Size matters when you are deciding what and how to collect.
This can be due to space, budget, or preference. While there are no real rules to crystal and mineral collecting, I have found that modern collectors can be grouped into three categories: Metaphysical, Hobbyists, and Specimen Collectors.
The difference? A metaphysical collector seeks crystals for their energetic properties. Less concerned with quality, they look for pieces that speak to them. Hobbyists collect anything any everything. Often RockHounds, they will often come home with rocks in their pockets, a fun find at the metaphysical shop, or a new mineral they found online. Then there are specimen collectors, which is the focus of this article.
Specimen collectors, for the most part stick to specific sizes. This can be for many different reasons, but some of the most common are: space, budget, quality, uniformity within a collection, and competition classes.
Crystal Competitions? Yep you read that right. Typically organized during Gem shows, collectors from around the world enter their collections. Often the product of a lifetime of travel and curation, these world class collections are typically classified by size.
This article is a very brief overview of the most common mineral classifications by size.
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Size Classifications
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Thumbnails
Up to 1.25″ – while large crystals are impressive, it is often at the sacrifice of quality. One of the smallest collectible sizes, thumbnails offer the largest possible collection (1000 thumbnail boxes fit in the same space as 50 hand specimens!), and it is far easier to find high quality, undamaged pieces, especially for those on a budget. For those collecting for competition purposes, these are also the easiest to transport.
Miniatures
Up to 2″ – these are often displayed in a larger size specimen box or stand. Slightly larger than Thumbnails, Miniatures still offer great collecting possibilities on a budget and for those mindful of space.
Small Cabinet
UP to 3.75″ – Larger than the previous classes of minerals, small cabinet pieces will be displayed on larger stands, rarely in boxes, and will require a cabinet or shelf for a larger collection.
Cabinet Size
Up to 5″ – Often requiring stands, these pieces demand to be seen. Yet they are not too large – they can still be held in the palm of the hand.
Museum Size Specimens
Over 5″ – these can also be referred to as “statement pieces”. These are great for display and make great conversation starters. If you have the space to house, care for and display large crystals, and don’t mind them taking over your house (and budget), large pieces might be for you!
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“…interest and activity in collecting connoisseur-level display specimens (and particularly thumbnails) has remained robust over the decades and has been increasing notably in recent times” ~ Jim Houran, “Refined Elegance.”
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Do you collect minerals by size? What’s your favorite? We’d love to hear! Leave a comment below 👇
Looking for Specimens? Our stock is always changing; check our current inventory HERE.
Additional Information:
This article is meant to be a very brief overview of the recognized mineral classes. For more information, you may find these resources helpful:
Irocks – Competing with Thumbnails
iRocks – Mineral Collecting By Size
MacDougall Minerals – Collection Sizes
Rockhounding Arkansas – Mineral Sizes
