FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Ning]

Hope this is the place to ask.

I recently bought a house on a tropical island in Thailand. We are about 1 km away from the sea in the jungle. The temperature ranges between 25-30 Celsius. It’s fairly humid and the air can sometimes be a bit salty.

I’m planning to build some wall mounted display cases in the corridor leading to downstairs. It’s in the heart of the house so probably the coolest area away from the elements and sun. I am thinking around 40x120x30cm. I was planning to build these cases from teak wood, with white painted insides. Hinged glass paneled doors at the front that can be lifted. I’ve attached a photo of the lighting system I’ve found from China. I’ve never built a display case before. Are there any things I should consider besides aesthetics and mechanical functionality when designing something like this? Thoughts on the lights? Any tips?

I have a fairly eclectic mix but it should mainly house fluorites, beryls, tourmalines, corundum-based minerals and some tanzanite.

[James Catmur]

Consider the possibility of a dehumidifier in the room or for the cabinets, and how you could seal the cabinets against dust (I use brush seals so the cabinets can breathe but dust is captured).

Try to avoid fresh wood that gives off acidic vapours (oak, etc. for example see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jctb.5010150703). Aged wood might be a better option (my cabinets are >100-year-old ones re-worked for the collection)

You may want a mix of light sources so that the different minerals show well.

Do remember that some minerals are more light sensitive, avoid natural light on the cabinets (or have doors that can be covered)

[Firmo Espinar]

Hi Ning.

Here you have some ideas about the show cases.


Made in 5 mm methacrylate:

Bases



Made in wood. You can find display case pictures at the end of this page 1:

Showcases



Regards.

[Ning]

[Ning]