I recently displayed my first competitive mineral exhibit at a federation show, only to find that I will probably never have specimens worthy of a "trophy" grade collection. My Defiance Mine wulfenite, for example - a pristine piece covered with butterscotch colored crystals to 2 cm in width - was dinged because the color "could have been brighter". Other specimens were considered good... but the crystals were too small, or could have been better placed. With the judging criteria so highly favoring the wealthy collector, why should average collectors even consider preparing an exhibit? Afterall, their specimens will never be quite good enough to make the grade.

From John H. - June 20, 2009 at 03:37:23

Message: 67942