what's a good collection size

KayleighCurtis

What size mineral collection is considered big? How many mineral specimens do most people achieve?

MarcelDupont

I would think the average casual collector has in the region of 20 different minerals. A serious collector will likely be in the three to four digit range.

Apparently the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has over 45,000 individiual specimens. And the Natural History Museum in London has approximately 185,000 mineral specimens, all organized by species and on a systematic basis.

Misco45

20-30 specimens sounds about right for general casual collections. Id say you become classed as a rockhound once you hit 50 and an enthusiast at 100

laurenc

I have around 50 ish specimens and thought that was pretty good going, but 185,000 is insane! 😂

Caitlyn2000

Imagine walking in to your first day on the job and being told you need to id, sort and relabel 185,000 minerals 😆