Two Years of the Seattle Mineral Market--2008 & 2009
Last Updated: 9th Jun 2009By Robert Meyer
Introduction
Revised June 9, 2009. Minor change at the request of one reader.
Revised June 8, 2009. Removed Addendum. If you missed this item you'll have to see it in person at the next Mineral Market.
The Pacific Northwest is like a lot of areas, there’s good minerals in the ground, there’s good mineral collectors all around, but there’s a scarcity of mineral shows of any renown. The Seattle Mineral Market was intended to mitigate that shortcoming by bringing the local mineral collecting community together for an informal show--a chance to buy, sell, trade, and discuss minerals--with an abundance of fun, and without an abundance of hype. Now, the Seattle Mineral Market has finished its second year, and it seems to have achieved some success in those aims.
The idea of the Seattle Mineral Market came out of a discussion in late 2007 between Bart Cannon, the show’s organizer, and Ray Hill, a prolific contributor to the Mindat message board forums. The Mineral Market was modeled after the format of two earlier local mineral swap meets, (1996-97), held in Longview, Washington. The event's name was originally the First Seattle Mineral Swap Meet, but that name was changed to the first Seattle Mineral Market because it allowed for greater flexibility in terms of business licenses and the technicalities of dealing with the local authorities, and besides, it is a nicer name.
The core concepts of the Mineral Market are free admission to the public, an emphasis on minerals, and inexpensive table rental designed to appeal to both well-established mineral dealers and to those mineral collectors with some odds and ends to sell off. Unlike the other significant local mineral event, the Pacific Northwest Friends of Mineralogy (PNWFM) annual three-day symposium held each fall, the Seattle Mineral Market was envisioned as a one-day event with no speakers, to be held in the spring. Indeed, the Mineral Market was not intended to supplant the PNWFM symposium, but to augment it, by adding some excitement to the local mineral scene during an opposing portion of the year. Additionally, from the beginning, the Seattle Mineral Market was intended to be an outreach effort from the mineral enthusiast community to the public at large, especially to kids. For example, Children attending the Mineral Market are presented with “Mineral Bucks” upon admission to spend with participating dealers. To aid in the effort of drawing in the public at large, Bart was able to secure some publicity listings in local media. For example, in 2009, the Mineral Market received mention in the Seattle Times: Weekend Magazine, and in Seattle Happenings.
A promotional page for the 2009 “Second Seattle Mineral Market.”
The FIRST Mineral Market, June 28, 2008
Uncharacteristic of Seattle, June 28, 2008 was steamy and hot, hitting a high of about 32°C, and the lack of air conditioning in the 1960’s era Lake City Community Center did little to relieve the heat. About mid-day a heated fog seemed to develop inside the building, imparting a bright nimbus around any light colored object. Despite the heat, the attendance of the show was very brisk from about 8:30 a.m. on, finally dropping off somewhat about 2-3:00 p.m.
Set-up for the event had begun at 10:00 p.m. the evening before, but dealers also had the option of arriving as early as 7:30 a.m. to do their set-up. The Mineral Market itself was not scheduled to open until 10:00 a.m. on June 28, but many attendees arrived early, and mineral sales were quite brisk well before many dealers were set-up.
I Thought I would get a Jump on the Crowd.
A small number of attendees decided to arrive before the Mineral Market officially opened. John Cornish photographs.
A small number of attendees decided to arrive before the Mineral Market officially opened. John Cornish photographs.
In addition to the dealers, there were numerous displays of minerals and related items at the 2008 Mineral Market. The display cases themselves were fabricated from very atypical items. Bart Cannon has a gift for devising interesting uses for commonplace items. The cases were made, by Bart, from vinyl seven-gallon mixing trays, spray painted white, and covered with a square of glass trimmed with black gorilla tape. The cases could be strapped down to the tables to add some security for valuable specimens. Another of Bart’s inventions came from using cardboard and window frame shrink-wrap to make attractive, and very inexpensive, hanging art that was displayed around the walls. The superb mineral photography of Saul Krotki was most prominent among these hangings. Many of these photographs would be familiar to Mindat regulars, since most were featured as past Photos of the Day.
Selected Dealer Highlights at the 2008 Seattle Mineral Market
Troy Hatch, of Galaxy Gems, Brazil, occupied one entire side of the Mineral Market, with a diverse assortment of very recently mined Brazilian minerals and gems from a variety of mines. Of note were five-color tourmalines, a very unusual pegmatite specimen featuring druzy Pyrite on green Tourmaline (a highly unusual combination in a pegmatite specimen), nice Brazilian emerald specimens, Amblygonite crystals in five different colors, excellent crystals of Andalusite, a superb 25 cm long Dauphiné-Brazil twin of Smoky Quartz, and numerous small, but choice, specimens of Brazilianite. His enthusiasm for Brazilian minerals was infectious.
The Scepterguy—Joe George—had an attractive booth featuring very nice quartz scepters from Washington and Hallelujah Junction, and a variety of world-wide specimens, especially those from China.
Rudy Tschernich of the Rice Museum had several tables laden with Zeolites and related species, mostly out of his own collection. Highlights included a superb orange Stilbite from India and some of the excellent red Thomsonite specimens from India.
Wes and Deb Gannaway had a table with various uncommon to rare species, many microcrystallized, from localities in Utah and Nevada.
John and Maxine Dagenais had many rare species, and featuring an abundance of material from Chuquicamata, Chile. John and Maxine also seemed to garner the most “mineral bucks,” for children, with the bright blues and greens of Chuqui stuff being too hard to pass up.
Ray Hill had two tables stocked with inexpensive thumbnails and micro specimens. Ray also brought along his scope, and, true to form, he spent a great deal of time with many attendees showing them the basics of micro mineral collecting.
Photo Gallery—2008 Seattle Mineral Market
The Pause that Refreshes.
The Lake City Community Center opened at 10:00 p.m. the night before the big event to begin set-up. Here, we see two of the hardest workers, Nevan Bacon, on the left, and Pat Dolan, pause for a moment to survey their good work.
The Lake City Community Center opened at 10:00 p.m. the night before the big event to begin set-up. Here, we see two of the hardest workers, Nevan Bacon, on the left, and Pat Dolan, pause for a moment to survey their good work.
A First Look.
A common feature of most mineral events are strategies to get that first chance to see what will be available before the event formally opens and the best stuff is sold. Many collectors arrived early the day of the Mineral Market in order to get that first look, and the place was hopping by the time the event officially opened at 10:00 a.m. However, not all collectors waited even that long. Here we see John Lindell, on the left, eyeballing Rob Woodside’s material as he pulls it out of the flats at about midnight the night before the event.
A common feature of most mineral events are strategies to get that first chance to see what will be available before the event formally opens and the best stuff is sold. Many collectors arrived early the day of the Mineral Market in order to get that first look, and the place was hopping by the time the event officially opened at 10:00 a.m. However, not all collectors waited even that long. Here we see John Lindell, on the left, eyeballing Rob Woodside’s material as he pulls it out of the flats at about midnight the night before the event.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hill.
With something like Kryptonite in reverse for mineral collectors, a mild mannered (OK, not really) Ray Hill is transformed into . . . something else.
With something like Kryptonite in reverse for mineral collectors, a mild mannered (OK, not really) Ray Hill is transformed into . . . something else.
At Command Central.
Mineral Market organizer, author, entrepreneur, eclectician, scientist, mineral collector extraordinaire, man about town, and inveterate night owl Bart Cannon is seen here at the Seattle Mineral Market looking across the table while holding a cell phone. This amazing display of multi-tasking is even more amazing given that Bart had been up most of the night before setting up the Mineral Market and this photograph was taken the next afternoon, well after his usual bedtime.
Mineral Market organizer, author, entrepreneur, eclectician, scientist, mineral collector extraordinaire, man about town, and inveterate night owl Bart Cannon is seen here at the Seattle Mineral Market looking across the table while holding a cell phone. This amazing display of multi-tasking is even more amazing given that Bart had been up most of the night before setting up the Mineral Market and this photograph was taken the next afternoon, well after his usual bedtime.
Browsing for Specimens.
Collectors discuss specimens at John Lindell’s tables. John brought about 100 flats of minerals to the Mineral Market, a large proportion of which were self-collected.
Collectors discuss specimens at John Lindell’s tables. John brought about 100 flats of minerals to the Mineral Market, a large proportion of which were self-collected.
The Position of Obeisance.
Charles Shaw demonstrates the position mineral collectors should adopt when paying deference to a mineral specimen. Mr. Shaw’s classic form is the result of years of practice. Note the way he keeps both elbows tight to his torso so that he assumes a stable platform to cherish every aspect of this piece, in actuality, a specimen of Ullmannite. John Cornish and Jack Frasl can be seen talking in the background.
Charles Shaw demonstrates the position mineral collectors should adopt when paying deference to a mineral specimen. Mr. Shaw’s classic form is the result of years of practice. Note the way he keeps both elbows tight to his torso so that he assumes a stable platform to cherish every aspect of this piece, in actuality, a specimen of Ullmannite. John Cornish and Jack Frasl can be seen talking in the background.
That’s Pretty Cool.
Mineral collectors Caleb Simkoff, John Lindell, and Art Soregaroli examine an exquisitely zoned slice of Amethyst.
Mineral collectors Caleb Simkoff, John Lindell, and Art Soregaroli examine an exquisitely zoned slice of Amethyst.
How do You Like My T-Shirt?
John Cornish answers the questions of a Mineral Market attendee. He is very good at explaining things.
John Cornish answers the questions of a Mineral Market attendee. He is very good at explaining things.
Photographs by Saul Krotki.
Posted along the walls of the Lake City Community Center were copies of a number of photographs by Saul Krotki. The image shown in this photograph is of Chabazite crystals perched on Thomsonite needles from Neer Road, Goble, Oregon. Oh yeah, also, the guy in standing in the foreground is John Lindell a well-known Northwest mineral collector. He filled three tables with minerals for sale, put in a display with the topic of twinning in Quartz, and swept the entire community center with an inadequate broom at the close of the Mineral Market.
Posted along the walls of the Lake City Community Center were copies of a number of photographs by Saul Krotki. The image shown in this photograph is of Chabazite crystals perched on Thomsonite needles from Neer Road, Goble, Oregon. Oh yeah, also, the guy in standing in the foreground is John Lindell a well-known Northwest mineral collector. He filled three tables with minerals for sale, put in a display with the topic of twinning in Quartz, and swept the entire community center with an inadequate broom at the close of the Mineral Market.
Lloyd Twaites.
Lloyd Twaites, who is very fond of tungsten minerals, the minerals of British Columbia, and who wouldn’t scoff at the odd Liroconite or Nagyagite among others, is seen here examining a group of Gold and Rucklidgeite specimens from Bear Mountain, near Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia.
Lloyd Twaites, who is very fond of tungsten minerals, the minerals of British Columbia, and who wouldn’t scoff at the odd Liroconite or Nagyagite among others, is seen here examining a group of Gold and Rucklidgeite specimens from Bear Mountain, near Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia.
Rob Woodside, a Man, and His Minerals.
One distinctive thing about Rob Woodside, and one that this photograph adequately captures, is that Rob has a zest for life, which often manifests itself in laughter and his characteristic chuckle. Rob can be seen here with three categories of specimens, from left to right: kid’s specimens, specimens for grownups, and specimens from his own collection.
One distinctive thing about Rob Woodside, and one that this photograph adequately captures, is that Rob has a zest for life, which often manifests itself in laughter and his characteristic chuckle. Rob can be seen here with three categories of specimens, from left to right: kid’s specimens, specimens for grownups, and specimens from his own collection.
Ty Balacko.
A master of the small, Ty Balacko has field-collected a substantial percentage of the rare microcrystalline species to come out of British Columbia over the past 20 or more years.
A master of the small, Ty Balacko has field-collected a substantial percentage of the rare microcrystalline species to come out of British Columbia over the past 20 or more years.
Can I Please Give You the Money?
Saul Krotki waits patiently to pay for a specimen while Bob Meyer takes his picture. Two important quotes from Saul at the Mineral Market come to mind. First, “I discovered I still like minerals. Second, “If I didn’t wear my nameplate to events like this, then there really wouldn’t be any reason to have a nameplate.” Note the Clint Eastwood-like glare.
Saul Krotki waits patiently to pay for a specimen while Bob Meyer takes his picture. Two important quotes from Saul at the Mineral Market come to mind. First, “I discovered I still like minerals. Second, “If I didn’t wear my nameplate to events like this, then there really wouldn’t be any reason to have a nameplate.” Note the Clint Eastwood-like glare.
Who is Responsible for Not Dusting This Lamp?
Bart Cannon promised that the Mineral Market would be a source of entertainment and intrigue. This photograph is the only one that depicted even the hint of intrigue, though, and in this case, it is simple appearance. Lloyd Twaites was not upset, and Michael O’Brien was not glaring at him as this photograph suggests. In actuality, both are the most agreeable of people. The red lamp is the property of Bob Meyer. Note the prominent display of mineral-rich dust on the lamp, the rubber bands used in place of the missing spring, and that there is apparently no bulb.
Bart Cannon promised that the Mineral Market would be a source of entertainment and intrigue. This photograph is the only one that depicted even the hint of intrigue, though, and in this case, it is simple appearance. Lloyd Twaites was not upset, and Michael O’Brien was not glaring at him as this photograph suggests. In actuality, both are the most agreeable of people. The red lamp is the property of Bob Meyer. Note the prominent display of mineral-rich dust on the lamp, the rubber bands used in place of the missing spring, and that there is apparently no bulb.
Displays at the 2008 Seattle Mineral Market
Ex Libris: John Cornish.
In addition to his many other efforts within the realm of minerals and fossils, which include an active field collecting schedule, maintaining a presence as a dealer at prominent shows, and introducing the young and old alike to mineralogy through presentations now numbering into the thousands, John Cornish is an avid collector of mineral-related publications. The publications depicted in these images are perhaps less technical than some of the others in John’s library. The above photographs are by John Cornish, depicting his innovative case concepts.
In addition to his many other efforts within the realm of minerals and fossils, which include an active field collecting schedule, maintaining a presence as a dealer at prominent shows, and introducing the young and old alike to mineralogy through presentations now numbering into the thousands, John Cornish is an avid collector of mineral-related publications. The publications depicted in these images are perhaps less technical than some of the others in John’s library. The above photographs are by John Cornish, depicting his innovative case concepts.
A Detail of one of the Mineral Publications in John's Innovative Displays
World-Beating Antimony.
Take your choice, this is the World’s best specimen of Native Antimony, or it is the only extant nest of the now-extinct Stibium splendidus. This is the best specimen from the best find of Native Antimony, and is in the collection of Rob W. M. Woodside, Ph.D., of White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Antimony crystals from this one very limited find, made at the Consolidated Durham Mines and Resources Ltd. Mines, Lake George, York Co., New Brunswick, Canada, far exceed the quality of Antimony crystals found anywhere else. This specimen is the only piece from the find that possessed lustrous crystals, in this case esthetically surrounded by a nest of Calcite crystals. The specimen is about 25 cm across in the longest dimension. Attendees of the Mineral Market, particularly those who knew what they were looking at, were very fortunate in being able to view this specimen, and a number of others in Rob’s display.
Take your choice, this is the World’s best specimen of Native Antimony, or it is the only extant nest of the now-extinct Stibium splendidus. This is the best specimen from the best find of Native Antimony, and is in the collection of Rob W. M. Woodside, Ph.D., of White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Antimony crystals from this one very limited find, made at the Consolidated Durham Mines and Resources Ltd. Mines, Lake George, York Co., New Brunswick, Canada, far exceed the quality of Antimony crystals found anywhere else. This specimen is the only piece from the find that possessed lustrous crystals, in this case esthetically surrounded by a nest of Calcite crystals. The specimen is about 25 cm across in the longest dimension. Attendees of the Mineral Market, particularly those who knew what they were looking at, were very fortunate in being able to view this specimen, and a number of others in Rob’s display.
Detail of the above specimen
Brazilianite.
A superb specimen of Brazilianite, measuring about 19 cm in the longest dimension, from the CĂłrrego Frio Mine, LinĂłpolis, Divino das Laranjeiras, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil, in the collection of Rob W. M. Woodside, Ph.D.
A superb specimen of Brazilianite, measuring about 19 cm in the longest dimension, from the CĂłrrego Frio Mine, LinĂłpolis, Divino das Laranjeiras, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil, in the collection of Rob W. M. Woodside, Ph.D.
Electrum.
This exquisitely crystallized specimen of Electrum, measuring 20 cm x 20 cm, features individual crystals of over one cm, is from the Round Mountain Mine, Round Mountain District, Nye Co., Nevada, and is in the collection of Rob W. M. Woodside, Ph.D.
This exquisitely crystallized specimen of Electrum, measuring 20 cm x 20 cm, features individual crystals of over one cm, is from the Round Mountain Mine, Round Mountain District, Nye Co., Nevada, and is in the collection of Rob W. M. Woodside, Ph.D.
Detail of the Above Specimen
Twinning in Quartz.
An impressive display of Quartz twins, most of which are self-collected, by John Lindell. Photographs by John Cornish.
An impressive display of Quartz twins, most of which are self-collected, by John Lindell. Photographs by John Cornish.
Recent Additions Case.
Bob Meyer put in this case of recent additions to his collection with the full realization that such cases are inherently pompous, but that a little pomposity is alright at times, especially if it is all in fun. Specimens are (back row, from left to right), Spangolite, a very rich cabinet sized specimen, 14 cm across, from the Blanchard Mine, Bingham, Hansonburg District, Socorro Co., New Mexico, USA; Stibnite, 16 cm, terminated crystals with Calcite, from the Xikuangshan Sb deposit, Lengshuijiang Co., Loudi Prefecture, Hunan Province, China; Wulfenite overgrown with Allophane, with Dioptase, Cerussite, and Macquartite, 18 cm, from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA; (middle row, left to right) Whelanite with Stringhamite, very rich coverage of light blue crystals, 9 cm, from the Christmas Mine, Christmas, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mountains, Gila Co., Arizona, USA; Elbaite, The Gatling Gun, compound parallel crystals, 7 cm high, from AraçuaĂ, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil; Arsenopyrite and Fluorite, six-sided twinned spires of Arsenopyrite with pale green dodecahedral-trapezohedral crystals of Fluorite, 6 cm, from the Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province, Huánuco Department, Peru; Galena, from Tsumeb, superb for the locality, spinel twins with Wulfenite, 11 cm; Surite with Cerussite, from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA, rich white Surite with pale yellow Cerussite crystals, 7 cm; (front row, left to right) Fluorite, flawless transparent pale green cubes, modified by dodecahedral faces, from the Xianghuapu Mine, Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic ore field, Linwu Co., Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China, and is 12 cm across; Native Lead, 7 cm, large crude crystals in a very rich specimen weight 1/3 of a pound, from LĂĄngban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden; Azurite on Cerussite, 8 cm, from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA, sharp dark blue crystals of Azurite on white Cerussite—an exceptional example for this locale; Chalcocite on Pyrite, 2.5 cm, from the Christmas Mine, Christmas, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mountains, Gila Co., Arizona, USA, and featuring rounded crystals of Chalcocite to about one cm on Pyrite—a very unusual specimen from this locality; and a Brazilianite featuring nice green crystals on Albite, 8 cm across, from the CĂłrrego Frio Mine, LinĂłpolis, Divino das Laranjeiras, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil.
Bob Meyer put in this case of recent additions to his collection with the full realization that such cases are inherently pompous, but that a little pomposity is alright at times, especially if it is all in fun. Specimens are (back row, from left to right), Spangolite, a very rich cabinet sized specimen, 14 cm across, from the Blanchard Mine, Bingham, Hansonburg District, Socorro Co., New Mexico, USA; Stibnite, 16 cm, terminated crystals with Calcite, from the Xikuangshan Sb deposit, Lengshuijiang Co., Loudi Prefecture, Hunan Province, China; Wulfenite overgrown with Allophane, with Dioptase, Cerussite, and Macquartite, 18 cm, from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA; (middle row, left to right) Whelanite with Stringhamite, very rich coverage of light blue crystals, 9 cm, from the Christmas Mine, Christmas, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mountains, Gila Co., Arizona, USA; Elbaite, The Gatling Gun, compound parallel crystals, 7 cm high, from AraçuaĂ, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil; Arsenopyrite and Fluorite, six-sided twinned spires of Arsenopyrite with pale green dodecahedral-trapezohedral crystals of Fluorite, 6 cm, from the Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Dos de Mayo Province, Huánuco Department, Peru; Galena, from Tsumeb, superb for the locality, spinel twins with Wulfenite, 11 cm; Surite with Cerussite, from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA, rich white Surite with pale yellow Cerussite crystals, 7 cm; (front row, left to right) Fluorite, flawless transparent pale green cubes, modified by dodecahedral faces, from the Xianghuapu Mine, Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic ore field, Linwu Co., Chenzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province, China, and is 12 cm across; Native Lead, 7 cm, large crude crystals in a very rich specimen weight 1/3 of a pound, from LĂĄngban, Filipstad, Värmland, Sweden; Azurite on Cerussite, 8 cm, from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Pinal Co., Arizona, USA, sharp dark blue crystals of Azurite on white Cerussite—an exceptional example for this locale; Chalcocite on Pyrite, 2.5 cm, from the Christmas Mine, Christmas, Banner District, Dripping Spring Mountains, Gila Co., Arizona, USA, and featuring rounded crystals of Chalcocite to about one cm on Pyrite—a very unusual specimen from this locality; and a Brazilianite featuring nice green crystals on Albite, 8 cm across, from the CĂłrrego Frio Mine, LinĂłpolis, Divino das Laranjeiras, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil.
Various Artifacts of Mineralogical Significance.
Displayed by Bart Cannon. With his description as follows: “From left to right and top to bottom.
Percussion cross bit - sextant - mining engineer's altimeter
Carbide Lamp - Davy's Mining Safety Lamp - Incan Tumi - Carbide Lamp
Percussion replaceable cross bit - Same Davy's Lamp - Percussion Cross bit
Note that the Incan tumi is authentic. A real and confirmed arsenic bronze. These tools were used for the science and art of trephination. Cutting holes in the heads of the sick and possessed in order to release the demon inhabiting the patient's brain. Some Incan skulls show more than five healed trephinations, demonstrating that the procedure did not result in death. Probably 700 to 800 AD.”
Photograph by John Cornish.
Displayed by Bart Cannon. With his description as follows: “From left to right and top to bottom.
Percussion cross bit - sextant - mining engineer's altimeter
Carbide Lamp - Davy's Mining Safety Lamp - Incan Tumi - Carbide Lamp
Percussion replaceable cross bit - Same Davy's Lamp - Percussion Cross bit
Note that the Incan tumi is authentic. A real and confirmed arsenic bronze. These tools were used for the science and art of trephination. Cutting holes in the heads of the sick and possessed in order to release the demon inhabiting the patient's brain. Some Incan skulls show more than five healed trephinations, demonstrating that the procedure did not result in death. Probably 700 to 800 AD.”
Photograph by John Cornish.
The Seattle Mineral Market #2, May 23, 2009
After the heat experienced at the first Seattle Mineral Market, Bart Cannon, the show’s organizer, decided the second show should be held a bit earlier in the year, and scheduled it for May 23, 2009. In terms of temperature, this was a wise decision. It was perhaps 10° C cooler than the year before, and the infamous Lake City heat nimbus did not make a return appearance. However, a miscalculation occurred in that May 23 fell during Memorial Day weekend, traditionally the first long weekend of the summer season in the United States. In addition, the weather was beautiful all weekend long, and after what seemed a very long and unpleasant winter, it is likely that many would-be attendees opted for some outdoor activity instead. For that reason, and perhaps also due to the economy, both attendance and mineral sales were down.
With all of that being said, it should not be assumed that the second Seattle Mineral Market was not a success. Indeed, it succeeded greatly in its chief aims, bringing the local mineral collecting community together for an informal show--a chance to buy, sell, trade, and discuss minerals--with an abundance of fun, and without an abundance of hype. In addition, the second Mineral Market was a more ambitious undertaking, with a greater emphasis on mineral art, and drawing dealers and attendees from well outside of the Pacific Northwest.
Other changes from the 2008 Mineral Market included what was supposed to be a stricter enforcement of the 10:00 a.m. opening. Instead of the free-for-all opening experienced in 2008, the period from 9:00-10:00 a.m. would be reserved for a dealer only-to-dealer preview. Despite these plans, many non-dealer attendees showed up in the 9:00-10:00 time frame, and the peak of attendance was at about 10:30 a.m.
Bart Cannon’s creative talents for finding interesting uses for commonplace items surfaced again in 2009, partially in response to the requirements of visiting luminaries, for example Dr. Robert Lavinsky of Arkenstone Fine Minerals, who needed a bit more attractive and secure housings for their exquisite and valuable specimens. What Bart found were inexpensive aquariums, turned on their sides, with inexpensive track lights lying across the top for illumination. Although this sounds a bit shoddy, the effect was actually quite nice, and very impressive specimens looked very much at home in them.
Photo Gallery—2009 Seattle Mineral Market #2
This here is My Stomach, and This here is a Roll of Paper Towels.
Bart Cannon provides elementary instruction on the subject of mineral collecting? to a Mineral Market attendee. His innovative aquarium/track light display cases are visible on the tables. Don Volkman, in a green shirt, and Saul Krotki, in a reddish shirt, are visible through the doorway.
Bart Cannon provides elementary instruction on the subject of mineral collecting? to a Mineral Market attendee. His innovative aquarium/track light display cases are visible on the tables. Don Volkman, in a green shirt, and Saul Krotki, in a reddish shirt, are visible through the doorway.
Let’s See What Happens if I Go Real Fast and Not Look Where I am Going.
The Lake City Community Center was available earlier for set-up in 2009 than it was in 2008, opening at 7:00 p.m. the night before. The helpers, including Mark Mauthner, as seen in this photograph wheeling around a trolley of tables at high speed, sensed that it might be possible to be set up and out of there in time to get a bite to eat before the sidewalks all rolled up. They were marginally successful in that aim.
The Lake City Community Center was available earlier for set-up in 2009 than it was in 2008, opening at 7:00 p.m. the night before. The helpers, including Mark Mauthner, as seen in this photograph wheeling around a trolley of tables at high speed, sensed that it might be possible to be set up and out of there in time to get a bite to eat before the sidewalks all rolled up. They were marginally successful in that aim.
All Hail to Alfredo!
A group of collectors can be seen in this image apparently expressing gratitude to Alfredo Petrov for attending the Seattle Mineral Market #2.
A group of collectors can be seen in this image apparently expressing gratitude to Alfredo Petrov for attending the Seattle Mineral Market #2.
This is How I used to Collect When I was a Baby.
There really is no good explanation for this one. OK, the mineral hobby is conducted in a different way in Seattle. You are invited to provide your own captions for this photograph.
There really is no good explanation for this one. OK, the mineral hobby is conducted in a different way in Seattle. You are invited to provide your own captions for this photograph.
A First Look, Part Two—2009.
In a partial repeat of the previous year, collectors John Lindell, at left, and Mark Mauthner, at right, eye the specimens of Alfredo Petrov as he unpacks them during set-up on the evening before the big event. Getting a first look at the specimens is one of the fringe benefits of helping with the set-up.
In a partial repeat of the previous year, collectors John Lindell, at left, and Mark Mauthner, at right, eye the specimens of Alfredo Petrov as he unpacks them during set-up on the evening before the big event. Getting a first look at the specimens is one of the fringe benefits of helping with the set-up.
Sakura Ishi—Cherry Blossom Stones.
This quartet of interesting pseudomorphs from Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan was among the many interesting and unusual specimens offered at the Mineral Market by Alfredo Petrov. The largest specimen is 2.6 cm long. Robert Meyer specimen.
This quartet of interesting pseudomorphs from Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan was among the many interesting and unusual specimens offered at the Mineral Market by Alfredo Petrov. The largest specimen is 2.6 cm long. Robert Meyer specimen.
Amesite—Cerro Sapo, Cochabamba Department, Bolivia.
A magnified image of stellate twinned crystals of Amesite on a specimen offered by Alfredo Petrov at the Seattle Mineral Market. The field of view is 1.8 mm. Robert Meyer specimen.
A magnified image of stellate twinned crystals of Amesite on a specimen offered by Alfredo Petrov at the Seattle Mineral Market. The field of view is 1.8 mm. Robert Meyer specimen.
In Search of that Elusive Red Response in Fluorite to Upper Band Long Wave UV.
Don Newsome, an avid collector of fluorescent minerals and president of UV Systems, a manufacturer of high quality UV lamps and accessories, pauses to examine a specimen of Spanish Fluorite. “Very rarely, perhaps with just five specimens out of hundreds I have examined, will one see red response in Spanish Fluorite to the upper band long wave . . . This [very rare] response seems to without regard to the color of the crystals” The specimen in question did not have that trait, and Don moved on—the search continuing.
Don Newsome, an avid collector of fluorescent minerals and president of UV Systems, a manufacturer of high quality UV lamps and accessories, pauses to examine a specimen of Spanish Fluorite. “Very rarely, perhaps with just five specimens out of hundreds I have examined, will one see red response in Spanish Fluorite to the upper band long wave . . . This [very rare] response seems to without regard to the color of the crystals” The specimen in question did not have that trait, and Don moved on—the search continuing.
John Sobolewski.
No, John Sobolewski is not sleeping as he stands there, he is thoughtfully considering one of Alfredo Petrov’s specimens.
No, John Sobolewski is not sleeping as he stands there, he is thoughtfully considering one of Alfredo Petrov’s specimens.
Troy Hatch of Galaxy Gems Brazil.
Troy explains a specimen to a repeat Mineral Market attendee, (she was in a photograph from the 2008 Mineral market as well). Most of the specimens clustered on the Galaxy Gems Brazil tables were mined within a month of the Mineral Market.
Troy explains a specimen to a repeat Mineral Market attendee, (she was in a photograph from the 2008 Mineral market as well). Most of the specimens clustered on the Galaxy Gems Brazil tables were mined within a month of the Mineral Market.
Lepidolite on Smoky Quartz, approximately 24 cm in length, from the Cruzeiro mine, São José da Safira, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil.
A Galaxy Gems Brazil specimen, collected in April 2009. Of note in addition to the Lepidolite and Quartz, is the specimen of pale yellow-green Beryl on the right. This Beryl specimen is notable in that it has a 3-4 cm spherical gem nodule in the bottom of the piece, not visible in this view.
A Galaxy Gems Brazil specimen, collected in April 2009. Of note in addition to the Lepidolite and Quartz, is the specimen of pale yellow-green Beryl on the right. This Beryl specimen is notable in that it has a 3-4 cm spherical gem nodule in the bottom of the piece, not visible in this view.
Watermelon Tourmaline, approximately 12 cm in length, from the Cruzeiro mine, São José da Safira, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, Brazil.
A Galaxy Gems Brazil specimen, mined just before the show.
A Galaxy Gems Brazil specimen, mined just before the show.
Intrigue at the Seattle Mineral Market #2.
I don’t remember taking this picture and wonder if someone borrowed my camera. In any case, this photograph appears to supply some of the intrigue promised by show organizer Bart Cannon. Since I don’t remember taking this photograph, you are welcome to provide your own caption on this one.
I don’t remember taking this picture and wonder if someone borrowed my camera. In any case, this photograph appears to supply some of the intrigue promised by show organizer Bart Cannon. Since I don’t remember taking this photograph, you are welcome to provide your own caption on this one.
The John C. White Collection
John C. White Examines a Flat of Specimens from His Collection.
One of the most significant occurrences related to the Seattle Mineral Market #2 was the acquisition, by Bart Cannon, of the mineral collection of John C. White of Renton, Washington. Mr. White’s collection consisted of between three and four thousand specimens, representing many items that have not been commonly seen since the days when he most actively collected—the 1960s to early 1980s. In honor of the occasion, Mr. White was able to attend the Mineral Market, and although he is ill and somewhat frail, he still is a man with some spunk, and that attitude was not missing at the show. Bart Cannon offered a portion of John C. White’s collection for sale at the Mineral Market.
Carminite Crystals with Gartrellite, Tsumeb, Namibia.
A magnified image of a specimen of transparent red terminated crystals of vibrant red Carminite, with green Gartrellite, and minor Anglesite and Beudantite from the John C. White collection. The field of view is 4 mm. The specimen listed Carminite with “Mineral TK” on the original dealer label. Mineral TK was the working name for an undescribed mineral species known for years from Tsumeb, before the same species was ultimately described and named Gartrellite from a locality in Australia. The specimen was obtained by Mr. White in 1978 from the Mineral Mailbox, and had originally been part of a lot of rare Tsumeb material from Walter Kahn, the noted Tsumeb dealer and collector. Robert Meyer specimen.
A magnified image of a specimen of transparent red terminated crystals of vibrant red Carminite, with green Gartrellite, and minor Anglesite and Beudantite from the John C. White collection. The field of view is 4 mm. The specimen listed Carminite with “Mineral TK” on the original dealer label. Mineral TK was the working name for an undescribed mineral species known for years from Tsumeb, before the same species was ultimately described and named Gartrellite from a locality in Australia. The specimen was obtained by Mr. White in 1978 from the Mineral Mailbox, and had originally been part of a lot of rare Tsumeb material from Walter Kahn, the noted Tsumeb dealer and collector. Robert Meyer specimen.
Tennantite, locally known as “Binnite,” from the Lengenbach Quarry, Im Feld, Binn Valley, Wallis, Switzerland.
An outstanding 5 mm long crystal of Tennantite on a 5.5 x 4.5 cm matrix of Dolomite from Lengenbach, and from the John C. White collection. Mr. White obtained the specimen from Lidstrom’s Minerals in September 1974, and the specimen has both a U.S. National Museum label, number B2614, Carl Bosch collection, as well as Carl Bosch’s original label. Robert Meyer specimen.
An outstanding 5 mm long crystal of Tennantite on a 5.5 x 4.5 cm matrix of Dolomite from Lengenbach, and from the John C. White collection. Mr. White obtained the specimen from Lidstrom’s Minerals in September 1974, and the specimen has both a U.S. National Museum label, number B2614, Carl Bosch collection, as well as Carl Bosch’s original label. Robert Meyer specimen.
Diaboleite, with Phosgenite and Wherryite from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Pinal County, Arizona, USA.
An excellent Tiger specimen from the John C. White collection, 6 cm long, with superb crystals of all three species noted: Diaboleite, as vibrant blue crystal plates, Phosgenite, as cream to pale yellowish spire-like groups, and Wherryite, as pale green acicular terminated crystals. Mr. White mentioned at the Mineral Market that he obtained the specimen at a highly discounted “close-out, or going-out-of-business” sale held by Schortmann’s Minerals in July 1967 for the price of $5.00. Robert Meyer specimen.
An excellent Tiger specimen from the John C. White collection, 6 cm long, with superb crystals of all three species noted: Diaboleite, as vibrant blue crystal plates, Phosgenite, as cream to pale yellowish spire-like groups, and Wherryite, as pale green acicular terminated crystals. Mr. White mentioned at the Mineral Market that he obtained the specimen at a highly discounted “close-out, or going-out-of-business” sale held by Schortmann’s Minerals in July 1967 for the price of $5.00. Robert Meyer specimen.
Diaboleite and Phosgenite from the Mammoth-Saint Anthony Mine, Tiger, Pinal County, Arizona, USA.
A close-up of the prior specimen, showing some of the crystals of Diaboleite and Phosgenite that are present on the piece.
A close-up of the prior specimen, showing some of the crystals of Diaboleite and Phosgenite that are present on the piece.
Dodecahedral Fluorite with Cubic modifications from Cerro de Pasco, Peru.
A 1.5 cm crystal of pale violet Fluorite perched on a sulfide-dolomite matrix measuring 5 cm across from the John C. White collection. Robert Meyer specimen.
A 1.5 cm crystal of pale violet Fluorite perched on a sulfide-dolomite matrix measuring 5 cm across from the John C. White collection. Robert Meyer specimen.
Liroconite with Olivenite on Quartz, from Wheal Gorland, Cornwall, England, UK.
A very good specimen of intensely blue Liroconite, with individual crystals to 7 mm and measuring 9 cm across overall, associated with green acicular Olivenite from the John C. White collection. The white quartz matrix provides good contrast with the Liroconite crystals and a specimen like this is quite rarely seen. Mr. White obtained the piece from David Wilbur at the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies national show, held in September 1971 at Seattle, Washington, USA. Mr. White’s notes indicate that it was the better of two pieces that David Wilbur was offering at the time. Robert Meyer specimen.
A very good specimen of intensely blue Liroconite, with individual crystals to 7 mm and measuring 9 cm across overall, associated with green acicular Olivenite from the John C. White collection. The white quartz matrix provides good contrast with the Liroconite crystals and a specimen like this is quite rarely seen. Mr. White obtained the piece from David Wilbur at the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies national show, held in September 1971 at Seattle, Washington, USA. Mr. White’s notes indicate that it was the better of two pieces that David Wilbur was offering at the time. Robert Meyer specimen.
Matlockite from Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire, England, UK.
An excellent, thin pale-yellow plate exhibiting the typical square shape and beveled corners of the species. The crystal plate is 1.8 cm in length, and is from the John C. White collection. Specimens like this, from the type locale for the species, are extremely rare. Robert Meyer specimen.
An excellent, thin pale-yellow plate exhibiting the typical square shape and beveled corners of the species. The crystal plate is 1.8 cm in length, and is from the John C. White collection. Specimens like this, from the type locale for the species, are extremely rare. Robert Meyer specimen.
Mineral Art at the Seattle Mineral Market
Seattle is a town with an artistic disposition. To honor that, the Seattle Mineral Market #2, assembled together works in the possession of various collectors in the area, and a number of new works were commissioned for the show. In addition, the practice of posting enlarged prints of mineral photographs was continued to an even greater degree. This year, the walls were adorned with photographs by three Northwest photographers: Saul Krotki, Ty Balacko, and Bob Meyer.
Artistic Staging Ground.
Three artworks, staged on Bart Cannon’s front lawn, are ready to be loaded up for a showing at the Mineral Market. From left to right: Proustite-Chanarcillo (28 x 36 cm) an abstract pen and ink drawing by Julie Williams, Tourmaline, mixed media of pastel, acrylic, and white pencil by Dorothy Cannon, and Kunzite mixed media of pastel, acrylic, and white pencil by Dorothy Cannon.
Three artworks, staged on Bart Cannon’s front lawn, are ready to be loaded up for a showing at the Mineral Market. From left to right: Proustite-Chanarcillo (28 x 36 cm) an abstract pen and ink drawing by Julie Williams, Tourmaline, mixed media of pastel, acrylic, and white pencil by Dorothy Cannon, and Kunzite mixed media of pastel, acrylic, and white pencil by Dorothy Cannon.
Crocoite, mixed media of pastel, acrylic, and white pencil by Dorothy Cannon.
Yes, this artist is related to the Mineral Market organizer, Bart Cannon. Dorothy is his Mom. Dorothy Cannon, a skilled artist who normally specializes in dog portraits, turned out four excellent mineral paintings in preparation for the Mineral Market.
Yes, this artist is related to the Mineral Market organizer, Bart Cannon. Dorothy is his Mom. Dorothy Cannon, a skilled artist who normally specializes in dog portraits, turned out four excellent mineral paintings in preparation for the Mineral Market.
A Display of Works by Lew Landers, Mineral Artist.
Lew Landers is a local legend among the mineral enthusiast community in the Pacific Northwest. However, most members of that community would probably mention Lew’s prowess as a field collector, or his impressive knowledge of Quartz if they were asked to comment about him. Less well-known until recently to this community, but equally impressive, are Lew’s artistic depictions of minerals, many of them fanciful constructions, but always within the realm of possibility to one with an imagination and a mind for mineral symmetry. Lew Landers and his art were featured in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Rocks & Minerals.
Lew Landers is a local legend among the mineral enthusiast community in the Pacific Northwest. However, most members of that community would probably mention Lew’s prowess as a field collector, or his impressive knowledge of Quartz if they were asked to comment about him. Less well-known until recently to this community, but equally impressive, are Lew’s artistic depictions of minerals, many of them fanciful constructions, but always within the realm of possibility to one with an imagination and a mind for mineral symmetry. Lew Landers and his art were featured in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Rocks & Minerals.
Part of the Mineral Art Exhibit at the Mineral Market.
A portion of the display of artworks and photographs of minerals and mineralogical subjects at the Mineral Market. Included in the display are works by Dorothy Cannon, Julie Williams, Susan Robinson, Kristin Lindell, Bart Cannon, and early photographs by Jeff Scovil.
A portion of the display of artworks and photographs of minerals and mineralogical subjects at the Mineral Market. Included in the display are works by Dorothy Cannon, Julie Williams, Susan Robinson, Kristin Lindell, Bart Cannon, and early photographs by Jeff Scovil.
Conclusion
In two years, the Seattle Mineral Market has established itself as a fun and informal celebration of minerals. Although the Mineral Market superficially can be compared to many gem and mineral shows held in community centers around the world, there is, in addition, a splendid indefinable something, a thing that sets it apart and is likely responsible for its success. Perhaps that something is lent to the Mineral Market by its home, Seattle—the Emerald City—a town that is deserving of a renowned mineral event.
Plans are underway for next year’s event. According to Bart Cannon, “Next year it will be a week earlier, and we should all do a Friday night rain dance.”
Acknowledgements
The author would like to extend thanks to John Cornish, Bart Cannon, Troy Hatch, Ray Hill, Saul Krotki, Doug Merson, and John Lindell, all folks who helped wittingly or unwittingly in helping to put this article together. Thanks also go to the members of Mindat, and the author hopes that some of the spirit of enjoyment experienced by attendees of the Mineral Market, is communicated through the lighter hearted portions of this article.
The End.
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Quick NavIntroductionThe FIRST Mineral Market, June 28, 2008Selected Dealer Highlights at the 2008 Seattle Mineral MarketPhoto Gallery—2008 Seattle Mineral MarketDisplays at the 2008 Seattle Mineral MarketThe Seattle Mineral Market #2, May 23, 2009Photo Gallery—2009 Seattle Mineral Market #2The John C. White CollectionMineral Art at the Seattle Mineral MarketConclusionAcknowledgements
A child runs from water falling from the sky, spewed forth by an umbrella shaped fountain, with the Space Needle in the background. An image emblematic of Seattle. All photographs by Robert Meyer unless otherwise indicated