The Wisdom Pocket Blog Archives

November 2016: Minerals in the News

Nov 30, 2016

The field of mineralogy and earth sciences is flourishing with discoveries and collection announcements. There is always something new to pique your interest.

Showmanship - Preparing Displays for the Tucson Show Competitions

Nov 19, 2016

By Lauren Megaw (read more about her journey in minerals here) [caption id="attachment_4261" align="alignright" width="225"] Lauren Megaw as a child posing in front of her award-winning Tucson Show mineral display[/caption] Competition is about more than just having the best specimens - though definitely a critical component - it is also about displaying those specimens in the best way possible so that they truly shine. This is Showmanship.

Rare Rocks and Minerals (Part 1)

Nov 18, 2016

Throughout the world, the discovery of rare rocks and minerals is something to be celebrated. This holiday season, we'd like to feature some of the superstars of our own collection – highlighting the rare rocks and minerals we admire most, in hopes of sparking the attention of other collectors and enthusiasts.

Compete for Tucson Show Awards!

Nov 16, 2016

Each year, collectors enjoy the variety of mineral competitions at the Tucson Mineral and Gem Show™, where multiple awards are given out for best minerals, themes, displays, and more. Some of the most popular are listed here, as explained at the TGMS website with special additions by Lauren Megaw and Les Presmyk.

5 Minerals of the American Southwest

Oct 27, 2016

The American Southwest is a favorite Rockhound destination for its many deserts and drylands. The region’s dry heat hosts an impressive variety of gemstones and crystals, many of which can be found on the surface or in a mine.

Cursed Gemstones: The Black Orlov

Oct 24, 2016

It’s not unusual for extraordinary gemstones to be the subject of curious stories and legends that detail its origins and properties. However, there are a few gemstones that standout from the rest as being “cursed.” In the spirit of Halloween, we’ll take a look at The Black Orlov and the unique history that has made it world-famous.

Opening of the David Friend Hall!

Oct 24, 2016

Announcement: Celebrate the Opening of the David Friend Hall at the Peabody Museum! The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History will open its doors to the David Friend Hall, an extraordinary showcase of gemstones and premier minerals from the world’s top collections in late October 2016.

Cursed Gemstones: The Hope Diamond

Oct 17, 2016

[caption id="attachment_4656" align="alignright" width="190"] By David Bjorgen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0[/caption] The beauty of gemstones has inspired countless stories of great battles, tragedies, and supernatural events. While some gemstones can claim these stories as merely legends, there are a few whose history is riddled with unfortunate events.

Fluorescent Minerals: Give it a Glow

Sep 26, 2016

[caption id="attachment_4550" align="alignright" width="300"] This calcite crystal (left) is shown on the right in fluorescence under UV lighting. From the Robert Lavinsky Collection of Fine Chinese Minerals.[/caption] Fluorescence is a phenomenon that causes a mineral to glow under exposure to UV (or, ultraviolet) light – a form of electromagnetic radiation undetectable to the human eye.

How to Display Rocks and Minerals

Sep 23, 2016

So, you've spent some time gathering your collection – and now your drawers, boxes, and cases are full of brilliant specimens. But what good is your collection if you have no way to show it off?

Interesting Rock and Mineral Trivia

Sep 15, 2016

Not all rock and mineral information is scientifically-focused – in fact, the world of rocks and minerals has a rich and interesting history, full of fun facts and tidbits. And, you might find some anecdotal rock and mineral information quite surprising!

Rock Legends & Mythological Origins

Sep 13, 2016

Humans have been collecting rocks and minerals since the beginning of recorded history. In fact, many of our favorite rocks and minerals have long been prized by our ancestors and cultural predecessors, and the legends and stories surrounding them date back to the dawn of time.

Favorite Types of Quartz - Amethyst, Rose, Smoky, and more!

Sep 6, 2016

[caption id="attachment_4395" align="alignright" width="200"] A rare quartz from Switzerland has a unique growth habit.[/caption] There are few rare rocks and minerals that are as iconic as the quartz. Made of silicon, it’s chemical properties allow it to form nearly anywhere around the world – resulting in numerous and unique varieties.

Rubies: The Passion of the World

Sep 5, 2016

[caption id="attachment_4508" align="alignright" width="228"] A stunning Ruby from Mogok, Burma. Joe Budd Photo.[/caption] The fire of the precious stones world belongs to the Ruby for its deep red colors and exceptional value to many cultures around the world.

Exploring The Arkenstone

Sep 3, 2016

A Monumental Excavation: Exploring The Arkenstone [caption id="attachment_4242" align="alignright" width="190"] A young Rob Lavinsky appeared in Chris Pfaff's "Mineral and Fossil Enthusiast" publication.[/caption] For collectors and enthusiasts wishing to buy rocks and minerals, The Arkenstone has long been an excellent resource for viewing available specimens – but how did we get here? Inspired by his childhood love for rock collecting, Dr.

Famous Mineral and Gem Museums

Aug 14, 2016

[caption id="attachment_4223" align="alignright" width="300"] Entry to the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall, showing a large crowd on one of the donor preview nights, as people saw beautiful minerals on display. Oversized models of crystal structures hang from the ceiling to convey the symmetry of nature as seen in minerals.[/caption] The United States are home to an impressive array of natural history museums - each with their own unique collection of rock and mineral specimens.

The Life of a Diamond

Aug 8, 2016

[caption id="attachment_1146" align="alignright" width="300"] This South African natural diamond is a stunning example of the beauty of natural art. Copyright The Arkenstone, iRocks.com.[/caption] The diamond is by far one the most well-known gemstones in the world.

Mankind's Pursuit of Gold

Aug 8, 2016

[caption id="attachment_1667" align="alignright" width="199"] Gold leaf from Round Mountain, Nevada. Joe Budd Photo[/caption] There are few rare minerals as iconic and sought after as gold.

2016 Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium

Aug 2, 2016

The summer months are always an exciting time of the year for mineral lovers as the Dallas Mineral Collecting Symposium opens its doors on August 19th – 21st. Learning about fine minerals has never been so engaging.

Quartz of Many Colors

Jul 31, 2016

Quartz is an incredibly durable mineral because it can be found in a variety of forms and mineral environments. The mineral’s compact forms of silica are used in many products and applications that inspired a need to classify its many varieties in the 18th and 19th century. In fact, there are more variety names for Quartz than any other mineral.

Collecting Experience: Touring a Rock & Mineral Gallery

Jul 18, 2016

Taking a tour of a private collection or mineral gallery can be an excellent way to learn more about rocks and minerals. Whether you are seeking in-depth information on one particular species, or just looking to expand your general knowledge – who better to contact than other collectors?

Sweet Treats: Geode and Crystal Creations

Jul 12, 2016

Crystal Creations - Cakes and Other Sweet Treats We're loving the recent trend of high-end cakes taking advantage of the beautiful range of colors found in nature to create stunning geode cakes. Check out a few of our favorites.

Growing Up ROCKS - Lauren Megaw's Mineral Story

Jul 6, 2016

Growing Up as a Young Competitive Mineral Collector By Lauren Megaw [caption id="attachment_4260" align="alignright" width="225"] Dr. Rob Lavinsky with Lauren Megaw accepting her reward for her fine mineral display at the Tucson Show.[/caption] I grew up in a household filled with minerals, books, and records.

Who’s Who in Mineral Names: Dr. Robert Lavinsky

Jun 19, 2016

By Gail Copus Spann and Jim Spann Originally published in Rocks & Minerals Magazine Dr. Robert “Rob” Matthew Lavinsky (b.