[Rockhounds] Thumbnail specimens

[Mark Easterbrook]

Hi Larry,

I have been a TN collector for about 10 years or so.  When it comes to my
collection, space and size was always an issue - cost, as well.  I probably
have about 200 in my collection at present.  I have also collected
miniatures and cabinets, well.  But, there is something fascinating to me
about a TN mineral specimen, especially when it is on matrix.  I would be
interested in joining your group.

Mark Easterbrook


> [Original Message]
> From: Lawrence Rush <larryrush at worldnet.att.net>
> To: Rockhounds at drizzle.com: A mailing list for rock and gem collectors
<rockhounds at lists.drizzle.com>
> Date: 2/11/2009 1:08:17 PM
> Subject: [Rockhounds] Thumbnail specimens
>
> List......
>
> Is it my imagination, or has interest in Thumbnail specimens waned in the 
> last 10 years or so? I have some 300 of them in my personal collection,
and 
> about the same in the store. I have always been fascinated by the quality
of 
> them , the crystallographic perfection obtainable, and the relatively
cheap 
> cost to buy them.
>
> But for the past few years, when I take maybe 100 of them to shows, only
a 
> few sell, and then usually to youngsters. And I do try to offer some
better 
> pieces, not all in the $5-10 range.
>
> Do others find this lack of interest? And why is this so? Is the 
> predominence of the luscious cabinet specs. in the hundreds and thousands
of 
> dollar ranges on the web and at shows imprinting on collectors minds the 
> images that cause them to look only for those kinds of "pretties"?
>
> I belonged to an International Thumbnail collectors group for many years
(as 
> did some of the list members!), which is now defunct, due to lack of 
> interest. I have wanted to re-start this group (it is a correspondence, 
> newsletter group, dedicated to education and trading), but don't know if 
> there is any interest at all out there.  Is anyone here interested in 
> joining? It was an all-vounteer organization, with minimal dues to cover 
> mailing costs.
>
> Let me know your thoughts........
>
> Larry
>
> -- 
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