FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Don Lum]

Dear Jordi,

Gwen and I always had a great time whenever we were able to attend the FMF Party. We wish to thank you and Gail and Jim for all the great things you have done (and continue to do) for the mineral collecting hobby and the education and knowledge we picked up along the way.

Sincerely,

Don Lum

[Don Lum]

Congratulations to Mr. White, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Stefano and Tom Moore. May the next 50 years be as bright as the last 50!!!

Sincerely,

Don Lum

[bob kerr]

As usual there were numerous terrific display cases at this year's TGMS Show - a fairly significant lowering in the quality from last year but still lots of excellent cases. I'll try to summarize the ones that really caught my eye and hopefully others members will add to this.

The first is what at first glance is a boring case of dark fluorites - then the back lights are turned on (on automatic cycle). Quite impressive.

more to follow.
bob

[bob kerr]

Another terrific case was submitted by the Arizona Mineral Minions. Disbursed throughout the case were miniature MR cover photos of some of the specimens in the case - these were surrounded by even better and famous pieces. Gotta love Les Presmyk's copper spray of spinel twins.

bob

[bob kerr]

Every year Scott Rudolf presents a case of his world class minerals and 2020 was no exception. Note in particular the "Rabbit" copper from MI, the HUGE pyromorphite from Bad Ems and also the terrific Brandberg scepter on matrix.

bob

[bob kerr]

The LA Natural History Museum entered a really great case showing 8 specimens that graced the cover of the MR. Also included was a brief history of the specimen.

bob

[bob kerr]

Those mad men and women of the MAD (Mineral Association of Dallas) again entered a simply wonderful case of unique specimens. The two front and center specimens - the Moroccan azurite and the Columbian emeralds - are excellent.

bob

[Jordi Fabre]

[Peter Van Hout]

Bob, to me it seems that the color contrast on that ’great’ Morrocan azurite you talk about (image_3087) is nothing else than severe damage on the piece.

Peter

[bob kerr]

[bob kerr]

We have Gene Meieran and Bill Larson to thank for this case. Everything is world class - look at the phenakite!!

bob

[bob kerr]

Les and Paula Presmyk entered a world class Arizona case - which is in addition to the specimens they placed into the Minion case. Gotta love the quartz druze over malachite from the Live Oak Mine. And given that Les worked for years at the Magma Mine you would expect a beautiful barite plate!

bob

[bob kerr]

And one more great case before I get to what I think is the best case in the show. The case entered by Alyssa Donovan contained a number of true Ikons and also an imperial topaz lighted from the bottom that simply glowed and could be seen from across the floor.

bob

[bob kerr]

And finally, what I consider is the best case in the show this year is the huge collection of masterpieces entered by Jim and Gail Spann. Every year they generously permit the public to see a significant part of their collection - frequently in numerous cases. Best bet is to just enjoy the photos and a brief video at:

bob

[bob kerr]

OK!! Today was tear-down day at the TGMS Show - and the 2020 version of the Tucson Shows is now officially over. This photo of Bob Jones pretty much expresses how most of us feel.

bob