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]

[Roy89]

Hello everyone, I'm new in this forum and in rock collection too.
I started collecting a few rocks in the past days and I'm really enjoying it, even if I have a lot of questions. In particular I find difficult to recognize the rocks I'm collecting; I think they are "simple" and common, but with books and pictures I never feel secure.
I live in a small city in Italy and I think I will continue searching for new rocks here, trying to identify them and learning new things about minerals and rocks. I hope this forum will help me to understand more and to go on with my new hobby.

[redw0lf]

Welcome Roy, I'm new as well. So far it has been helpful here! Enjoy your stay and happy hunting.

[Olivier Vandebroucke]

Hello to everyone on the forum!

I'm a long time amateur mineral collector from Belgium; it all started when my great-grandmother gave me some shiny/colored quartz specimens she gathered in the region when she was a kid, and when I grew up, I found that the best way to honor this collection would be to enlarge it!
So far, I've been doing it as a complete amateur, without talking to experts (not to mention that I've studied and now work in a radically different field, political science), but I've always brought some pieces of quartz, silex etc from holidays. One of my favourite pieces is a rock I brought back from a former silver mine in Germany, which shines like a disco ball under the light at night!
So, my main "mission" on this forum is to learn more about my collection than "this one is a shiny purple cristal thing, and this one is a jet black pointy rock".
Right now I am working abroad and will come back home (where my collection is) only this summer, but then I'll make sure to take pictures for you to enjoy!

[Kevin Schofield]

[Jordi Fabre]

[bontix77]

Hi, my name is Alexander. I'm Italian moved for work in Boston one year ago. I'm Biologist big fan for everything about nature as minerals and fossils.
I'm a Japanese/chines calligraphy practitioner since long time, is my favorite hobby.

i have a humble collection composed by quite modest specimens but i'm proud of it.

I hope to learn more about minerals and collectors here in the States. I'm also interested to swap or acquire new specimens so if you have something to give feel free to contact me.

[Richard Arseneau]

Welcome to the forum! I have a modest collection myself. I have found the people here very knowledgable and willing to share their expertise. Looking forward to seeing some of your specimens. There is a collector's gallery section.

Best regards,
Richard

[Don Lum]

[SteveB]

Welcome, Read the rules etc is best advice I can give. Some people here with amazing knowledge and specimens.but not always time for people posting without following the rules etc. I’m Australian and interested in all kinds of rock, minerals, fossils and meteorites except anything “new age” or manufactured, Natures wonders are enough for me without humans messing about with them. :)

[Tobi]

Welcome to the community, Alexander. What are your collecting focuses? I'm looking forward to see some impressions of your collection :-)