Minerals.net September 2015 Newsletter

Welcome to the September 2015 edition of the Minerals Newsletter! This is an important time of year for mineral enthusiasts, with the Denver shows just having been completed, the Munich show coming up, and the Tucson show starting to enter on people's radar.

In Perspective: The Tucson, Munich, and Denver Shows

What do Tucson, Munich, and Denver have in common? They all contain significant mineral shows that are periodic events patronized by many of the largest dealers.

The Tucson show is generally considered the most important mineral event. It is not just one show, but an entire array of shows throughout the city of Tucson, starting at the beginning of February and taking over the city for two weeks. It climaxes with the large Tucson Gem & Mineral Show® in the Tucson Convention Center. Many plan for Tucson the entire year, but starting in September/October is when the serious planning for visitors and dealers usually begins.

The Denver show takes place in mid-late September, and is also composed of several different shows in the city. Due to the volume of dealers of all types at multiple shows, it is an important mineral event which some consider to be a "mini-Tucson." The Denver show has just recently wrapped up and was a great experience for those who attended.

The Munich show is the most important mineral event in Europe, and second in importance to Tucson. The show is mainly a single show, taking place in the giant Munich exhibition center at the end of October. Along with Tucson, the Munich hosts world-class exhibitions for public viewing.

Springfield Show Reports

The Springfield show, better known as the East Coast Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show, takes place every August in Springfield, Massachusetts. The show, which is organized by Martin Zinn, is indeed the most well-known show on the East Coast of the United States. Although the show is now a thing of the past, Hershel Friedman of Minerals.net was present at the show documenting interesting finds and the excellent public exhibit showcases. A detailed show report can be seen on our news page, complete with many great pictures. Click the links below to visit our show report pages:

• Report 1: The Springfield Show
• Report 2: Springfield Show Dealer Minerals
• Report 3: Special Exhibit - Marty Zinn Collection: Part 1
• Report 4: Special Exhibit - Marty Zinn Collection: Part 2

Proper Mineral Trimming

A matrix is the original source rock of a mineral that it forms upon that remains together with it. Matrix specimens are generally more valuable as they give more thorough and natural understanding and appreciation of the mineral's origin.

Most of today's collectors and specimen mining operators understand the value of preserving a specimen with a matrix, although in developing countries this is still being learned. Proper matrix trimming is very important towards the aesthetics and value of a mineral specimen. A matrix too large, too small, or off centered diminishes the aesthetics and thus the value of a mineral specimen.

Orientation is also an important factor, where the specimen is positioned or placed on a stand to be displayed. Proper trimming methods sometimes accompany the ability to make a specimen stand out more.

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