Everything about collecting dioptase. Learn about Tsumeb specimens, Congo and Kazakhstan localities, quality evaluation, and how to care for and display this stunning green mineral.
Everything about collecting chrysocolla. Learn about gem silica, Arizona and Congo localities, quality evaluation, care for this delicate copper mineral, and display tips.
Everything about collecting celestite. Learn about Madagascar geodes, Ohio crystals, color preservation tips, quality evaluation, and how to display this heavenly blue mineral.
Everything about collecting sphalerite. Learn about its extraordinary fire, famous localities from Elmwood to Spain, quality evaluation, and how to display this brilliant zinc mineral.
Everything about collecting garnet specimens. Learn about almandine, pyrope, spessartine, grossular, andradite, and uvarovite — famous localities, quality factors, and display tips.
Everything you need to know about collecting black tourmaline (schorl). Learn about its piezoelectric properties, famous localities from Brazil to Pakistan, crystal quality factors, and display tips.
Everything you need to know about collecting hematite. Learn about iron roses, specular plates, botryoidal kidney ore, famous localities from Elba to Brazil, and how to evaluate quality hematite specimens.
Everything you need to know about collecting amethyst. Learn about amethyst properties, famous localities from Brazil to Vera Cruz, quality factors, care tips, and where to buy premium amethyst specimens.
Discover why vanadinite is our April 2026 Mineral of the Month. Learn about its fiery red-orange hexagonal crystals, famous localities like Mibladen Morocco, collecting tips, care instructions, and where to buy quality vanadinite specimens.
Nestled in the mountains of Hunan Province in southern China, the Yaogangxian Mine (瑶岗仙矿) has earned a legendary reputation among mineral collectors worldwide. Since the early 2000s, this tungsten-tin mining complex has produced some of the most spectacular fluorite specimens ever discovered — crystals prized for their exceptional transparency, vivid color range, and remarkable crystal … Read more
Mineral and gem shows are the lifeblood of the global collector community. These events bring together miners, dealers, curators, and enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities to acquire specimens, expand networks, and experience the diversity of the mineral world. From the vast halls of Tucson to historic European fairs, each show carries its own character and influence. … Read more
Fluorite is one of the most admired and widely collected minerals in the world. Known for its extraordinary range of colors and remarkable crystal forms, this calcium fluoride (CaF₂) mineral has fascinated collectors, geologists, and gem enthusiasts for centuries. This guide will explore fluorite’s physical properties, famous localities, collecting tips, and its value in the … Read more
