A small group within the CMLC formed some years ago to learn about minerals but not just any minerals, rather the tiny type that require a microscope to identify. There are nearly 5000 different minerals identified in the world today and they can often look like each other and many of them are only very small or microscopic. It would be safe to say that we have a fascination with the identification process. It takes quite a bit of detective work to narrow down identities and our microscopes are just one tool in the process and the crystal habit is just one aspect of identification. Concise location of the find is important and a useful aspect of our work is to try to extend the known minerals from locations. A bonus of microscope work is that most minerals are beautiful at the tiny level (20 – 45 x) and usually undamaged which can’t be said for larger specimens. As well, we are more likely to acquire unusual, rare and very rare minerals due to the worldwide generosity of like minded people, In return we are keen to pass on New Zealand minerals to overseas micromounters when opportunities arise.

Once a year, (usually Labour holiday weekend) NZ wide micromounters gather in either the South Island or the North island for a few days of sharing of specimens, helping each other with our queries, and field trips to push out our knowledge of areas.

Our group meets Tuesday evenings 6.30-8.30 at the Club rooms. We have a couple of spare older microscopes to help anyone wanting to check out whether this might be a way to extend your learning in this way. As well, our club owns two catalogued Micromineral and thumbnail collections that can be used for learning. Come and check us out sometime! Val Lear.