How to Display a Mineral Collection
Some mineral collections are ideal for display, while others are best stored. Pick your favorite pieces and create a mineral display. Store the remaining lot properly, and you'll have great looking minerals that you can rotate on display.
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Instructions
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Store Your Collection
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Catalog each specimen. Label it with a number that corresponds to your record of its location and date found, as well as its important physical descriptions.
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Place stored minerals in a drawer lined with box lids. You can also use cardboard boxes with soft paper for dividing the minerals.
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Select a location for your collection to be stored. Look for a spot that's free from dust, moisture and harsh lighting.
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Consider using an egg carton. Empty egg cartons are great storage containers for smaller minerals.
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Label the box or tray. Be sure to use the catalog numbers already in use, so you always know what each container holds.
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Check the minerals in storage periodically. This way you can clean them or even rotate them into the display.
Display Your Collection
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Choose your favorite pieces. If you have a large collection, it's best to pick a particular type, color, hardness or size for display.
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Buy a plastic box with dividers. This type of display is best for small minerals that disappear in large displays.
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Consider placing large minerals on display. These are best displayed in glass cases, which you can buy or build. Then simply set them on a bookshelf.
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Make sure you choose an accessible display. You will need to clean the display and its contents regularly, since dust can damage minerals.
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Choose a display location. It's best to stick to a dry, well-ventilated area because moisture can ruin your minerals.
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Create space between the minerals. Minerals can damage each other when placed directly against other pieces.
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Buy a display. They can be found online or by catalog. Otherwise, you can build your own with a quick trip to the hardware store.
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Let natural light shine on the display. Some minerals react badly to artificial light and, if you plan to display different specimens together, this could pose a problem.
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Tips & Warnings
Opt for boxes made of plastic or acid-free materials to prevent chemical reactions between the mineral and container.
Join a mineralogical group. Members share their collections and even go on mineral expeditions together.
Never use cotton balls to separate stored minerals. The cotton can snag and stick to your minerals.
