Processing..

You found something.... what now ?

1. Identification

First of all, you wish to find out what it is. You want to identify what you are holding in your hands. Then there are several steps. If you are an experienced collector there is a fair chance that you recognise it immediately, or maybe later under the microscope. This way of recognising your find is about the same as an experienced bird watcher, who immediately recognises a bird on sight. You just know in that case.

But then the challenge begins, if you don't know what it could be. First you can go through all kinds of available information: internet, books. Knowing the precise location where it was found is essential, and having knowledge on the species that have been found there before is very helpful. In the Links-section you can find a few great sources for that sort of information. It looks - but I have just started playing with that - as if AI can become to be an extra help too. Besides that formal drawings of crystal structures, shapes and forms are indispensable. And sometimes you can perform simple tests - looking for fluorescence, using 10 % HCl to examine certain kinds of solubility for instance. Other resources can be contact with colleagues in local clubs or online - you would be surprised how many people out there are curious and willing to help. And if all that gives no satisfying result, then there are always specialised labs that are equipped to do the necessary scientific evaluation of your specimen.

2. Formatting

Of course it's your choice if you wish to keep every rock piece with minerals just the way that you found it. But most collectors will want to format the larger pieces into smaller ones that are more handy and easier to handle and  store. You can imagine that it would not be very wise to use a hammer to do that, because the chance that you destroy everything is big. Trimming devices like the one on the photo would be advisable - with some practice you will soon be able to treat the rock pieces in a way that preserves the sensitive crystal vugs. 

3. Cleaning

If you're lucky and the crystal vug was preserved within the host rock, then cleaning is usually not even necessary. But if needed I would advise always to begin with a diffuse water spray, except when you suspect having a water soluble mineral in your hand. Often this already gives satisfying results. When there is more resistant dirt and dust you may use an ultrasonic cleaning device as on the photo. And sometimes things like iron oxydation or lime contamination require the use of chemicals - with all kinds of safety measures of course.

4. Storage and data 

One of the big advantages of micromount pieces is that they are small and take up little space. If mounted properly - which explains why they are called micromounts - in their boxes, a whole collection could be stored in a single cabinet. There are boxes in several sizes, preferably transparent. Every box should be labeled, with data to your own taste, but at least with the name of the species and the location of origin. And if you would want to increase the value of your collection a database with all the relevant data of every specimen should be kept.