FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Matt_Zukowski]

...

[Jean Sendero]

On Sunday I mentioned the quartz from Santa Eulalia in Dennis Beals room (XTals) at the Inn Suites, well I stopped by his room again today on my way to the TCC. So below are a couple of photos of the quartz.

In addition to the quartz, one cannot not notice the new azurite from Los Olivos Chihuahua. Dennis had something like 15-20 pieces. Also for sale, a very large malachite pseudo after azurite from Milpillas but covered in places with vesigneite. There was an older wulfenite specimen from the Eruption Mine, Los Lamentos collected in the early 1900's by William Foshag himself and used to reside in the Philadelphia academy of sciences.

This will be followed by a few picks at the TCC. I am not showing minerals before it opens on Thursday. But what I saw, blew my socks away. They say "a rainbow of color" but forgot to mention enormous specimens

Absolutely Fantastic.

[Jordi Fabre]

Thank you so much to everybody who is publishing posts. As some probably noticed, this year I'm not publishing posts after my first post: https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=28182#28182
This is due to several reasons that includes some minor problems, the overwhelming infrastructure necessary to exhibit here in Tucson and the fact that someone is already doing it....

At my return to Barcelona I will publish a large post with all my thoughts, photos, novelties, etcetera. I promise it will be very complete, so I hope to compensate with this the lack of my posts this year.

[Susan Robinson]

Has anyone seen the incredible wurtzite crystals from Arusha, Tanzania? The museum here got a very (very!) good one for its collection. The size of the crystals is incredible.

[Gail]

No.

[Jean Sendero]

Here are a few from the Main Show - TGMS at the TCC.

I was there only for an hour today and tomorrow, I will not be there. Saturday, I will be adding quite a few more. After a quick tour, a lot more to add.

[Jean Sendero]

Just a few quick shots from Jordi, Jim&Gail fiesta at Casa Vincente. Great party that unfortunately I had to leave early to attend family matters. Thank you Jordi, and Jim & Gail.

[Tobi]

Jean, thank you so much for those breathtaking fluorite pictures!!!

[Matt_Zukowski]

I am afraid Jean's pictures are better than my pictures. Nevertheless, i hope my picts will prove useful. If others provide better picts, then maybe mine will still be useful for context.

First up is Rob Lavinsky's excellent Chinese fluorite collection. Many of the pieces in this collection are truly, IMHO, the best for each locality.

[Matt_Zukowski]

Next up is the Liebetrau case, with specimens purchased from Lindsay Greenbank. An excellent case.

[Matt_Zukowski]

I knew Jesse Fisher and Joan Kureczka (sp?) specialized in UK fluorites, but their case exceeded anything I have seen from most of these North Pennines localities. Such a wonderful collection from such a narrow range of localities! The most memorable to me was their Boltsburn specimen. I have seen others which resemble cut pieces of the jello called Danish Desert that I had as a kid, but their's was larger and more pristine then I have ever seen. I wish I could have done this case photographic justice.

[keldjarn]

Thanks Jean and Matt for the excellent photos from the main show exhibitions of Fluorite.

Knut

[chris]

Thanks for all the photos. Glad to get an overview even if I'm far away from Tucson. Please keep posting.

Christophe

[Jean Sendero]

A few more from the spectacular exhibits

[Jean Sendero]

Some displays were from groups and individuals. Such is the case for META, HAMS, and MAD. Some museums have some exhibits and some private collectors or couples. The following are from the individuals and museum.

Wayne and Dona Leicht had the best of their collection on display which comprised a few Mexican pieces.

Keith Proctor Family Trust had a huge double case with a variety.

and much more. Private collectors, I have omitted or hidden your names

[Jean Sendero]

more

[Jean Sendero]

And the winners are:


The few missing categories and more Mexican minerals will be added tomorrow.

[valere]

As promised, here are my first impressions of my first steps in Tucson show! Above all a learning trip!
After a long trip, through Atlanta on my way in (I will remember the custom question time, the toughest I ever had in my life!) my arrival was immediately pleasant, at the Mindat mension, a great place with a family atmosphere, great collectors, with many of the main venues at short walking distance!
Nowhere in the world I have seen such a large quantity of rocks and minerals, so many important collectors, dealers and curators, both from the US and the world! Exceptionnal ofortunity to share and learn! The first day was used to fight jetlag, map the place into my head, and enjoy Arizona sun! So in a nutshell, impressions and comments

- the show is huge and long, impossible to make it all unless a professional, "retired" (bad word, a mineral collector never retires) or enjoying extreme professional/family time flexibility
- the prices seem to be shocking, completely irrational, but with time, searching... it is possible to find real bargains! even in the same rooms, some minerals can be outrageously overpriced, while other bear a very correct price tag! The low interest rates contribute for sure to some excessive pricing (cheap to keep a stock)
- there sure are differences between the plans and what happens! I expected to see plenty of wulfenites, obviously these times are over! Looking after an excellent American gold, for a really outstanding piece, patience will be needed, with the help of a killer trade to make the one go out of the bush!
- When coming from Europe, the southern Arizona climate is a delight at this time of the year, for sure a big asset of the show! The beauty of the place too!
- Many venues can be visited like museums, many rocks of outstanding quality available!
- This year, to see part of Emringer collection being dispersed was certainly a big event!
- Many advice to come by the end of the show, to make the mainshow

So, a first jump to Tucson and not the last for sure! Once again I heard some rumors about a change of the showplace from Tucson to Las Vegas in the future! Difficult to imagine, for sure not the same crowds are attracted by these two cities...

Certainly Tucson is a pilgrimage to make at least once in a lifetime! Many go back, Sure I will!

All the best from Belgium

[valere]

The first staying place!

[valere]

Many goodies everywhere!