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#76935, Quartz var. Amethyst
Quartz, Intergalactic Pit, Deer Hill, Maine (c) $375
Parents frequently ask how they can encourage their children's emerging interest
in minerals. My first recommendation is to join the local mineral club. There
are mineral clubs in almost every large city, within a short drive of the
majority of the population. They offer monthly lectures, field trips, and
newsletter for a modest membership fee. (Sadly most adult collectors do not
join their local mineral club. Of the 3000 mineral collectors in the greater
New York area, fewer than 500 are in mineral clubs.)
So here is my list of activities to encourage the hobby of mineral collecting:
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Give them a small display case to display their minerals and take pride in
their collection.
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Take them on field trips to collect minerals
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Attend local mineral club meetings
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Participate in club field trips.
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Start a "juniors" group at the mineral club that meets an hour before the
meeting and is hosted by a senior mentor from the club.
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Attend local mineral shows -- not to buy, but to attend the free lectures
and study the display exhibits.
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Subscribe to Rock & Gem magazine which has a juniors column every issue.
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Give mineral books as gifts at birthdays and holidays.
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Find a mentor to take your child under his wing and teach them the basics
of mineral collecting.
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Visit your local geology museum -- every college has one, as do major cities.
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Create a scavenger hunt when visiting museums or mineral shows to challenge
them to find certain minerals or other special parts of the collections.
Almost every serious mineral collector I know started collecting minerals
as a child. During high school and college years mineral collecting gets
sidelined. But as adults they return to the joy of collecting minerals, usually
once they are independently mobile (their own car) and have fewer demands
on their time (no school).
Start your children early and the hobby will stick with them. They are the
future of our hobby.
John Betts, 1/22/19
Click here to read past news and
commentaries...
Customer Comments:
"Over the years we have accumulated some very fine specimens of Analcime
from yourself but they all pale in comparison with the giant Canadian one
in today's parcel. A magnificent specimen, can't wait for your next update".
M.M.
"Once again, thank you, the crocoite is perfect and the analcime, calcite
and quarts on prehnite is exactly what I wanted.I love your site and all
it has to offer. You re the best." Tiffany V.
"I love the fluorite from Tennessee my husband got me for our anniversary.
It is everything I wanted in this beautiful fluorite. Thank you for getting
it out as quickly as you did. "
"We received from you a specimen of Pyromorphite from Phoenixville. It
has got to be the most magnificent specimen of this species we have ever
seen. The photos on your website did not do it justice." M. Martin in
UK.
"Some months ago, we asked if you could obtain for us a specimen of Fluorite
from Illinois. We left you to it knowing that sooner or later you would come
up with the goods. And you certainly have. It is an absolute magnificent
Fluorite and we can't thank you enough for going to all that trouble to obtain
it for us." Marie...
"Thank you John! I just added two nice Diamonds from the North Cape Province,
South Africa to my collection. John's service is impeccable! My new prized
specimens were described honestly and photographed perfectly. I am a very
happy collector! For everyone seeking to buy collection grade (or jewelry
grade) Diamonds, John Betts fine minerals in New York is the place to go!"
Michael P.
Click here to see other comments about
this site by customers. Also add your feedback...
Pledge to My Customers:
Customer satisfaction is my primary goal. I pledge:
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New minerals will be added to this site every week.
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All minerals offered will be naturally crystallized specimens - no fakes,
no dyes, no irradiation, no crystals glued on matrix.
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Only the exact item pictured on the site will be shipped - no substitutes.
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Photographs will accurately represent each item - no exaggeration, enhancement
or retouching flaws.
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Mineral species and localities will be accurately listed on labels with each
specimen.
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All items will be shipped via US Postal Service, usually the next business
day after the order is finalized.
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Each mineral will be individually wrapped and carefully packaged to prevent
damage during shipping.
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All historic labeling, if available, will be included with each mineral.
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Returns are gladly accepted. No questions asked, no explanation necessary.
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All customer information will be kept confidential and never shared or sold.
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I will continue to freely share my knowledge with others and contribute
to the study and appreciation of minerals.
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All mineral specimens have a lifetime guarantee: if the mineral species was
incorrectly identified, I will refund the cost of the original purchase &
shipping, the cost return shipping and the cost for testing.
John H. Betts, owner
Mineral dealer since 1989, mineral collector since 1967
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