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#80167, Heulandite and Stilbite over
Quartz, Jalgaon, India (SOLD)
Inexperienced dealers (and a few experienced dealers) incorrectly label
specimens: "tourmaline, variety elbaite." The mineral dealers should know
better, and so should collectors. Elbaite is not a variety - it is a species.
This error happens all the time, and I cannot believe it persists. The proper
form for mineral names is simple: always list the proper mineral species
first. Then follow with the variety or group. Here is an example:
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Species: Elbaite
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Variety: Rubellite
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Mineral Group: Tourmaline
Proper usage is "Elbaite, variety Rubellite" or it can be shortened
to "Elbaite var. Rubellite" (i.e species followed by variety). When making
a general description, you can write "elbaite tourmaline" (i.e species followed
by group name). "Rubellite tourmaline" is not acceptable except among experts
where it is permissible to eliminate the scientific species. But it is never
permissible in labeling or in print.
So can you tell which of the following are correct?
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Garnet variety almandine
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Aquamarine beryl
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Amethyst quartz
(None are correct, though the latter two are acceptable in conversation.)
Some day we will eliminate varietal names. But until then, try to learn the
species and use it at the beginning of any entry.
John Betts, 45/4/2021
Click here to read past news and
commentaries...
Customer Feedback:
"I want to thank you for the natrolite specimen I received yesterday. It
arrived in perfect condition. The care you took to package such a delicate
specimen it was incredible, four layers of protection and stabilized in the
inner box with mineral tack! Having recently moved my collection to a new
house I understand the time it takes to carefully pack specimens. The care
you took was really above and beyond reasonable expectations. Steven H."
"On Tuesday this week we ordered (from the UK) a specimen of Prehnite from
Upper New Street Quarry. This was posted by yourself the same day. It has
got to be the most magnificent Prehnite we have ever seen and we cannot thank
you enough for it. Also your excellent service and very fast delivery. We
have had items sent to us from this country taking several days. Best wishes.
Michele and Stuart"
Click here to see other comments about
this site by customers. Also add your feedback...
Pledge to My Customers:
Customer satisfaction is my primary goal. I pledge:
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New minerals will be added to this site every week.
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All minerals offered will be naturally crystallized specimens - no fakes,
no dyes, no irradiation, no crystals glued on matrix.
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Only the exact item pictured on the site will be shipped - no substitutes.
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Photographs will accurately represent each item - no exaggeration, enhancement
or retouching flaws.
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Mineral species and localities will be accurately listed on labels with each
specimen.
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All items will be shipped via US Postal Service, usually the next business
day after the order is finalized.
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Each mineral will be individually wrapped and carefully packaged to prevent
damage during shipping.
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All historic labeling, if available, will be included with each mineral.
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Returns are gladly accepted. No questions asked, no explanation necessary.
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All customer information will be kept confidential and never shared or sold.
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I will continue to freely share my knowledge with others and contribute
to the study and appreciation of minerals.
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All mineral specimens have a lifetime guarantee: if the mineral species was
incorrectly identified, I will refund the cost of the original purchase &
shipping, the cost return shipping and the cost for testing.
John H. Betts, owner
Mineral dealer since 1989, mineral collector since 1967
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