indicator of “hot rocks”!

    At WhereToFindRocks.com we give this product our recommendation for best starter kit for novices and backup/handheld for advanced collectors.
    Just under $100.00 from a manufacturer who stands behind their product. http://UVTools.com

    This “Living Rock” is as CRAZY as a talking mammal on two legs!

    The Ancestors of Us All

    By Jeremy Zolan

    If you’re friends with scientists, nature lovers, or enthusiasts of everything strange, you may have seen the article Crazy living rock is one of the weirdest creatures we’ve ever seen by Grist making rounds on social media lately. Prominently featured at the top of the article is a picture of said creature, which is actually an ascidian called Pyura chilensis- piure if you speak Spanish, a member of a subphylum called the tunicates. Diverse in color and morphology, these primitive inhabitants of oceans worldwide aren’t part rock, but actually are very close relatives of vertebrates due to their peculiar nervous system. Although they are technically invertebtrates because they have no bones or cartilage, they possess a very primitive spinal cord called a notochord that renders them closer relatives to fish. In the larval stage, most tunicates look like microscopic fish or tadpoles and freely swim until they find substrate to attach themselves. When they do, they change shape into a sessile form with siphons similar to those of clams to feed on plankton in the water column. The tail of the larval tunicate shrinks, the notochord dissolves, and the body becomes enlarged. Some species such as the piure live in colonies of many individuals and some are invasive and have outcompeted native benthic fauna, especially those found in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region.

    living_rock_Article

    Typical cluster of Pyura clustered together, creating a meaty looking rock.

    Pyura Chilensis being served as food

    Pyura Chilensis being served as food

    Equally as peculiar is the mysteriously high concentration of vanadium found in the tunicates. Vanadium is an unusual but not uncommon metal that exists in many brightly colored oxidation states. Usually, vanadium as the vanadyl cation (vanadium in its 4+ oxidation state double bonded to oxygen) is only necessary as a minor trace element in biology. Tunicates however have up to ten million times the amount of vanadium in their bodies that other living things do. They use it in the form of a vanabin- a vanadyl-protein complex possibly employed for oxygen transport. This is somewhat of a mystery; there is no scientific basis for this because tunicates another oxygen binding metalloprotein as well- hemocyanin, a blue copper containing complex found in many kinds of marine life. It is thought that this molecule could handle all of a tunicate’s needs for oxygen transport. Much research is being done in this field so we may know the answer.

    Tunicates are also edible and while you may be unappetized by something that looks like the Horta from Star Trek, many Chileans, Japanese, and Koreans call them dinner. In Korea, they are typically eaten raw as hoe (raw seafood) with seasonings like soy sauce and chogochujang, a spicy chili paste. Koreans do use them in soups, stews and other dishes like bibimbap. In Chile, the rocklike piure are eaten raw with lime or in a soup which is a bit like a Chileno bouillabaisse. Tunicates are quite common on the seashore and though they may look extremely terrifying, in this day of farm to table eating and waste-not want-not ethos surrounding food, why get all squeamish over trying a bit of alien looking seafood?

    Pyura_chilensis

    Pyura Chilensis cluster

    References:

    Michibata H, Uyama T, Ueki T, Kanamori K (2002). Vanadocytes, cells hold the key to resolving the highly selective accumulation and reduction of vanadium in ascidians. Microscopy Research and Technique. Volume 56 Issue 6, Pages 421 – 434

    Tatsuya Ueki et al (2003). Vanadium-binding proteins (Vanabins) from a vanadium-rich ascidian
    Ascidia sydneiensis samea
    http://ir.lib.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/metadb/up/74006214/BBA_1626_43-50_2003.pdf

    “liquid-like magnetic flow” found in the mineral Herbertsmithite

    Quantum Spin Liquid, a third type of magnetism, was demonstrated in December of 2012 by a team at MIT, in the form of synthetic herbertsmithite. Herbertsmithite is believed to be a two-dimensional quantum spin liquid: a solid material whose atomic spins continue to have motion, even at absolute zero temperature. This exciting research has potential to improve technology, another wonderful scientific advance related to the study of mineralogy. While this form of magnetism is limited to the pure synthetic herbertsmithite, the minerals found in nature are quite interesting in their own right.

    We noticed a beautiful example of this rare mineral available on eBay by the seller MineralMan999. This sample shows some big crystals for the typical material.
    You can use this link to search for samples of Herbertsmithite on eBay

    This uncommon Copper Zinc Hydroxide Chloride named to honor Dr. G. F. Herbert Smith (1872-1953) of the Natural History Museum, London, England, who discovered the mineral paratacamite.

    HerbertSmithite Crystals for sale from MineralMan999

    Copper Zinc Mineral Herbertsmithite found in natural crystals

    Rare Copper Mineral Herbertsmithite in natural form, for sale on eBay

    The blog “Nanoscale Views”, written by Douglas Natelson, had the best article about understanding quantum spin liquids in a easy to digest fashion. On the subject of the experiments,

    So what did the experimenters do? They grew large, very pure single crystals of herbertsmithite, and fired neutrons at them. Knowing the energies and momenta of the incident neutrons, and measuring the energies and momenta of the scattered neutrons, they were able to map out the properties of the excitations, showing that they really do look like what one expects for a quantum spin liquid.

    You can read his entire article HERE

    Glenn Rhein’s Amazing Mineral Discovery in Amity New York

    During the Tucson Gem, Rock and Mineral show, we met up with Hershel Friedman to discuss our joint workings on the New York/New Jersey Mineral show exhibit organization. That is, the two of us have selected people to put in collections of minerals from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

    While we were going over this subject, we got to talk about how excited we were for Glenn Rhein to show off his mineral finds from his property in Amity, New York. Huge Scapolite crystals, Spinel and all sorts of wild things are being found and will be on display at the NY/NJ show in April 2013.

    This video documents the recent discovery of new minerals from Glenn Rhein in the classic locality of Amity, New York, near Warwick. Glenn discovers amazing crystals while excavating on his property, and reaches out to the mineral community for help in figuring out what they are. Glenn then becomes an expert in the deposit and starts finding amazing minerals. Produced and documented by Hershel Friedman of Minerals.net, and filmed by Mark Gilden of Rombus Digital.

    Great Video showing the Amazing Finds by Glenn Rheim in Upstate New York!

    We hope you enjoyed that video, be sure to share it with your friends. It would even make a great video to show your rock club next time a speaker is unavailable! Thanks to Minerals.net for making this video and promoting a great story! We are looking forward to more videos from minerals.net

    Thanks for visiting Wheretofindrocks.com!

    Visiting the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show with the Staff from the Los Angeles Natural History Museum

    Tucson Rock and Gem time again, from the end of January until well into the month of February tens of thousands of people involved in minerals, rocks and gemstones flock to Tucson for the annual three weeks of trade shows. During this time the buyers and the sellers need to be housed, fed, and entertained, in addition to the countless hours everyone spends going from one show to another, visiting with friends and going to dinner parties, it is a whole world apart for many individuals in this line of work.

    Several people post updates about the Tucson show, like Jolyon Ralph of MinDat.org or John Veevaert of MineralShows.com.

    The set of show reports we like the best are the ones from the ladies of the Los Angeles Natural History Museum.

    Assoc. Curator Eloise Gaillou, work-study student Caroline Im and Collections manager Alyssa Morgan of the LANHM 2013

    Assoc. Curator Eloise Gaillou, work-study student Caroline Im and Collections manager Alyssa Morgan (3/4 of team L.A. County)

    In these three blog entries, Elouise, Caroline and Alyssa share with the general public the life of three los angeles museum workers during the Tucson show. Though, I am pretty sure no mention of the cramped sleeping quarters are mentioned.

    The first report is on the AGTA and GJX gem shows
    http://nhminsci.blogspot.com/2013/02/tucson-part-1-gem-shows.html

    Red Beryl and Sapphire Bracelet on display at the GJX show in Tucson 2013

    This is the bracelet I’d do terrible things for. Red Beryl and Montana Sapphires. Ouch.

    The next blog entry is about the various mineral shows around the Tucson area, from the Inn Suites (Hotel Tucson) to Riverpark and onwards to some of the more…less visited areas of the Tucson Gem Show.
    http://nhminsci.blogspot.com/2013/02/tucson-part-2-hotel-shows.html

    Roy Foerster, donating a flat of Pyrite crystals the LANHM

    There were neat pyrites from Merelani, Tanzania, with interesting morphologies. Roy Foerster, Gem and Mineral Council Treasurer bought us a flat of them. Thanks Roy!!

    Then, finally, the BIG show, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Show at the Convention Center, which caps off the whole event. A behind the scenes look at one of the important parts that makes the TGMS so legendary, the display cases.
    http://nhminsci.blogspot.com/2013/02/tucson-part-3-main-show.html

    Not to brag or anything, but you KNOW my team here in LA walked away with the GRAND PRIZE for professional educational exhibits

    Los Angeles NHM Tucson Gem Show Exhibit 2013

    So, while other show reports talk about what minerals are new, why prices are so high and so forth, these reports give you a much better look into the lives of the professionals who make Tucson their home, for a large percentage of their total lives, in the month of February.

    The iconic Steamboat Tourmaline – an American Treasure

    In 1907 the famous Steamboat Tourmaline was unearthed by Frank Barlow Schuyler in San Diego County in a rich tourmaline-bearing pocket zone in the mine which was named the Tourmaline King. It was then sold by Schuyler to Washington A. Roebling and it is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution.

    professional photograph of the steamboat tourmaline cluster

    Although the Steamboat Tourmaline is well known, few people are aware of its discovering in California by Schuyler. Schuyler was born on August 20, 1872 in Falls City, Nebraska. Schuyler took up the same work as his father, a machinist and manufacturer of mechanical tools and married his wife Ella S. Libby in San Luis Rey, California in November of 1894. Then in 1897, their only son Gerald Barlow Schuyler was born.

    Schuyler teamed up with D.G. Harrington of Oceanside, California in March of 1903. The pair was exploring the Pala Chief Mountains in San Diego County for pegmatites. During their exploration, they stumbled upon a huge tourmaline deposit which they named the Tourmaline King Mine. Schuyler and Harrington began to construct an underground drift into the pegmatite directly under their surface discovery in 1904. About 60 feet underground and a few years later, the team found a gigantic tourmaline crystal-filled pocket. It extended almost 30 feet in length, about 10 feet wide and was uninterrupted for about 30 feet down dip. This single zone produced around 8 tons of pink tourmaline. The bulk of this discovery was sold to the Imperial Chinese government for a considerable price of $187.50 per pound.

    business card of Frank Schuyler
    Business card of Frank Schuyler

    Schuyler presented and sold his tourmaline gems that he had extracted from the Tourmaline King Mine, at the 1915 Panama Pacific international Exposition in San Francisco. His slogan during the exposition was “wear a tourmaline for luck”. Schuyler also sold and presented other specimens that he had extracted from the Tourmaline King Mine in San Diego County at the exposition.

    Robert Max Wilke, a California mineral dealer, purchased the patent grant deed from Schuyler in 1916 for rights to the Tourmaline King Mine so he could work it himself. This purchase by Wilke is the end of Schuyler’s involvement with the Tourmaline King Mine. Wilke went on to discover large amounts of lepidolite, morganite, tourmaline and kunzite at the mine. Wilke eventually abandoned the Tourmaline King Mine in 1922.

    photograph of the steamboat tourmaline on display
    photograph taken by Chris Stefano at the Smithsonian

    The amazing Steamboat Tourmaline is housed at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. The Steamboat Tourmaline is one of the best tourmaline specimens from the Tourmaline King Mine in San Diego, California.

    Rockhounding 101 – How to REALLY FIND minerals and rocks!

    Rocky Rockhammer MascotOn this website we are sharing information about locations that some of the various contributors to this site have gone to. All of us find out about these mineral locations from various sources. Many locations have been talked about in every media format available, some published locations are so well known it is common to run into another collector at any time, some of the locations published are visited less than a couple times a year, if at all. By media, I mean, printed in magazines, books, club newsletters, posted online in forums, websites, on homemade video, on professional video and on television. Some collectors will grumble that all this publicity will make the location run dry. It makes local officials either look forward to increased tourism, or look for ways to restrict access, as if rockhounding was a hobby that allows one to retire early (on public gains!), rather than typically be retired to enjoy! Mineral collecting is a truly patriotic hobby! Knowing and understanding minerals and the deposits has always been a matter of national security, public knowledge and scientific outreach.

    While many websites will tell you about what tools you need and speak of rock hammers, backpacks and boots, our #1 tool is knowledge. First hand, published and in modern mythic tales, obtaining information about locations is something that is the first step to find out as much as possible about a location before ever visiting it.

    Field Guides are a great resource, as well as magazines focused on rockhounding, from now all the way back into the beginning of the 20th century! Old magazines like “Rockhounds” and “The Mineralogist” are great resources, as well as old and current issues of “Rocks and Minerals” and “Rock and Gem”. All of these can be found for sale on eBay and at various mineral shows around the united states. You never know when you are going to come across a great article about a location you had JUST heard about! One of the most amazing online databases is the complete run of “American Mineralogist” on http://www.minsocam.org/msa/ammin/toc/
    The older issues have articles that have lead me to locations that might have been completely forgotten about.

    Mindat.org is an amazing database that many of you are already familiar with, however, we often forget to think about just how amazing this database is, including lists of references for corresponding articles and books about the subject.

    Geology Departments of the state you live in or adjacent to you, has produced several state reports on mines and minerals, which will often include information that can be very useful now. In the early 1900’s, feldspar was an important commodity, unlike now. Knowledge of mineral deposits will tell us commercial feldspar deposits also had garnets and schorl tourmaline, sometimes quartz or even topaz. Often an entire hardcover book has been produced, detailing the minerals and the locations they are found, across the state. California has at least THREE editions of this kind of text and I’m sure there are several people planning the next edition.

    Road Atlas are great to have when you are planning and while you are en route. I personally love the DeLorme series, nice large print maps that have helped guide me to countless locations. The BLM has a program you can use, the LR2000, but my personal favorite database is the MRDS, Mineral Resource Data System, detailing the principal and secondary ore and location of all working, placed and closed mines and mineral locations. Just load the map and locate your location. I think you’ll be surprised what you might not know about the mines in your proximity. While traveling through Utah and Colorado, our Road Map was invaluable, showing BLM land that was open for public camping.

    Clubs are a real mixed bag, but as such, you will inevitably come across information from all directions. Both of my favorite beach and fossil collecting spots were told to me by a lady at the Searcher’s Rock Club in Anaheim California. Right now in 2013, I’m cleaning minerals and going field collecting with a friend I made from attending the Culver City Club back in 2004. That is a collecting friend who has gone on dozens of collecting trips with me over 9 years. I’ve learned about so many parts of this hobby from mineral clubs and it has been an enlightening experience in many ways. You can get a complete list of mineral clubs here.

    We loved this idea so much, we made it. The Mineral Search Page located Right Here on WheretoFindRocks.com, is something that we made from our LOVE of the general searches for states, countries and forms on eBay. The idea behind this is that if you check out the eBay results for your state, or general area, you’ll come across people who have gone out collecting at public locations and put something on eBay. This can easily lead you to general areas to collect minerals. It is a great first step in researching current producing locations.

    Museums and local collections are great resources. You’ll find the museums thing to be easy, if not a long term task. Searching out collections, both old and current, are wonderful sources of information. For instance, if you wanted a good run down of California locations, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles has an entire wall devoted to very beautiful representations of our state, as well as the California Mining Museum in Mariposa. I LOVED the Wagner Free Institute which had this amazing OLD collection, untouched for a century. In the same vein, the Natural History museum of Prague featured minerals that had not been updated in decades, revealing a great deal of history that is so often removed from the more mainstream commercial museums. Local collections require a bit more finesse and luck. For example, getting to visit private collections can be mind expanding, as many long time private collectors have seen things that were so common for a small amount of time and now virtually unheard of. However, without some sort of recommendation from someone of some sort of personal relation ship with a private collector, most of them are not exactly looking for random visitors. However, if you had been a member of the Mineralogical Society of Southern California, you would have had the chance to visit with several outstanding collections belonging to members of that club. Which takes us back to Mineral Clubs, and why it is a wise idea to be involved with at least one of them.

    Going to mineral shows is a great source of information, as the display cases often reveal locations that are open to collection. In fact, the name tags in the cases often match up to the club member’s name tags, the people running the mineral show, and often you can strike up a conversation about their display case.

    Libraries all around have lead me to some wild collecting adventures. Your local library is going to have a couple things for sure, often books about the geology of the area, as well as a collection of the state’s publications on geological topics. A great for instance is back in the very beginning of my collecting days, some friends of mine discovered the 1962 edition of “Mineral Collecting in Pennsylvania”, which drove us in a search for the “Azurite” included quartz crystals of Kunkletown. The book was wrong, but there is nothing wrong with Anatase included Quartz, which we found. My most recent discovery of Lawsonite on the beaches of Southern California due to a geological sand sample report. You can read all about that in my upcoming blog entry.

    Google Maps and Google Earth are to powerful tools that everyone has at their fingertips. You can do amazing amounts of research with both of these tools, locating mineral locations right down to their visible mine tailings! Understanding the various uplifts, errosion patterns, depressions and faint roads to nowhere are very useful for today’s mineral collector. A simple test, pick your favorite collecting area and look at it on google earth. You will see things you might have never noticed on foot.

    Now, my secrets are revealed to you. I hope you use them wisely!

    I want to leave you with this note, written by Rock Currier in the publication, “About Mineral Collecting” released by the Mineralogical Record.

    Field collectors are a remarkable and accomplished breed. They are perhaps the rarest and purest kind of mineral collectors. They hearken back to the very beginnings of what we now call the earth sciences, and in many ways they embody the simple thrill and youthful joy of the treasure hunt. If you look you will find them “out there” trekking over just one more mountain, digging down just another foot, and hoping for just a little bit longer that they will find something. But remember, the first law of field collecting states: “The best to be found is still in the ground and the best that has been found has be ground!” (that is, ground up into powder in the mill and processed into metal)

    Our Top 10 Favorite Mineral/Rock/Gem Memes

    While the old definition of “Meme” would simply imply a behavior learned from cultural or non-family social interaction, the standard for “Meme” now is these humorous photos. Memes start when someone takes a photo, puts some words on it and posts it online. With enough approval, blanks are requested so that the public can start producing their own. The one unfortunate aspect of this is memes becoming too popular and being generated by people who do not have the aptitude to CREATE, leading to some very poor examples floating around on the internet.

    Minerals have been the subject of these online jokes since nearly the beginning of their production. As terrible b/tards, tumblr uses and redditors, we have seen and collected dozens of mineral themed memes over the past few years and now we want to share them with you!

    And now, onto…

    #10 – Brace Yourself – The Mineral Posts are coming

    Game of Thrones Meme for Minerals

    This meme comes from the HBO show, Game of Thrones,
    with Ned Stark saying his legendary line…”Brace Yourself, Winter is coming”, denoting the approaching LONG seasonal change in that fantasy world, which can last for a decade or more. In Memespeak, these are created when a meme goes viral, someone will inevitably produce Ned warning the audience that soon there will be a flood of that meme, most, poorly produced.

    #9 – TheOatmeal.com – “We Require More Minerals!”

    TheOatmeal Starcraft Meme for Minerals

    Starcraft is a great game by Blizzard and while it has a huge fan following, South Korea is well known as the country with the most rabid players. While the South Koreans are plugging away at their computers looking for pixelated crystals, in North Korea, minerals are a more serious business! Created by the great comic creator, TheOatmeal.com

    #8 – Halite Makes Me Hot

    Models for Minerals

    A favorite of online mineral memes is the paring of a mineral with a model and “quoting” the model telling the audience how incredibly turned on they are by a ugly rock. One of the misnomers about mineral collecting is that it is a bunch of old crusty men, when in reality there are, my god, WOMEN that collect minerals! Not only are they…Female…many of them are BEAUTIFUL women! Gasp! This is one of our favorites, because we can’t think of anyone who comes away from the halite filled brine pools thinking about anything besides getting a shower and lunch.

    #7 – Disregard Marie, Acquire Minerals – Breaking Bad

    Breaking Bad Hank Meme

    A Meme within a meme within a meme, hey we have a meme to specifically make fun of that, but let’s focus on THIS one, which is, for our non-USA viewers or those who are not familiar with the excellent AMC Drama, Breaking Bad.
    In the show, DEA agent Hank is shot and needs a lot of recouping time, bedridden he starts to obsess over minerals, buying them from various websites, including the one mentioned on the show, mineralemporium.com, which of course, takes you to Breaking Bad’s website. On top of that, this meme is a tribute to the Joseph Ducreux portrait, which traditionally says “Disregard Bitches, Acquire Money.”
    Now, one of the funny things for Non-US visitors is that we wonder if the plot of Breaking Bad makes any sense…A School Teacher, who is poorly paid, gets cancer and is told that treatments are going to leave the family destitute. In hopes to pay for his medical treatment, he starts cooking methamphetamine. We would think in any real civilized society, someone shouldn’t have to worry about their family being torn apart by medical expenses. That’s a truly American way of life! Go USA!

    #6 – Phillip J. Fry – Futurama – Not Sure if…

    Futurama for Minerals

    We would like to think the writers at Futurama would approve of this meme, the standard Phillip J. Fry “Not Sure if x or y” meme, done for the appreciation of minerals. There are hundreds, nay, might I guess THOUSANDS of stoners getting lost inside a quartz crystal or aragonite cluster, maybe even RIGHT THIS MOMENT! Put down the bong, son, Minerals are cool, even when not high.

    #5 – Holy Shit – This Rock is PERFECT!

    Found the perfect rock for my collection

    There is a positive way to look at that face planting that is about to occur. Makes my face hurt…and makes me wonder…is it a quartz crystal? We hope so!

    #4 – Bismuth

    Bismuth Meme

    The internet has a hardon for Bismuth. Lab grown Bismuth crystals are shared with reckless abandon, so this great meme, featuring a NATURAL BISMUTH crystal, a winner in our books!

    #3 – Bill Larson, your argument is invalid

    Invalid Meme

    The meme that is dedicated to the form “This is x, your argument is invalid” where X is a something completely random and pointless, used as a tactic to make distracting point in a dispute to which you have no good retort. At an annual Tucson party celebrating the TGMS, a wild iguana appeared, coupled with countless bottles of wine, several people posed with the reptile. When it took to Pala Minerals owner “Burma Bill” Larson, a man with more untold mineral stories than you might ever hope to acquire over a lifetime, the flashes went off all over the place and as soon as an image was posted online, this meme was created.

    #2 – Gave that Bitch a Crystal, Bitches love Crystals – MineralClassics’ founder Richard Kosnar and the legendary phosphophyllite.

    Richard Kosnar Phosphophyllite Meme

    Brian Kosnar showed me this meme that was created with a famous photo of the standard smiling face of his dad, Richard Kosnar. In his hands, the ultimate phosphophyllite. The meme? Based on a line from the TV show “The Boondocks” where the rich, violent whiteboy gangster styled after another dimensions’ George Bush Jr, saying, while texting a woman “Hold Up, I’m gonna send this bitch a smiley face. Bitches love smiley faces.”. Thus, the “I’m going to give this X a Y, X’s love Ys.” You can find wonderful minerals from Bolivia (where this crystal comes from), colorado and more at the website www.minclassics.com

    And, finally, the Meme we believe might have been the first…

    #1 – Out of nowhere…Feldspar!

    Feldspar Meme

    What could have been the first mineral meme, and surely, one of the most popular…”Out of Nowhere…It’s X” where X is the thing in the picture, in this case…two nice feldspar crystals.

    There you have it, our Top 10 Mineral/Rock themed Memes! We certainly had MORE to share, but these were our favorites around the office. Hope you enjoyed it!

    Gem and Mineral Clubs across the United States need YOU!

    Love to collect gems and minerals?
    Then you have to join a Gem and Mineral Club. Mineral Clubs are a great resource for anyone interested in mineral collecting.
    One of the problems with Gem Clubs is that many new members feel that it is not a good fit for them. They may feel uncomfortable in the new environment or feel that you are being forced into a job with the club. Not every meeting will feel like this, and it may even become an invaluable club that you enjoy attending. Here are my three tips to find a Gem and Mineral Club and have a blast dong it.

    1. The secret is to just keep going. It gets better.

    Since the world of rocks and minerals is very vast and varied, there are going to be times when the club will talk about something that is totally unrelated or interested to your interests. For example, during my first meeting the members discussed the jewels that were worn by the first ladies. If I had quit attending the club because I did not know anyone or care about the gems of the past president’s wives, I would not eventually become the field trip leader for the group. In fact, sticking with the club, I eventually made several life long friendships and met several digging partners. I cut my first cabochons, served as the show chairman for their annual gem show and learned quite a bit about how mineral clubs worked.

    2. You aren’t intruding.

    With the next club I went to join, the atmosphere was harder to break through. This club was a group whose members were much more educated about the topic of mineralogy. Talk about intimidating! Myself and other new members felt as if they were intruding on a private gem club meeting. It took several visits to this club before any member would say more than a handful of words to me. It simply took holding my ground and visiting over and over again before many members started opening up to me. In that club I met several people who were legendary in the regional mineral world, curators, teachers, speakers and miners. Within a year I was serving as their show chairman for two years, serving on the board of directors of a non-profit and learning even more about this hobby of mineral collecting. If I had been scared away by this group, I would not have taken my hobby and collecting to the next step.

    Presentation at a Gem Club
    3. Find a club that fits you.

    Each mineral club meeting is going to be different depending on the members and the location. Try out a few in your area to find one that really clicks with you.

    Most clubs have a neat welcome for new visitors, where they will let you select a rock from the visitor rock box, which can make it all worthwhile! Some clubs have great field trip leaders and help you find out about local collecting areas. Many clubs have lapidary workshops and have classes teaching basic lapidary skills, such as cutting slabs, making a cabochon or setting a stone into jewelry.
    In the end, if you want to get more involved with your collecting, a Gem and Mineral Club is the perfect spot to do so. Many of the clubs love new members and will even welcome their help with various rolls within the club. Most importantly, if you visit a mineral club and do not see people of your age group, your skill level, your passion for the craft, just keep going!

    Mineral Clubs instill a feeling of required civil service to promote our hobby
    I highly suggest The-Vug.com’s List of Gem and Mineral Clubs across the United States to find out about clubs near you.
    Take a look at their page at http://www.the-vug.com/vug/vugclubs.html

    Rock Club People are full of information

    A Presentation at a Mineral Club