On The Rocks
Choosing What to Collect
BY BOB JONES
Beginner collectors quickly realize there are two problems in our hobby; too many minerals and too few dollars. To most of us, these problems never go away. We simply adjust or accommodate them.
My answer was to specialize in what I collected. I could not collect worldwide species and keep the quality I wanted. I narrowed my focus to two localities, Mexico and Arizona. I chose Mexico because it produces quantities of good minerals and I live next to it in Arizona. I also emphasized collecting two species, copper and lead, so common in these localities. I also preferred miniatures as the smaller size was often less costly.
COLLECTING CALCITE
Calcite may be a great way to start collecting. By choosing calcite it may seem simple, but it can be as complicated as you want to make it. You may discover a whole range of mineralogical and historical studies if you so choose.
You may not realize it, but calcite is the gateway to collecting many other species. It’s a great way to learn about crystal forms and the conditions where they develop. Studying calcite is the first step in understanding the world of mineralogy and a whole series of attractive and popular species.