FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Jordi Fabre]

Chris wrote: "..Looking forward Denver's report now ;-) ..."

And before, by the Tracy's Franklin Show report! (please ;-)

Jordi

[Tracy]

Computer adjustments have made it tough for me to reply before now...

How can I refuse you, Jordi, when you ask so nicely? :-) Will be happy to cover Franklin, this time WITH photos! Thanks for the kind words.

- Tracy

[Jordi Fabre]

Fine. A lot of fun with yours and Gail Show's write up!

Jordi

[Tracy]

Report on Franklin Mineral show, 27-28 September...this time I have photos!! :-)

A bit about Franklin: Franklin prides itself on being the fluorescent mineral capital of the world, a title which it deserves because there are 89 species of fluorescent minerals to be found there. In Franklin, one can find about 360 mineral species in total, and it is the type locality for more species than any other place on Earth. Many/most of these minerals came from two zinc mines, Franklin and Sterling Hill, which are a few miles apart (for more detail and accuracy I refer you to a proper write-up on Franklin, I’m recalling from memory).

Franklin hosts 2 small-ish shows every year at the local middle school. The main show takes place inside the school but there is a second, more informal “outdoor” show where sellers can set up tables (taking their chances on the weather) and where there is more freedom for discussion and deal-making. It’s worth it to spend time both outdoors at well as indoors. Not surprising given its history, the main focus is on Franklin minerals. This means that there are lots of UV lamps and viewing booths as one moves around the room. There is also a terrific exhibit of fluorescent minerals, and another showcasing the mines’ history. Fluorescent minerals are more massive than well-crystallized, and most look pretty unattractive in daylight. Nevertheless, there was no shortage of color in the dark…

The weather forecast called for rain this entire weekend. When we arrived at the show early yesterday it was gloomy and foggy, but happily the rain never came. We walked through the outdoor show first, which had not fully set up yet, then visited the indoor show with one last sweep through the outdoor show. We also spent some time with Alfredo (thank you again!), who looked at my included quartz crystal and, together with Terry Szenics, confirmed that they are indeed molybdenite inclusions (more on that in my other thread),,,and that the crystal is not from Brazil. All in all, a fun and interesting day.

I promised myself that I would let the photos do most of the storytelling for this report, so here come the pictures. Admission to the Franklin show also gives you a free pass to the Franklin Mineral Museum, and I will post photos from the museum tomorrow. Enjoy…

- Tracy

[Tracy]

more photos...

[Jordi Fabre]

These columns about shows are wonderful. They give us an overview about worldwide shows, really educational!...

Thanks Tracy, Chris, Gail..for sharing them with us.

Jordi

[Pete Modreski]

Tracy, thanks for the good report, with pictures, on the Franklin NJ Show. Wow, that foggy outdoor picture sure makes one appreciative of good weather for outdoor (tent) shows, or for ALL strictly indoor shows in general!

A picture comment, the photo of the display of fluorescent esperite shows only shades of green, whereas of course, the distinguishing feature of esperite is its yellow (a slightly greenish-yellow) fluorescence, compared to willemite. Shows that color balance in digital photography is still not always perfect.

Thanks again,
Pete Modreski