PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE MICROMOUNT SECTION
To share the hobby of mineral micromounting with the members of the Georgia Mineral Society at large and the general public. Our primary goal is to share knowledge and information and to foster a sense of community with micromounters everywhere. Additionally, it will be the goal of the micromount section to educate others about the hobby of mineral collecting and micromounting in particular by interfacing with schools and with demonstrations at public forums such as gem and mineral shows.
WHAT IS A MICROMOUNT?
The generally accepted definition is: "A mineral specimen, usually in crystal form, that requires some degree of magnification in order to be viewed properly and that has been securely mounted in a box for protection".
WHAT IS MICROMOUNTING?
Micromounting is the collection of small mineral specimens (usually in crystal form), about 1/2 inch or smaller in size. The crystals in these small specimens are often fresh, clean, and more perfect than crystals in larger specimens. In addition, many mineral species only crystallize as micro crystals. Because of their small size, these small mineral specimens require some form of magnification to be seen properly. Most micromounters use stereo microscopes, usually magnifying 10 to 30 times, and a good light source as the primary viewing instrument. Although most micromounters use stereo microscopes it should be noted that many a micromounter started out with nothing more than a good hand-held magnifying lens. When the small mineral specimen is securely mounted within a protective box, it is called a "micromount" The small size of micromounts allows a large number of mineral specimens to be housed in a small space. It is not uncommon for as many as 5000 specimens to be housed on a tabletop!
WHO ARE MICROMOUNTERS?
Micromounters can be found in all walks of life. Generally speaking, micromounters are united by a common bond forged from a love for the beauty of crystallized minerals. It has been said that mineral micro crystals are the flowers of the mineral kingdom. Another common thread uniting micromounters is an abiding interest in the science of mineralogy.
