We sell mineral specimens in micromount size only.
WHAT IS A MICROMOUNT?
A micromount is a mineral specimen that is permanently mounted in a box and requires magnification for proper observation. The size of the box varies from one country to another, and isn't really important. Better to mount in a "non-standard" box than to risk damaging a fine specimen. Many collectors do not mount their specimens permanently, and are then said to collect microminerals, rather than micromounts. The specimens are the same.
WHY MICROMOUNTS?
Quality-
The smallest crystals are generally the most perfectly formed. This stands to reason. Since the smaller the crystal, the less likely that it would grow into the other side of a vug, or be deformed by some other means.
Rarity-
Some species are known only in micro size.
Cost-
Good micromount material is only a fraction of the cost of cabinet specimens of the same species and quality.
Space-
A micromount collection doesn't take up much room. 1300 specimens, mounted in US standard boxes, will fit in a 25 X 25 X 25 cm cube. Of course, if you accumulate a lot of duplicate material by field collecting, etc., all bets are off!
And-
You don't have to spend a lot on a microscope. Since 30X magnification is usually adequate, you can find a new 'scope for under $500.00, and a used one for less. A binocular scope is best, to get a "3-D" effect. For that matter, you don't absolutely have to have a microscope. A hand-held lens might do for a start (although it sure is tricky to mount a specimen with one hand, while holding the lens with the other). Some interesting ideas on using a hand lens can be found in an article on "Cheap Microscopy". Another good article on micromounting, including techniques, is Micromount? By Pierre Gatel, now available in English. See also my article on mounting moisture-sensitive minerals. For more on why micromount, see Tim Jokela's "10 Top Reasons…"
Another useful list is my list of Conditions Harmful to Mineral Specimens.
WHY SAUKTOWN SALES?
We sell unmounted micromount material, and only micromount material.
We have something for almost everyone- some specimens are priced under US$1.00, for beginners and those who might be interested in different localities for common species. There are also rarer and more unusual specimens, at higher prices. Over 300 items are listed, with more being added all the time. Click here to see the price list
Satisfaction is guaranteed. Click here for our Terms of Sale and How to Order.
CLUBS
All the resources of the web can not take the place of a good local club for exchange of both specimens and information.
I've tried to list here all the micromount groups or clubs with micromount subgroups that have either a website or E-mail address. For clubs that aren't on line, check the International Directory of Micromounters, published by the Baltimore Mineral Society, Inc. Contact the editor, Carolyn Weinberger, PO Box 302, Glyndon, MD 21071-0302 USA
LINKS
We'd like to recommend the following sites:
For background on the Purple Passion Mine
For background on some other Arizona localities, see Steve Decker's site.
For field collectors, Topozone provides free topographic maps of anywhere in the USA.
The Virtual Quarry carries mineral-related classifieds.
Bob's Rock Shop is a good source for other links.
For information on Australian minerals and localities, see Steve Sorrell's Main Adit. Steve also has a new service, MineralFind, on his site. It searches the price lists of many dealers for what you want.
If you like your micros already mounted, check out Tim Jokela's Element 51.
Eureka Minerals sells microminerals to thumbnail size, specializing in European localities.
A good source for non-micro mineral specimens, Canadian & world-wide, particularly Mont Ste. Hilaire, Quebec is Kaygeedee Minerals
Pickens Minerals, in addition to fine mineral specimens, has a mineral-related link exchange on their site.
L.R Ream Publishing has the Mineral News, now available on-line, and also publishes mineral software, including The Mineral Database and the Mineral-Periodical Index.
J. Adam's Mineral Page is a new site dedicated to reports of shows and field trips.
The Mineralweb is a good source for Scandinavian minerals and information about them.
David Jegou lives in Korea, and has some nice pictures on his site, and material for exchange (no micros at this time, but keep watching!)
The French Association of Micromounters (AFM) maintains a directory of micromounters' E-mail addresses.
Geosearch is a search engine specializing in earth science related sites.
John Betts - Fine Minerals site has a lot of great pictures, and very interesting articles.
Canadian Rockhound is a free on-line magazine specializing in Canadian mineral collecting
Alkali-Nuts has a complete listing, with descriptions, of Mont Ste. Hilaire minerals
RBMineral has photos of microminerals from the Clara Mine, Oberwolfach, Germany (text in German)
John Nash is a new dealer on the web, with some very nice photos on his site.
Rik Dillen has a site devoted to Belgian minerals. A lot of good information, and Belgian minerals to trade(or for sale)
Steve Hardinger has an excellent list of links to dealers and other resources.
Crystal Fire is a website in Idar-Oberstein, Germany dedicated to agates.
Bill Cordua has a website with information on the mineralogy of Wisconsin
Mindat is an excellent source for locality information and data on mineral species. It can be added to by collectors.