I’ve posted a new update featuring the first of many specimens to come, from the collection of my friend Tracy A. Kimmel. Tracy built an excellent, substantial collection of fine minerals, and I acquired it this year. I have also written a post about Tracy (see Profiles and Tributes), and I really hope you’ll enjoy reading about her – she was a remarkable person.

I’ve posted great new fluorites in this Madagascar Fluorite Update. Discovered in 2017, this Madagascar green fluorite is from Mandrosonoro, Ambatofinandrahana, Amoron’i Mania.

I’ve added some beautiful new specimens in this China Fluorite Update. These include specimens from Xiayang, Yongchin Co., Fujian, where the 2017 find of “tanzanite fluorites” was made. This update also features a gorgeous fluorite with calcite from the famous Xianghuapu Mine, water-clear crystals from Huanggang Mines, and purple octahedra from the De’An Mine.

New from South Africa, excellent specimens of inesite from a small recent find, a fantastic ettringite/hematite specimen, and gorgeous green fluorites from Riemvasmaak.

The new Bancroft Gem and Mineral Club Mineral Museum is open, housed in the recently-restored historic Bancroft Train Station. When you come to Bancroft and want to learn about local minerals, this is where to start! I’ve added a post with a few photographs – we hope to see you in Bancroft soon!