There really is no event in the Mineral World year exactly like the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium. It may sound scientific and formal, but Rochester is perhaps the most welcoming and inclusive mineral gathering I know. The 2016 RMS featured great talks and photos from excellent speakers on a range of subjects.

None of us wants to think about the inevitable, let alone plan for it. (“What happens once the last Lord of the Rings/Hobbit movie has been made and there are no more?” No, I mean the other inevitable. We can’t live forever.) Planning for what happens to our mineral collections is a tough and controversial subject. I’m thrilled that Steve Chamberlain, Chairman of the Rochester Mineralogical Symposium, has agreed to share his excellent editorial on Disposing of Your Mineral Collection here. (And check out this Millerite!)