FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Umgodoye]

Good day everyone,

I've been reading FMF for awhile now, but have only just registered a user profile.

I have a couple questions regarding the Lidstrom and Desautels awards, awarded at the annual Tuscon show. They are often spoken about in the awesome show reports, but there doesn't seem to be much information on them. I've been able to find information on Paul Desautel and Walt Lidstrom, but not much on the awards themselves. There also seems to be competitive cases entered at the show.

I have never been to the Tuscon show (bucket list for sure). If anyone could help answer any of my questions, or give any other pertinent information about them, I would really appreciate it.

1. What are the two awards awarded for?

2. How long have the awards been running for?

3. Are there any other awards handed out at the Tuscon show?

4. It seems that people submit competitive cases at the show to compete with other collectors. How many people usually submit cases and are there different classes in the competition?

5. How does the process work with regards to entering a case? Can anyone enter a case at the show or are people invited to display?

6. With regards to themes of the cases, I know there is a theme at each Tuscon show but can an entrant choose any theme they want for their case?

7. How many judges are on the panel to award the awards?

8. Who are the judges?

9. How does the scoring for the competition work?

Thank you for reading. If you could appease my curiosity, I would greatly appreciate it.

Cheers

Jono

[Michael Shaw]

Jono,

Below are answers to some of your questions regarding awards given at the Tucson Show.

The Carnegie Mineralogical Award is given to an organization or person in recognition of outstanding contributions which promote mineralogical preservation. It was established in 1987.

The Desautels Award is given annually for the best case of minerals in the show. It's inaugural year was 1991.

The Lidstrom Award is given annually for the best single specimen in the show. It was established in 1978.

Maybe others can weigh in on some of your other questions.

Michael

[rweaver]

The Desautel award replace the Ed McDole award which had been around for a lot longer time. And as side note to Jim and Gail it was nice the see the Idaho Aqua in your winning case. Frank Knechtel use that piece from his collection when he was going for the McDole award.

[Umgodoye]

Hi all,

Thank you very much for your replies, I appreciate your help.

Cheers,

Jono