Why Collect American Minerals?
The United States is very widely celebrated for its numerous fine occurrences of many minerals. Throughout history, people in the U.S have collected and displayed minerals making for hundreds if not thousands of different localities producing collectible specimens. Most states in the U.S have at least a small handful of localities that produce good minerals though few sites are available to collect at. The vast majority of mineral collecting sites in the U.S may be closed which is disappointing to the casual field collector, but is actually a good thing for experienced collectors who treat minerals as an investment. The defunct nature of most of the great American mineral localities means exclusivity and constantly increasing value.
If you’re not an investment collector but like getting dirty and finding your own minerals, the U.S offers several public dig spaces for collectors however many of these sites get picked over quickly. They still shouldn’t be overlooked- it is best to go after work is done to expose new material. As for other localities, it is best to not be too adventurous when trying to find a new spot or rediscover an old spot to field collect in the U.S. Mineral collecting is forbidden on all private property as well as in state and national parks unless otherwise specified. While collecting at a construction site or entering a quarry to explore may be tempting and accepted in other regions of the world, it is not in the U.S. However, land owners often do respond favorably if you ask permission before collecting and inform them about your fun, safe, educational, science-minded hobby.
There are numerous mineral shows and clubs in the U.S. Many are very friendly and accept members of all ages to discuss and enjoy all aspects of geology, lapidary, mineralogy, and fossil collecting under one roof. The largest mineral show – the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is a great place for any mineral collector to attend, as it is the largest of its kind in the world.
Many collectors who focus on native minerals have even further specialization, considering how many localities have produced material. They typically focus on a particular state, region, mineral, or geological environment. Just like the nation itself, the minerals of the U.S are diverse.