Advice and Tips if you are new to collecting

We are often asked for advice on collecting. To help you get started we suggest the following:

• Don't try and collect everything at once
• Focus on individual mineral groups or species to start with
• Buy the best specimens your budget allows
• Avoid at all costs buying specimens that are damaged
• Keep specimens labelled and clean - do not throw away old labels, these add value
• Join your local mineralogical society - there are many of these in most countries
• Keep good records and catalogue your collection right from the start
• Store specimens carefully - this avoids damage from knocks and abrasions
• Buy at least a two or three books since no one volume covers everything - we can recommend some good ones
• Try and attend some mineral shows to meet dealers and see what's available
• Develop good relationships with a small number of dealers. That way you will hear about their new stock first and they will get to know your wants and interests

We hope these ideas help. If you need any additional advice or assistance with getting started, don't hesitate to drop us a line. You will find our the details on the Contact page.