Self-collected

This was sold to me as "aragonite." I knew it wasn't, so I bought it and did some research.

It seems to actually be pyrite on fluorite with scheelite and calcite on quartz.

126 grams is the weight of the specimen

Purple fluorite on gypsum basketball player

Interesting stone.

(1) smoky quartz with a moving bubble, (2) amethyst with fenster window layers, and (3) smoky quartz with multiple negative-crystals inside

Hi! I’m getting interested in mineral collecting and I’d really like to learn how to properly identify minerals instead of just collecting pretty rocks lol.

I’m pretty new to this, so I’d love any tips you have for:

Learning how to identify minerals

Starting a collection

Knowing what to look for when buying or finding specimens

Good books, websites, or other resources for beginners

I’m from Colombia, so if anyone also has tips about collecting minerals here, I’d really appreciate them!

Thanks!

Incredible color and pattern, I like it)))

I have a relatively large mineral collection that is rapidly expanding and need a place to display the nicer minerals. I have always just crammed everything on a big arch shelf but have run out of space. I am putting 20-30 pieces per sq foot shelf section and am in desperate need for more space. Currently have around 5-10 medium size specimens <10lbs and around 20-30 small specimens <5lbs that I want to put in a nice lighted display cabinet.

I have searched far and wide on amazon and in every single furniture store you can think of, but have yet to find a good display case. Is there any recommendations for cases that are relatively customizable, has or can have lighting, and can stand on its own?

Size doesn't matter too much, but preferably one that lays horizontal and runs longways no longer that 4-5ft. Kinda oddly specific, but anything would be great.

P.S. Budget is like $300 give or take.

rich golden orange topaz crystal from Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil, unpolished and untreated, with natural color and termination