The Wisdom Pocket Blog Archives

Think “Multi-Purpose” Specimens - Jim Houran

Feb 23, 2021

By James (Jim) Houran People with the so-called “collector gene” often indulge multiple interests and collections, either at once or over time. For instance, there are some mineral connoisseurs who likewise build important collections of art, old bottles, vintage mining equipment, Indian artifacts, pottery, or other historic or aesthetic items.

In Memoriam: Mark Neil Feinglos (1948–2020)

Sep 4, 2020

Adapted with permission from Rocks & Minerals, volume 95, September/October 2020 for publication on iRocks.com. Mark with his wife, Susan Totten Feinglos.

Why Competition? Two Perspectives

Aug 16, 2020

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is a hotbed of mineral-related activity, camaraderie, wheeling and dealing, discussions, arguments and general wonderment. One of the most exciting aspects is the competitive displays. Any collector can enter minerals in competition and doing so will provide a whole new and gratifying show experience—win or lose! The authors present here some thoughts, observations, background and experiences designed to encourage more competition at shows.

History of Specimen Mining at Hardangervidda, Norway

Apr 28, 2020

Intro Anatase was named in 1801 and is one of five naturally occurring forms of titanium dioxide. It is found all over the world, on all continents, (even Antarctica!), but Norway hadn’t been known as a producer of showy, display specimens.

Little Wonders: Connoisseur Thumbnails in the Contemporary Collector Market

Apr 7, 2020

Mineral collectors generally differentiate six specimen sizes, starting with the smallest, termed micromounts, followed by thumbnails, toenails, miniatures, small cabinet and ending with large cabinet or museum-size pieces. In some cultures massive size is equated to quality, but collectors past and present have more often observed that bigger is not always better.

The Jack Halpern Collection

Feb 11, 2020

We're honored to have been entrusted with the deaccession of a selection of Jack Halpern's famed collection of fine minerals, some of which we brought to market this 2020 Tucson Show, and others will be appearing online. Friend and mineral collector Lauren Megaw shared some thoughts, history, and personal interactions from her interview with Jack, below.

F. John Barlow Collection: A Modern Mineral Connoisseur

Jan 27, 2020

Within the mineral collecting world, there are collectors who have left their indelible mark upon the community. John Barlow was one of those collectors.

The Miguel Romero Collection of Mexican Minerals

Oct 12, 2019

This particularly outstanding collection of Mexican minerals was put together over the years by Dr. Miguel Romero, and includes several of the most wonderful Mexican mineral specimens ever dug out of the ground, some of which indeed are widely recognized as the best mineral specimens from anywhere (so-called “mineral ikons,” using the term recently proposed by Wayne Thompson). In fact, the Romero collection of what might be called “Mexican Mineral Treasures” could be viewed as an analog of the spectacular “American Mineral Treasures” exhibits assembled for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in February 2008.

Emeralds: History’s Favorite Stone?

Sep 26, 2019

Emeralds: History’s Favorite Stone The history behind Emeralds is filled with royalty who’ve sought the precious gemstone for its rarity and eloquent beauty. Emeralds come from the beryl mineral family and are renowned for their deep green to greenish-blue color.

Copper Queen Mine, Bisbee, Warren District, Arizona

Sep 4, 2019

The Copper Queen Mine was first discovered in 1877, and ever since, the history of this mine rivals the drama of an old western. Silver and copper deposits were reported in the early 1870s, and in 1877, rich outcrops were found for prospectors to dig into. To set the stage, the Copper Queen Mine is situated, in what was then, hostile Apache territory in Arizona, and the U.S. Calvary patrolled the area. One day, they were searching for water in a canyon in the Mule Mountains of Southeastern Arizona, when they noticed outcrops that were tinted red with iron.

Rare Chalcopyrite Balls from Daye, China

Jul 5, 2019

Chalcopyrite Balls Tonglushan Copper Mine, near Daye, Hubei Province, China found Jan 2019 through April 2019 View this post on Instagram Prepping a whole batch of these bad boys to go live on iRocks.com for sale soon... going to be sad to see them go!

5 Favorite Rare Minerals

Jun 26, 2019

5 Favorite Rare Minerals Collecting rare minerals is a passion that requires a lot of patience. Many specimens have journeys that last millions of years until a brave explorer takes the plunge and unearths their beauty.

Benitoite Gem Mine of San Benito, California

Apr 3, 2019

The Benitoite Gem Mine filled one of the largest voids in the mineral world in spectacular fashion. Hessel predicted the ditrigonal dipyramidal class of crystallization in 1830, and when minerals were found in San Benito County in 1907 with this crystal habit, his hypothesis was confirmed. Only a handful of ditrigonal dipyramid minerals have been recognized to this day. This new mineral, named Benitoite, formed in triangular-shaped crystals with an intense sapphire blue-color.

Spotlight on Azurite: The Blue-Hued Beauty

Mar 26, 2019

Spotlight on Azurite: The Blue-Hued Beauty Azurite [Cu3(CO3) 2(OH)2] is a rare copper carbonate mineral formed by either contact between carbon-dioxide-rich water and copper-bearing minerals, or through a reaction involving cupric salts and limestone. Azurite is generally found in massive form (though it occasionally occurs as prismatic crystals), and it is often associated with malachite, chrysocolla, or turquoise, in areas with significant deposits of copper.

Tourmaline: Most Colorful in the World?

Mar 19, 2019

Tourmaline: Most Colorful Mineral in the World? Tourmaline is a very sought-after rare rock amongst fine mineral collectors for its massive range of colors and shades.

Rare Crystals & Minerals for Corporate Office Design

Oct 3, 2018

Rare Rocks & Minerals for Corporate Office Design Bringing life into a corporate office is an art that most professionals can appreciate. No one wants to spend over 40 hours per-week in a dull and grey room.

An Evolution of Dr. Lavinsky's The Arkenstone Gallery

May 29, 2018

I was born in 1972. While still a youth, I liked dinosaurs of course (who doesn't?!) and collected fossils in central Ohio by the side of the road - fossils first, crystals later!

Minerals and gems expo set to sparkle in Chenzhou

May 17, 2018

Latest event will showcase Hunan province city's expanding business opportunities and draw international interest with exciting exhibits and displays By Zhao Shijun Originally published on ChinaDaily.com.cn [caption id="attachment_5971" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A fantastic stage set the mood for the Fine Mineral Auction at the China Mineral and Gem Expo in Chenzhou, Hunan, China. Monica Kitt Photo.[/caption] The China (Hunan) International Minerals and Gem Expo - staged each year in the city of Chenzhou, Hunan province - is set to again draw international interest and showcase the city's bright business opportunities, according to local officials.

10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Gold, Part 1

Feb 27, 2018

Most people understand gold in terms of wealth and investments, but there is so much more to say about the mineral. Gold has had a long history as a currency and as a sign of power.

Visit a Gallery, a Museum and the Dallas Symposium: A Hands-on Education

Feb 22, 2018

There’s no greater fulfillment in collecting rare rocks and minerals than seeing an incredible specimen in person. Not only is it a rare opportunity to engage with scholars, you’re also bound to learn a wealth of information that cannot be found in an article.

The Vibrant Glow of Electric Hyalite Opals

Feb 18, 2018

Opals are some of the most unique gems found on earth for their wide display of color. Fire opals are revered for their translucent coloring with flashes of red and yellow hues.

5 Incredible Minerals Sold in an Auction

Feb 6, 2018

One of the best places to find high quality rare minerals is in an auction. Dealers bring their finest specimens forward for collectors to appraise and cast their bid to take home the prize.

The Rarity of Tanzanite

Jan 17, 2018

By Robert Gessner BSc GG, Gessner Gems Reprinted with express permission from the author In 1967, blue-violet crystals of the mine- species, zoisite, were discovered south of Mount Kilimanjaro in northeast Tanzania. The host rocks of the discovery, which are orders of magnitude older than Africa’s highest mountain, form part of the Lelatema Mountains which are located very near the town of Merelani.

The New iRocks.com

Jan 8, 2018

Mineral lovers- We're excited to bring a new iRocks.com experience to the web with improved features, faster speeds, and mobile responsive design for mobile and tablet users. Start off by registering using the button in the top right.