How to best storage and display
your mineral and rock collection...
Storage
and Display
Once you have
organised
your mineral and rock collection and its information in the database,
think of how to best storage and display it. There are different
options.
Many collectors store their rocks and
minerals in cardboard boxesinside storage trays.
Cardboard boxes are even easier to make, and the advantage of them is
that
they can be made to suit the size of the specimen, as opposed to when
using a premade
trays
like on the photo below.
You can buy the
drawers, card trays, and different storage boxes from specialist
dealers.
There are also specimen stands
if you want to display them, jars, tubes,
small bottles,
dome cases,
round boxes,
universal boxes,
and magnifying boxes
for small specimen
(I find that fantastic!), and - all for very affordable
prices.
When placing the rocks
and minerals into the collection, try to group
related specimens together.
Add
labels with a number that relates to the information in your database;
mineral name, and preferably where it was found, when it was collected,
and the collector's name if you like.
Safe
Storage
Unfortunately
it's not enough to put them into the box - you have to give them
conditions in which they last. Generally that means, keep them in a dark, reasonably dry and reasonably cool place.
A bag of silica gel which you get for free when you buy
shoes,
some electronics, certain food (e. g. sushi roll papers), and many
other things that need
to be kept dry in the bag or box where it's packed. It will keep your
rocks and minerals dry too!
Some
minerals you have to watch more than that.
Many sulfides and native elements such as silver and copper oxidize and
tarnish or even decompose if it's in light
conditions for
too long so it is better to keep them in a dark place.
Some
minerals, such as borax, laumontite, melanterite and chalcanthite
discolour or disintegrate when kept in too
dry conditions.
They need to be kept in air-tight containers.
Others, such as halite, sylvite and carnallite dissolve when kept in too moist conditions.
They need to be kept in sealed containers or bags, preferably with a
small bag of silica gel, which absorbs moisture.
Pyrite
is another one to watch. It can deteriorate and turn into powder, with
sulphuric acid given off as well as so much heat that it can even light
a
fire. Watch pyrite for signs of decay
and keep it in a dry place!
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English, which is the English we use in
Australia.
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