Collecting Minerals is an immensely satisfying hobby with huge investment possibilities. Aesthetically, Minerals are extremely rewarding, the beauty of colors and crystal shapes combined! With the thousands of different mineral species, it is virtually impossible to collect them all. Thus mineral collectors specialize in one way or another. Either they concentrate on a specific mineral group or mineral e.g. Quartz or collect only minerals from one country or even one locality only e.g. the Tsumeb Mine, Namibia. Other mineral collectors specialize only in investment mineral specimens. Stamps with a Minerals theme is also popular amongst Mineral Collectors.

Preserving mineral specimens is a serious concern. For example, if a top quality Quartz crystal specimen is chipped, it's value may be reduced by 95% and is then good for tumbling rough only! Another issue is the quantity of mineral specimens available. The number of mineral specimen are limited! A good example of this is the rare mineral Ludlockite. Only one pocket of this mineral was discovered in the Tsumeb Mine, Namibia from which a few hundred specimens were removed. The Tsumeb mine closed down in 1996, thus there is not a chance of discovering another pocket of this mineral at this locality. Imagine owning a stunning specimen of Ludlockite and it somehow gets damaged!

Mineral specimens must be housed in such a way as to prevent any physical damage. Humidity conditions must be taken into account for deliquescent (absorbing atmospheric water) mineral specimens e.g. Sylvanite and efflorescent (losing water of crystallization) minerals e.g. chalcanthite. Beware of Pyrite decay (bacterial decomposition) as sulphuric acid is formed which can damage nearby mineral specimens e.g. Calcite. Light sensitive mineral specimens e.g. Realgar (decomposes into Orpiment) must be stored away from any light sources.

Be extremely careful when cleaning mineral specimens. Minerals like Gypsum and Celestite are slightly soluble in water. Avoid using ultrasonic cleaning devices as far as possible. Detergents may cause an undesirable tarnish on mineral specimens. Sudden temperature changes in cleaning liquids may crack mineral specimens.

Proper and Accurate labeling of mineral specimens cannot be overstressed as the value of mineral specimens are mostly determined by locality.

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