[Rockhounds] Labeling specimens

[Rock Currier]

With modern database programs, the generation of a variety of labels for the 
specimens catalogued in the database should be only a matter of choosing the 
label type you want to print for that specimen. Since the data is already in 
the database it is a waste of time to type it again onto a label(s). One of 
the label types that collectors/curators may want to print out is a specimen 
label that can be glued onto the specimen. Using 5 point type of most font 
types you can easily print out small labels containing the species on the 
specimen, the locality and the collection name and number. Four point fonts 
can be used, but some people will need a magnifying glass to read the 
characters.



For specimens smaller than miniature size you may need to make special 
labels with smaller type fonts or attach the specimen to the box containing 
the specimen, which is typical of micromount specimens. I also sometimes 
glue a short length of sewing thread to the specimen and glue the label for 
the specimen on the other end of the thread. Black laser printed labels are 
pretty stable color wise especially if you coat them with a layer of a clear 
waterproof layer of paint. I glue the labels on the specimens with common 
white glue, which you can soak off with water if necessary. You will 
probably find that paper of the standard thickness of standard printer or 
copy paper will become too transparent in the process to afford easy 
legibility and that a somewhat heavier paper will eliminate this problem. 
Archival grade paper is desirable for long-term survivability.



If you have a suitable program you can quickly print out a small specimen 
label and then a larger box or display label (these are slightly different 
creatures.



Rock