[Rockhounds] Numbering Specimens (WAS: Paint)

[DonH]

John Siebel wrote:


> I understand the acid free paper as it doesn't yellow, etc., but I'm 
> unclear about the glue. Does Elmer's fit the bill?

As far as I've been told--I think it was by our list member Fossilnut 
(Gene), Elmer's is somewhat acidic.  I use "Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive" 
(do a search, you'll find vendors for it).  There are others.

Again, this is serious stuff.  Some readers might be thinking "what the 
****."  All the labeling, database management, use of archival 
materials, etc., requires a committment of time and some expense. 
However, some people are as enthusiastic about managing the collection 
as in acquiring it, taking a special pride in their curataorial skills. 
  And as Kreigh said so well, much of the value of some specimens 
depends on the history behind them.  I once heard a fellow at a 
micromounters conference compare unlabeled specimens with no locality to 
"children of uncertain parentage," which is a little harsh, but I got 
the point.

Example: One of my dull, earthy, crumbly lumps is probably the ugliest 
specimen on earth.  However, it is an old specimen of montmorillonite, 
from Montmorillon.  That makes it quite worthwhile!  However, no one 
would ever know that without the specimen number, and the catalog entry 
associated with it.

Yours truly,
Don