4 Comments
User's avatar
JeffM's avatar

Some interesting comments below,but for me if it looks like duck and smells like a duck and quacks like a duck!!!!!

Expand full comment
Margaret Beal's avatar

I love your enthusiasm and persistence and incredible knowledge Steve, but after reading that post I thought "I GIVE UP!!!".. I've been trying to learn minerals for years now and I wonder if it is worth it for me to try to remember such detail. I have decided the answer is "no" but I can still appreciate your posts and efforts in identification and labelling.. Thank you! :-)))

Expand full comment
Steve Sorrell's avatar

Sorry Marg! 😆

Expand full comment
Mike Reinke's avatar

Part of me says "so what?!" Suffice to be aware of the variability, and our appreciation of it. The natural world is still awe-inspiring.

To me Steve, testing in multiple places (or maybe even one) is wildly unimportant. Now identifying a true unknown, yes, 'for science' and personal satisfaction (within limits), and in cases of confirming value in high end stuff, ok.

No one cares about my micro collection but me, so going overboard in 'splitting' verses 'lumping' is a real vanity. Aren't there more important things in life than that?--Yes.

But if a guy wants to and can, go ahead. No sweat off my brow.

Expand full comment