For those tiny crystals http://www.mindat.org/msgboard-60.html Sat, 18 May 2013 12:43:40 +0000 Phorum 5.2.15a http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,292674,292674#msg-292674 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,292674,292674#msg-292674
Issue 6 of the Australian and New Zealand Micromineral News is now available.

Available at crocoite.com

Remember it is FREE.

Feedback, as always, welcomed.

Regards
Steve]]> Steve Sorrell Micromounting Thu, 02 May 2013 11:59:20 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,291854,291854#msg-291854 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,291854,291854#msg-291854
I have a Neal Yedlin sanidine micro that is labelled as White Springs, Oregon. I can't find this locality in Mindat. Any thoughts?

Regards
Steve]]> Steve Sorrell Micromounting Sun, 21 Apr 2013 19:27:18 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,290430,290430#msg-290430 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,290430,290430#msg-290430 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION
4620 Doe Street
Shingle Springs, CA 95682

Hello Everyone,

It’s that time again to gather together at the 2013 NCMA annual micromount conference!

Registration materials for the conference are included in this message. Pre-registration is $15 per person and on-site registration will be $20 per person. You can also use the attached form to pay your 2013-2014 membership dues that are $10 for a single membership and $15 for a couple’s membership.

The conference will be held May 31 through June 2 at the El Dorado Community Hall (6139 Pleasant Valley Road) in El Dorado, California. El Dorado is located about 40 miles East of Sacramento on Highway 50. From either direction on Highway 50, take the Missouri Flat Road exit south to Highway 49. Turn right on Highway 49. At the junction of Highway 49 and Pleasant Valley Road, take Pleasant Valley Road. The Community Hall is about ¼ mile beyond the junction. Turn right on Oriental (directly across from the Post Office) to get to the Community Hall.

There will be no meals served at the conference. However, allocated time in the schedule has been provided for everyone to take advantage of nearby restaurants. A social hour will be held on Friday and Saturday afternoons, so bring your favorite finger-food to share.

Tim Rose, again, has lined up some terrific speakers for your enjoyment. The scheduled talks this year are as follows:

Friday evening, May 31 at 7:00 pm
Don Howard – “What’s Old in Minerals”

Saturday morning, June 1 at 10:00 am
Ted Hadley – “Maps and Navigating on a Budget, or …. Materials and methods for managing a library of topographic maps, annotating them, using them for navigation, and paperless portability with minimal cost investment”

Sunday morning, June 2 at 10:00 am
Tim Rose – “The San Rafael Mine, Nye County, Nevada”

Attendees should feel free to bring slides they’d like to show on Friday night following Don’s presentation. Last year for the first time, a silent auction was held that turned out to be a success.

We would like to encourage you to bring mineral-related items for this year’s silent auction.

Motel reservations should be made early; gather up some egg cartons or flats of material to keep the give-away tables well stocked for the weekend (as well as a few choice specimens for the live action on Saturday evening); and make your plans to attend. Hope to see you in El Dorado!!

Theresa Kokinos
NCMA Treasurer

---

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Annual Micromount Conference, May 31 – June 2, 2013
El Dorado, California

Friday, May 31
2:00-4:30 PM Registration and Setup
4:30-5:30 PM Hors d’oeuvres
5:30-7:00 PM Dinner
7:00-7:45 PM Don Howard – “What’s Old in Minerals”
8:00- PM Open Forum - Slides

Saturday, June 1
8:00-10:00 AM Late Registration, Give-Away Tables Open
10:00-11:00 AM Ted Hadley – “Maps and Navigating on a Budget, or …. Minerals and methods for managing a library of topographic maps, annotating them, using them for navigation, and paperless portability with minimal cost investment”
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Break
1:00-2:00 PM NCMA Board Meeting
2:00-4:30 PM Give-Away Tables, Scope Time
4:30-5:30 PM Hors d’oeuvres
5:30-7:00 PM Dinner
7:30- PM Live Auction

Sunday, June 2
8:00-10:00 AM Give-Away Tables Open
10:00-11:00 AM Tim Rose – “The San Rafael Mine, Nye County, Nevada”
11:00-12:00 AM Give-Away Tables Open, Scope Time
12:00-2:00 PM Lunch (on your own), Tear Down, Clean Up

Field Trip: After the conference, there will be an NCMA field trip to Colorado Hill (Zaca Mine) and the Monitor District, including the Curtz and Morningstar Mines. All these mines are located a short drive from Markleeville in Alpine County, CA. The trip will be from Sunday, June 1st through Monday, June 2nd, with an optional day to collect on Tuesday, June 3rd before starting for home.

All collecting will be done above ground. We will be camping at the collecting area. However, there is a motel in Markleeville, and a really nice state park with Hot Springs nearby. Motels are also available in Gardnerville, Nevada, which is about a 45 minute drive.

If you are interested, please send me an e-mail: sbogosian@aol.com. See you at NCMA!

Stan Bogosian

---

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Annual Micromount Conference, May 31 – June 2, 2013
EL DORADO COMMUNITY HALL, 6139 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD, EL DORADO, CALIFORNIA
MAY 31, JUNE 1 – 2

REGISTRATION:
NOTE: Pre-registration is $15 per person. Registration at the conference is $20 per person.

NAME(S) ____________________________________________________________
Pre-registration for conference - $15 per person $________________

2013-2014 MEMBERSHIP DUES:
DUES: $10 Single - $15 Couple $________________

TOTAL:
Conference Registration plus 2013-2014 Dues $________________

Please include any changes in contact information (address, phone number, email).
Please make checks payable to NCMA and forward to:
Theresa Kokinos
NCMA Treasurer
4620 Doe Street
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
PLEASE RETURN BY MAY 15, 2013

---

2013 NCMA MICROMOUNT CONFERENCE NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS:

POLLOCK PINES: CAMERON PARK:
Best Western Stagecoach Inn Quality Inn & Suites
5940 Pony Express Trail 3361 Coach Lane
(530) 644 2029 (530) 677 1422

Westhaven Inn
5658 Pony Express Trail
(530) 644 7800

PLACERVILLE:
Best Western Placerville Inn
6850 Green Leaf Drive
(530) 622 9100 or (800) 854 9100
Golden Trail Motor Lodge
1970 Broadway
(530) 622 2906

Mother Lode Motel
1940 Broadway
(530) 622 0895

National 9 Inn
1500 Broadway
(530) 622 3884

Historic Cary House Hotel
300 Main Street
(530) 622 4271]]> Robert Miller Micromounting Sat, 06 Apr 2013 02:21:39 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,288649,288649#msg-288649 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,288649,288649#msg-288649 Join us in Niagara as we gather for our 50th Annual Symposium!

Friday May 3 - Sunday May 5, 2013,
Brock University
St. Catherines, Ontario

Featuring
* Friday Photomicrography Workshop
* Wine and Cheese reception
* Loaded giveaway tables
* Sales room
* Silent auction
* Presentations by Dr. John A. Jaszczak and Dr. Steve Chamberlain
* Professional Microscope cleaning and servicing
* Saturday evening Banquet featuring a Live Auction and Presentation by Dr. John A. Jaszczak


For more information and to register, contact: bill.lechner@rogers.com]]> Frank Ruehlicke Micromounting Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:16:09 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,287742,287742#msg-287742 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,287742,287742#msg-287742
[attachment 44362 ArfvedsoniteJMQCZ40BLs.jpg]]]> Henry Barwood Micromounting Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:32:24 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,287682,287682#msg-287682 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,287682,287682#msg-287682 here

I hope you can attend! It is a great day!
Joe]]> Joe Mulvey Micromounting Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:31:47 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,285660,285660#msg-285660 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,285660,285660#msg-285660 Joseph Taggart Micromounting Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:29:17 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,284505,284505#msg-284505 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,284505,284505#msg-284505
I've only done a few, decades ago, but recall it being a very satisfying process, and am thinking about doing some more.

I have all these fantastic micro crystals doing crazy things, and sketching seems easier than the endless slog of trying to produce quality photomicrographs.

So if anybody out there is doing simple line drawings, in the style of Glenn and Fisher (RIP, bow to the masters, I miss you guys), I could use some beginner tips. Ideal pencils, papers, that sort of stuff.

This insane little herringbone twin group of marcasite I hammered out of boulders in Niagara Falls is dying for attention.]]> Tim Jokela Jr Micromounting Fri, 17 May 2013 12:57:28 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,283648,283648#msg-283648 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,283648,283648#msg-283648
This area is also very productive with respect to microminerals. Mineral species that are common in this area are vanadinite, descloizite, pyromorphite (?). I am not sure what these mineral species are that I have collected. I am interested in what you know about them.

It is stratigraphically located in the lower portion of the Cambrian Deadwood formation.

I am interested in TRADING this material with material that you have personally collected (preferably unmounted). I am interested in locality & date and other related geologic information. I am especially interested in material that you have personally collected.

Thanks for reading this!
Greg Kruse
Casaper, WY USA]]> Greg Kruse Micromounting Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:32:07 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,283379,283379#msg-283379 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,283379,283379#msg-283379
Thanks

Steve]]> Stephen J Gomersall Micromounting Sun, 27 Jan 2013 16:32:48 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,282807,282807#msg-282807 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,282807,282807#msg-282807
[attachment 43400 Pyrophanite3GMQ1sUM.jpg]]]> Henry Barwood Micromounting Sun, 20 Jan 2013 20:35:38 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,281086,281086#msg-281086 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,281086,281086#msg-281086 www.glommaguiden.com]]]> Ot. Ljostad Micromounting Sat, 05 Jan 2013 17:44:23 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,281068,281068#msg-281068 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,281068,281068#msg-281068
I use the 7/7 x 7/8 x 3/4 inch (22 x 22 x 20mm) plastic boxes with black box and clear lid; black paper liner, and balsa wood peg.

One of the first things I learned was to mount the specimens so the crystals of interest are flush with the open top of the box. Thus different minerals may be viewed under the microscope without major refocusing from specimen to specimen. I also use a turntable under the microscope for displaying specimens and here, one wants all to be in the same focal plane.

For me, the easiest way to mount the specimen is to put a drop of white glue on a disk paper-punched from the a black paper liner; let it set until tacky; and place the mineral chip in the glue while looking through the microscope. Usually no support is needed unless the chip is rather heavy. Then toothpicks pushed into modelling clay work pretty well.

After the glue is set, I blacken the end of a length of balsa with a felt tipped marker and glue the black disk onto the exposed end. I made a jig for measuring the length of the specimen plus wood. Cut the glued up specimen to length and then glue it into the center of the folded black paper liner. Insert it in the box and label it.

How do you mount your specimens? I am always looking for a better way to do it. I imagine that you are, too.]]> Donald Peck Micromounting Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:44:37 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,280878,280878#msg-280878 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,280878,280878#msg-280878
Model SM-2T

Key Features:

7X-45X super widefield zoom magnification power
Sharp clear stereo images, large field view and long working distance
Sturdy pillar stand with both incident and transmitted lights

Description:
This is a first-class 7X-45X trinocular stereo zoom microscope. It incorporates all the most excellent features of a high quality laboratory instrument. Designed to meet the demands of modern microscopy applications, this scope exceeds all expectations.

It comes with SUPER widefield optics and versatile illumination system that provides both incident (top) lighting and transmitted (bottom) illumination. You can choose between incident illumination shining down onto the object or transmitted illumination through the frosted stage plate. The first is used for the observation of three-dimensional objects and the second for the inspection of the objects that allow light to get through them like diamonds.

This microscope offers high resolution and good depth within a broad field of view. It provides crystal clear sharp stereo images, 6.5:1 large zoom magnification range, and 4" (100mm) working distance. Its 45 degree inclined trinocular head ensures an easy observation and rubber eyeguards provide further comfort.

This microscope is useful for many applications. It can be used in gemology, geology, forestry, archaeology, agriculture and biology. It is appropriate for educational purposes in hospitals and schools. It is great for the exploration of the world of surface details and fine structures of various materials like wood, metal, solder, semiconductor and gemstone. It is perfect for the examination of insects, plants, rocks, stamps, coins, jewel, soldered points, microelectronic components, circuit boards or virtually any three dimensional objects. This scope is an ideal tool for research labs, gemologists, collectors, engravers, watchmakers, jewelers, dies-makers, philatelists, and anyone in semiconductor or electronic industry.

It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It comes brand new in factory-sealed box.

Features:

7X-45X (6.5:1) Continuous Zoom Magnification Range
Trinocular Design for High Quality Photographs or Video
Upright Photo Tube for Your Digital Camera, Digital Video Camcorder and CCD Camera to Show and Edit High Resolution Images on TV or PC Screen
30mm Super Widefield 10X Eyepieces
4" (100mm) Large Working Distance
45 Degree Inclined Trinocular Head
Crystal Clear Original True Color Images
Erect Sharp Stereo Images over a Super Widefield of View
High Resolution with Great Flatness and Contrast
Accurate Alignment Ensuring Fatigue-Free Comfortable Observation
Both Ocular Tubes with Adjustable Diopters
Adjustable Interpupillary Distance
Full Optical Glass Elements
Precise Ground Glass Lenses
Built-in Epi-illumination and transmitted lighting system with adjustable intensity
Metal Pillar Stand Finished with Stain Resistant Enamel
All Metal Mechanical Components
CE approval electric apparatus
Rubber Eye-guards Included
Manufactured under ISO 9001 Quality Control Standard
Excellent Five (5) Year Manufacturer Warranty
Lowest Price Guaranteed or Refunding the Difference!
Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back!

Specifications:

Head: 45 degree inclined 360 degree swiveling trinocular
Eyepieces: 30mm super widefield high-eyepoint WF10X/20
Objective: 0.7-4.5X
Zoom Range: 6.5:1
Maximum Field of View: 1-1/4" (31.75mm)
Minimum Field of View: 3/16" (4.75mm)
Working Distance: 4" (100mm)
Diopter Adjustment: +/-5dp
Interpupillary Distance: 2-3/16" - 2-15/16"(55-75mm)
Frosted Glass Plate: 3-3/4" (95mm) in diameter
White/Black Plastic Plate: 3-3/4" (95mm) in diameter
Incident (Top) Illumination: 12V/15W halogen bulb
Transmitted (Bottom) Illumination: 12V/15W halogen bulb
Power Supply: 110V/60Hz (220V/50Hz version available)
Accessories: dust cover, eye-guards and clips

Packing List:

One Trinocular Stereo Zoom Head
One Pair of Super Widefield High-Eyepoint 10X Eyepieces
One Halogen Top Light
One Pillar Base with Bottom Light
One Focusing Rack
One Frosted Round Glass Plate
One White/Black Round Plastic Plate
One Power Cord
One Pair of Clips
One Pair of Eye-guards
Two Halogen Spare Bulbs
One Dust Cover
User's Manual
Shipping Weight: 20 lbs

Model SM-2TY

This is a first-class 7X-90X trinocular stereo zoom microscope. It incorporates all the most excellent features of a high quality laboratory instrument. Designed to meet the demands of modern microscopy applications, this scope exceeds all expectations. It comes with SUPER widefield optics and versatile illumination system that provides both incident (top) lighting and transmitted (bottom) illumination. You can choose between incident illumination shining down onto the object or transmitted illumination through the frosted stage plate. The first is used for the observation of three-dimensional objects and the second for the inspection of the objects that allow light to get through them like diamonds. This microscope offers high resolution and good depth within a broad field of view. It provides crystal clear sharp stereo images, 13:1 large zoom magnification range, and 4" (100mm) working distance. Its 45 degree inclined trinocular head ensures an easy observation and rubber eyeguards provide further comfort. This microscope is useful for many applications. It can be used in gemology, geology, forestry, archaeology, agriculture and biology. It is appropriate for educational purposes in hospitals and schools. It is great for the exploration of the world of surface details and fine structures of various materials like wood, metal, solder, semiconductor and gemstone. It is perfect for the examination of insects, plants, rocks, stamps, coins, jewel, soldered points, microelectronic components, circuit boards or virtually any three dimensional objects. This scope is an ideal tool for research labs, gemologists, collectors, engravers, watchmakers, jewelers, dies-makers, philatelists, and anyone in semiconductor or electronic industry. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It comes brand new in factory-sealed box.

Features:

7X-90X (13:1) Continuous Zoom Magnification Range
Trinocular Design for High Quality Photographs or Video
Upright Photo Tube for Your Digital Camera, Digital Video Camcorder and CCD Camera to Show and Edit High Resolution Images on TV or PC Screen
30mm Super Widefield 10X Eyepieces with 20mm Field of View
4" (100mm) Large Working Distance
45 Degree Inclined Trinocular Head
Crystal Clear Original True Color Images
Erect Sharp Stereo Images over a Super Widefield of View
High Resolution with Great Flatness and Contrast
Accurate Alignment Ensuring Fatigue-Free Comfortable Observation
Both Ocular Tubes with Adjustable Diopters
Adjustable Interpupillary Distance
Full Optical Glass Elements
Precise Ground Glass Lenses
Built-in Epi-illumination and transmitted lighting system with adjustable intensity
Metal Pillar Stand Finished with Stain Resistant Enamelea
All Metal Mechanical Components
CE approval electric apparatus
Rubber Eye-guards Included
Manufactured under ISO 9001 Quality Control Standard
Excellent Five (5) Year Manufacturer Warranty
Lowest Price Guaranteed or Refunding the Difference!
Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back!

Specifications:

Head: 45 degree inclined 360 degree swiveling trinocular
Eyepiece: 30mm super widefield high-eyepoint WF10X/20
Objective: 0.7-9.0X
Barlow Lens: 2.0X
Zoom Range: 13:1
Working Distance: 4" (100mm)
Diopter Adjustment: +/-5dp
Interpupillary Distance: 2-3/16" - 2-15/16"(55-75mm)
Frosted Glass Plate: 3-3/4" (95mm) in diameter
White/Black Plastic Plate: 3-3/4" (95mm) in diameter
Incident (Top) Illumination: 12V/15W halogen bulb
Transmitted (Bottom) Illumination: 12V/15W halogen bulb
Power Supply: 110V/60Hz (220V/50Hz version available)
Accessories: dust cover, eye-guards and clips
Packages: 1
Weight: 20 lbs

Optional Accessories:

Optional 10X Super Widefield High-Eyepoint Eyepiece with Reticle for Measurement
Optional 15X Eyepieces for Extending Magnification Power up to 135X
Optional 20X Eyepieces for Extending Magnification Power up to 180X
Optional 0.5X Barlow Lens for Extending Working Distance up to 8" (200mm) and Doubling Field of View
Optional 1.5X Barlow Lens for Magnification Power up to 67.5X
Optional X-Y Gliding Table (Stage) for Easy Sample Control
Optional 0.3MP USB2 Digital Camera for PC Display
Optional 1.3MP USB2 Digital Camera for PC Display
Optional 3.0MP USB2 Digital Camera for PC Display
Optional 5.0MP USB2 Digital Camera for PC Display
Optional 8.0MP USB2 Digital Camera for PC Display
Optional 9.1MP USB2 Digital Camera for PC Display
Optional 10.7MP USB2 Digital Camera for PC Display
Optional 23mm Photo Port CCD Camera for TV Display
Optional Adapter Lens for C-Mount Video/Camera]]> Steve Stuart Micromounting Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:25:04 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,279506,279506#msg-279506 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,279506,279506#msg-279506 Henry Barwood Micromounting Thu, 10 Jan 2013 01:40:15 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278809,278809#msg-278809 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278809,278809#msg-278809
Issue 5 of the Australian and New Zealand Micromineral News is now available.

Please note the new address (been changing the way my website operates).

Remember it is FREE. Also now available as pdf or ePUB file (for this new issue).

Feedback, as always, welcomed. And a Ho Ho Ho Happy Xmas to all (remember to be good or else you will get the Bad Santa)...

Regards
Steve

[attachment 42579 badsanta.jpg]]]> Steve Sorrell Micromounting Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:29:35 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278696,278696#msg-278696 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278696,278696#msg-278696
Complete Guide to.....]]> Ron Layton Micromounting Sun, 09 Dec 2012 20:56:18 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278594,278594#msg-278594 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278594,278594#msg-278594
Microscopes and hand-lenses use different systems of nomenclature for powers of magnification. In a real microscope, the magnification is found by the ratio between the image and the object. “Magnification is expressed in diameter or times linear,” according to Simon Henry Gage (The Microscope and Microscopical Methods, 6th edition, 1896). This can be measured by clamping down a millimeter ruler on stage, focusing on it, and then measuring how many of these millimeters fit within a millimeter held at the eyepiece, or ocular. At 10x, a real microscope will show just about that many in its image.

Not so with the hand lens. A 10x (held at maximum focal length, to get the maximum magnification, but not so high as to go out of focus) will show a little over 3, so its diameter power is about 3x. A 16x will show about 4. Why is this so? Because they are measured in terms of area, not diameter, and as area is the square of distance, the term will be the square of the distance (10 is the square of a little over 3; and 16 is the square of 4). I suppose this is based on the fact that a 1mm square (such as a pyrite crystal that size), which would measure 4mm square, has an image of area of 16 square mm (that is, if the lens is large enough to actually get the whole thing seen in one field of view). So if we were to compare the powers of lenses to those of a binocular microscope, a 4x lens would really be a 2x, a 10x would be a 3x, a 16x would be a 4x, and a 25x hand lens (if you can really get one of that area power – real area power, not wildly exaggerated power as is sometimes sold) would compare to 5x.

Of course there are other differences between binocular microscopes and hand lenses. The best microscope (for looking at mineral crystals) also has a wide field of view, and a deep depth of field. However, when at a mineral location, one cannot conveniently carry around a microscope, so a good quality hand lens can be useful – if it also has a wide field of view, enabling one to scan to find the crystals. Some of these tiny hand lenses, or “loupes” sold lately, are so small in lens diameter that it is hard to see anything through them, even if not scanning. Also, one has to hold those so close that it shuts off most of the light. For most field work (for scanning and for general looking) I think that any lens smaller than half an inch (12.7 mm) is just too small; I prefer 5/8” (16mm) or larger. Also, if its power is too large, it can cut down on field of view (but not as much as the lens diameter does if it is one of those tiny things so commonly sold lately; they really cut down on visibility in too many ways).

Some say that you can find good hand lenses on the internet. I have noticed that some are poorly described: Are the diameters the lens diameters or simply the rim diameters (which can be considerably more, ending up with a big rim and tiny lens), And are they real glass, or cheap plastic? And are the optics any good? I don’t believe that most of the sellers even know how to tell the differences; most of them are not familiar with lenses. I would rather walk into a store, measure and test the thing, and know that I have got something good that will last me for years, than to save a very few dollars and risk getting something that just won’t work well for the purpose.

I got a real good one quite by accident. An acquaintance, who was briefly interested in minerals, had a lens marked 16x, with 2 glass lenses in a metal rim, which can be turned to slide into its case as with many such things (another advantage is that one can loop a cord around it; I put a bright orange emergency whistle on the other end of the string, easy to see if one is looking for it on the ground). This person didn’t like it, possibly because its optical setting wasn’t quite right, and so I got it. I could see that there was something wrong with it, so removed the bottom lens, thus turning a duplex into a singlet (and obviating the possibility of scratching the lower lens against a rock), and although it is of a lesser power, it seems to work so much better, with a better field of view. It is now closer to a 10x (~3x diameter), but it is better in the field. It has a nice wide lens, about 3/4” (19 mm). I would like to get another one like this.

I did buy a cheap plastic pocket-sized “45x microscope” from China, the type with the tiny LED light. Altho no good for scanning, due to its tiny field of view (and very tiny lens size, 1/4”), it is useful to have a closer look at a specimen in the field when the 10x lens just isn’t quite strong enough. The LED lamp is handy, although not of the same color as sunlight (sunlight is so much better, but is of good intensity only in summer), and the whole thing can be kept in a shirt pocket, and easily replaced if lost for not over $10. However, one must realize that the term “45x” may be an exaggeration (as is a similar “60x” one I got lately) even if one goes by area, its maximum power under best conditions is only about 25x (5 diameters); I call it a 20x (by area) as that is closer to what I use it for (if one uses extreme efforts in extreme circumstances one just may approach the claimed areal magnification, but that so-called magnification is not in practical use, so I call it by what I think it is). In fact I bought more than one, gave one to a friend, another to a kid, kept a spare to use, and keep one in the car. Not as good as my trusty good glass 10x with the wide lens, but useful in its place.

Although I do not buy metal tools made in China, I will buy some of the plastic products. When I saw a tiny LED lamp on tent-cord clamp at an outfitting store, I bought more than one, thinking it just the thing to clamp to a length of stiff wire and poke into a tiny vug (such as in a cliff near Parrsboro, Nova Scotia) to see crystals where a regular flashlight would not fit. But I found another use for the device. I clamp it to a piece of stiff wire taped to the shaft of a tiny dental mirror (the type used by mechanics), and hold this arrangement in one hand, while the other hand holds a tiny gauge, to measure thickness of brake shoes through that tiny hole in the back of the hub, when I change tires for the winter. Another useful gadget is a tiny LED flashlight that plugs in (storage and recharge) into the 12V outlet in the car. I take this in my pocket, into a used book shop, and use the lamp to peer at titles in the dark geology section (if that bookshop gets any tighter like a cave, with books piled up hazardously and sliding off like thrust faults, as it did in its former location, I will have to wear a hardhat with a headlamp, lay out 50 yards of line as I go in – will the cashier let me tie an end to a doorknob or to the cash register? - and possibly carry a pickaxe and a 911 cell-phone-GPS for help or escape in case of a shift or a quake).]]> Dana Morong Micromounting Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:13:43 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278459,278459#msg-278459 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278459,278459#msg-278459
We are looking for fluoroedenite (and possibly also fluorophlogopite) samples from the Biancavilla type-locality for a research project.
Anybody has samples they are willing to exchange? I can provide similar samples from the French outcrops (http://www.mindat.org/loc-53115.html; [www.mindat.org]; [www.mindat.org]), or other volcanic minerals.

Thanks a lot,
Etienne]]> Etienne Medard Micromounting Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:48:53 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278400,278400#msg-278400 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,278400,278400#msg-278400 Ron Layton Micromounting Sat, 08 Dec 2012 19:10:32 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,277911,277911#msg-277911 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,277911,277911#msg-277911 Ron Layton Micromounting Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:07:53 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,277607,277607#msg-277607 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,277607,277607#msg-277607
Right now I have perhaps three interweaving organizations of my MM/TN samples – by specific locality, by number sequence in order of acquisitions, and by region. For example, by region - all of my MM from New Jersey, except Franklin / Ogdensburg, are in one set of flats; by locality - all of my MM’s from A/S Granit Quarry (thanks Peter!) in a single flat, and maybe 50-80 other one locality groupings each in their own flat(s). The balance are in numerical groups (#’s 1 -999 in one set of flats, 1000’s in another set, etc…), but not organized within these groupings.

What I want to avoid is the “empty hole” issue, in which a drawer in the new storage unit may get filled, and then one or two or six may get replaced or traded away. Worse would be trying to insert a new specimen into an already filled drawer, into order to maintain some organizational protocol. I don’t want to have to periodically shuffle 1000’s of little boxes every so often.

Was wondering how other people organize their MM’s and handle issues of locating specimens, additions and removals, while maximizing usage of their space.]]> Jeff Weissman Micromounting Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:17:24 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,277028,277028#msg-277028 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,277028,277028#msg-277028
To mount these, I usually peel them down as thin as I dare, then use scissors to cut the mica into a square, mount it in a clear box by four little legs, each leg glued in a corner, and label. Then I can set it on the microscope stage, adjust the mirror beneath to shine the light up through, and view. If one does not have a glass stage, one can make a light box out of a clear plastic box about 2” or more wide, and 1” high (remove the base if it is in the way), and install a reflector inside the box at an angle. The reflector can be a little mirror, or just a piece of aluminum foil glued to a cardboard.

This particular specimen of muscovite had a whole array of inclusions, a group of schorls on one end, and what looks like albite on the other. It was too long to go into a 1” square box, so I thought to put it into a 1” x 2” box. Usually I would peel it down, but as the inclusions were in different layers I did not want to do that, which would separate them. So I thought to cut the thick mica with a cut-off wheel of a Dremel Tool.

The brittle stone cutting wheels do not cut as well as do the reinforced composite cutting wheels (the latter do not shatter as easily as the former, and cut better too). But both take some time to cut, and I discovered that they left some undesired side effects (I guess I should have first made a “dry run” on some material I didn’t want, but I didn’t think about that at the time). First, the mica tends to spread when cut, like a paperback being sawed by a hacksaw: You can hack it, but it’s not a nice cut. Also, the dust which is invariably produced, tends to get between the sheets, making the edges kind of dirty inside. Also, it tends to make the sheets split a bit. I did have the mica clamped down, but a bit has to stick out, and that bit suffered the side effects. I guess a wiser course might have been to surround both flat sides completely with some material that could be cut right along with the mica, to prevent spreading (and hence internal dirtying), but that would have necessitated very careful measuring so as to cut exactly where wanted. Perhaps clamping between two pieces of clear plastic, as long as it is the type that won’t shatter, won’t melt in cutting, and won’t make a mess, might have worked. Anyone trying this method is advised to do a “dry run” on extra material first before risking his prize specimen.

The specimen is still pretty interesting but not quite as nice as it might have been.]]> Dana Morong Micromounting Sat, 24 Nov 2012 18:29:59 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,275702,275702#msg-275702 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,275702,275702#msg-275702 Robert A Santee Micromounting Tue, 06 Nov 2012 22:44:39 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,275588,275588#msg-275588 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,275588,275588#msg-275588
Posted this in the Identity Help forum... [www.mindat.org]

I have a vintage micromount of malachite labelled Belldorf, Rhine Province, Prussia, Germany.

Can anyone suggest what it may be now?

Regards
Steve]]> Steve Sorrell Micromounting Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:31:11 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,275279,275279#msg-275279 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,275279,275279#msg-275279
Does anyone know of an active micromount group near Sacramento?
How about any individuals interested in collecting trips?

The fun part is that I've been panning for gold in the river behind my house and I found some definite micromount gold there!

I appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Thanks,
Robert]]> Robert Miller Micromounting Sun, 04 Nov 2012 14:32:15 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,271611,271611#msg-271611 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,271611,271611#msg-271611
Some of you may know that New Zealander Rod Martin is to be inducted into the Micromounter's Hall of Fame soon.

For those of you that don't know what Rod looks like, hopefully this will help...

[attachment 40681 rodmartin4.JPG]

Regards
Steve]]> Steve Sorrell Micromounting Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:06:24 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,271407,271407#msg-271407 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,271407,271407#msg-271407
I am considering purchasing a powerful light system for use with leica stereomicroscope up to 150 to 200x zoom
I was wondering if a system with several (let s say 4 to 6) 9 to 12w led lights on flexible arms like those sold for desk use would be powerful enough ?
Or is it necessary use fiber optic kight guides ?
Has anyone trued with 30w or more very high power ked lights systems ?
Any advice or recommendation based on experience wekcome !
Thanks a lot]]> d. vernet Micromounting Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:23:53 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,269647,269647#msg-269647 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,269647,269647#msg-269647 I've found these two:

[www.minrec.org] (there is a more recent edition, from 2007, with hardcover; the text is the same?)

[www.amazon.co.uk] (this one, being quite old, might be severely out of date)

Best regards, Luís Martins.]]> Luís Martins Micromounting Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:07:23 +0000 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,267703,267703#msg-267703 http://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,60,267703,267703#msg-267703
Any micromounters in or near Lodz, Poland? I will be there on business for several months starting mid-Sept, 2012.

I can bring some unusual minerals from the US and Canada for trade. A collecting trip somewhere in Poland would be even better!

Contact me at joswarts.gmail.com.

Best Regards,

Hans]]> Hans Swarts Micromounting Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:02:37 +0000