Micro-minerals: Cuprite on calcite.Mineral collectors with limited funds and space (or tidyness obse

Micro-minerals: Cuprite on calcite.Mineral collectors with limited funds and space (or tidyness obsessed partners who don’t tolerate piles of rocks around the house) often get into micromounting: the collection of small (less than a square inch), cheap (typically less than US$10) samples of minerals that look amazing when magnified. Since large cabinet specimens of many minerals run into the thousands of dollars, this can be a way to accumulate a much broader collection with the disposable funds available, and as the 2mm image shows, visually spectacular. Only a few hundred of the 5000 or so known minerals occur as larger crystals, so for many varieties micro is the only way to go. Many have 1000+ mineral species, and one person claims to have 80% of mineral species in their collection. The most expensive necessity is a decent (preferably binocular) microscope (US$200-7000, but the lower end will do just fine) with a fibre optic side illumination.Micromounters are often more interested in the aesthetic and scientific aspects of their specimens, rather than the financial value or showing off spectacular treasure cabinets. Many collect and prepare their own specimens, which are frequently left behind by more commercially inclined seekers as not worth the gathering time (since mineral specimens have to be very carefully separated from the host rock).For many the real satisfaction lies in the process of gathering, inspecting, cataloguing and exchanging their local minerals. Clubs are a hotbed of swapping, and gatherings often feature a free donation table of samples for beginners to get their eye in. The best way to get into the game is to find a conference or gathering and join in. Like astronomy clubs members are helpful to newcomers sharing their hobby and like nothing better than to share their knowledge and experience. It’s a great way to learn some serious mineralogy while admiring beautiful things with a bunch of like minded people.These lovely red tendrils of cuprite are copper oxide are displaying a crystal habit known as capillary, or threadlike. It is a spectacular secondary mineral, with bright lustre, that originates in the oxidised zone of copper sulphide deposits, where groundwater and hydrothermal fluids have enriched the deposit by removing elements such as silica. It’s alternative name is ruby copper, for obvious reasons. Localities include Chile, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Urals and Namibia (Tsumeb mine). Larger crystals have been faceted for collectors.LozLocation: Clara mine, Baden-Wurttenberg, Germany. Size 2mm.Image credit: Gerhard Niceus.http://www.njminerals.org/micro.htmlhttp://www.baltimoremineralsociety.org/micromounting.htmlhttp://webmineral.com/data/Cuprite.shtmlhttp://www.mindat.org/min-1172.htmlhttp://geology.com/minerals/cuprite.shtmlhttp://www.minerals.net/mineral/cuprite.aspx -- source link

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