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General"Double-Sided" Specimens

17th Feb 2017 17:22 UTCBarry Miller

Now and then I have the dilemma of which side of a specimen that I should choose to display because I like both sides. In those cases I almost wish that there was only one good side. For example, I have attached two photos of the same specimen of a (4 1/2 inch) Cassiterite from the Huanuni Mine, Level 240, Oruro, Bolivia. One side is almost completely covered with crystals but I think the other side is more interesting. Do have any specimens you could show that offer the same dilemma? (By the way, which side of my Cassiterite do you think is more interesting to display?

17th Feb 2017 17:47 UTCAlfredo Petrov Manager

Put a mirror in the back of your display case, then viewers can see both sides at the same time.

17th Feb 2017 17:53 UTCBarry Miller

Alfredo Petrov Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Put a mirror in the back of your display case,

> then viewers can see both sides at the same time.

Can't - the specimen is flat and doesn't look "right" standing up.

17th Feb 2017 18:41 UTCWayne Corwin

Make a raised stand and put mirror under it ;-)

17th Feb 2017 19:05 UTCAlfredo Petrov Manager

Take a thin diamond saw and slice it into two specimens.

17th Feb 2017 20:34 UTCReiner Mielke Expert

The photos look the same standing up as lying down so there is no reason you couldn't mount it standing up on a revolving stage.

17th Feb 2017 20:53 UTCEd Clopton 🌟 Expert

It depends on what you intend to illustrate or feature when displaying it. Individual crystals are easier to see on the "more interesting" side, but the other side may better represent what rich ore looks like from that mine. If you are featuring cassiterite, ore minerals, etc., then the solid side is more impressive; if you are featuring "Quartz & Friends" then you'll want to show the side with quartz crystals. If you want to accentuate the solid blackness for contrast with neighboring pieces then the solidly covered side would be better. If it's in the back row and can't be seen up close, then the solid side with an even, sparkly texture might as well face forward; if it's up front where people can examine it at close range, let the sparser side with more isolated crystals and more varied details face forward.

For sheer aesthetics, I like the "more interesting" (second photo) side.

17th Feb 2017 21:57 UTCScott Rider

Why not alternate views every once in a while? Start with the "more interesting" side and then let it sit for a while, and then rotate it and view it from other side...

I have a few specimens that I do that too on a regular basis! I have a large 9 inch wide neon-green fluorite from China that displays well on all sides.. When I occasionally walk by the display, sometimes I'll rotate it...

17th Feb 2017 22:57 UTCBarry Miller

Thank you all for your comments. Actually, I wasn't looking for a solution to my dilemma - I have one. I was just curious to hear about such multiple sided specimens that others may have and perhaps see a few photos from both sides. Regarding my solution, it's the same as Scott's. I just change the position of the specimen every now and then.

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