So far this site seems to have dealt with actual thefts from minerals on show, but I would think that interpersonal theft is just as common. Such thefts are often not so clear cut as burglary. I would like some advice on my own experience of this.
Over three years ago I bid just over $100 for a gel-mounted disk of the rare mineral Morozevicsite from the US eBay site topaz-mineral.expl. I was then emailed by the person I had overbid, suggesting that he could have the validity of the mineral tested, and would send me a 'superb' example of Umohoite in return for agreeing to let him have half of my specimen. There was reason to do this, as the seller was not always accurate and the specimen lacked analytic proof. I was reluctant at first, but eventually did so, as the person exhibited an apparent expertise on rare alkaline minerals and had long sought a piece of Morozevicsite, besides being a member of the International Micromount Society. After the mineral reached this man in Paris, silence fell. When I at length emailed him, I was told that the Umohoite was on its way, and that the testing of the Morozevicsite would take some time. Twice more I heard similar excuses, always in an urbane and learned manner that kept me just persuaded that he was only a dilatory academic. Then came six months when my emails got no reply. No specimen of Umohoite arrived. Then arrived another protest of assiduity, followed by another, longer gap. Then I wrote to him, God knows why, to appeal to his honour as a Frenchman. Another great protestation of honesty and professional integrity. Another gap of about a year followed. Then out of the blue he emailed again, asking to confirm my address so that he could put the Umohoite in the post for me. Needless to say, no Umohoite arrived. About two
months ago I told this man I was by now sure he had stolen the specimen from me.
I understand from others from whom he has also stolen that he follows the same pattern, always stimulating expectation and never delivering, and that this seems to give him pleasure. I would like to do something to stop him, but have no clear idea how to go about this without naming him to the societies to which he belongs. Has anyone any good advice on this?
