FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Le Snelling]

My name is Le Snelling and I live in Silverton OR. I was born ('51) and raised in Escondido California. My dad had a keen interest in minerals so we, as a family, joined the newly formed Palomar Gem and Mineral Club in 1954. It was a large family oriented club. Some of the club members were involved in mining the Pala District. Norman Dawson, a member along with his family, discovered beryl from the White Queen Mine. Thomas Schneider, a gem dealer in San Diego grew up in the club along with his parents who were Mineral Dealers. It was a great place to grow up to love minerals. When I returned from college I rejoined the club and became the program chair for several years. I later became the CFMS Juniors Chairman. Now all these years later, since I moved to Oregon in 92, I am a member of Friends of Mineralogy, Pacific Northwest Chapter. Now that I am retired, I am hoping to attend more symposia across the US and shows like St. Marie aux Mines. I will miss Tuscon 19 because my Father-in-law, who lives with us turns 100 on Feb 16!
One last thing. May dad loved minerals and had a small collection which he never displayed. As a result, I am passionate about displaying minerals and I encourage you to display yours so that you, your family, and your friends can enjoy them. It may also encourage some young person to pursue Mineralogy!

[Don Lum]

Welcome to the FMF, Le.

[Gary White]

Hello everyone.

My name is Gary and I am new to the forum as a registered member but I have been reading the forum for years. The level of mineralogical knowledge, enthusiasm, camaraderie, and mentoring that occurs on this site is inspiring to me.
I am a (somewhat unfocused) collector of minerals from worldwide localities. Although my wife and I share a love for mineral collecting (thank goodness), our taste in specimens can differ (which adds some spice to the process). I am fortunate to live in Texas where the taxes are low and the barbecue is great.
As a perpetual student of mineralogy, mining localities, existing collections and collecting history; I appreciate this forum and I appreciate all of you who have shared so many wonderful photos, discussions, and enlightening debates.

[Tobi]

A warm welcome from Germany, Le and Gary!
Thanks for the short information about your (collecting) biography, I hope you'll enjoy the community and show us some samples from your collections ... :-)

Regards
Tobi

[Don Lum]

Welcome to both of you, Gary. Look forward to your posts.

[Arash Ghafari]

Hi. I am not a new member but I have recently been active. I have studied Iran minerals for about 20 years and I have collected many fine specimens. In 2011 I founded a private mineral museum on my personal property in the city of Arak, Iran. It is named Jahanbin. In the museum, there is a very well equipped gemology laboratory and a studio to cut and polish gemstones and do my artworks. I received a UNESCO award of excellence in 2010 in handicrafts for gem cutting. In addition, there is a separate section to show and sell my artworks and the minerals in the museum.
Sometimes I take photos of the minerals and as far as I can I will share them with you.

[Pierre Joubert]

Well done Arash! Hopefully some day I can view your collection:-)

[Arash Ghafari]

[Tobi]

I have seen some of your specimens here and that photo of the museum display makes me want more. I would also like to see some more impressions of the museum displays ... :-)

[Arash Ghafari]