Where to Get/Buy Micro Materials
One of the main appeals of collecting micro materials is the fact that they can be often collected in nature just a few steps from your home. Although the “ordinary“ minerals seem unappealing to collectors of larger specimens, they are very popular among micromounters because many are gorgeous when looked at under a microscope. In addition, it is often possible to find some of the most spectacular micro materials in places which are of no use to collectors of larger specimens. However, all devoted micromounters eventually run out of micromounts that can be collected near their homes and those who want to continue to expand their collection therefore cannot avoid the question where to get/buy micro materials.
Considering that micro materials are much easier to find than larger pieces of the same specimens, they should be more easily available than large specimens. However, it is right the opposite in reality. This is due to the fact that micro materials including the rarest and most sought after ones are cheap in compare to larger pieces. As a result, the dealers are not interested into micro materials because they simply do not offer enough profit. It is possible to find micromounts at annual gem and mineral shows as well as a few specialized shops but these are exception rather than the rule. Finding a shop that offers great micro specimens is almost like looking for a needle in a haystack. A lot easier way to enlarge your micromount collection with new specimens is to browse the web. Several online shops offer great micro materials and generally, there is little risk of frauds due to low prices of micromounts although it never hurts to be careful when buying online.
Since all micromounting enthusiasts are sooner or later faced with a lack of information about the best places to buy micro materials, they are forced to share information among each other. Fortunately, the micromounting community consists of people who are more than happy to help new micro material collectors and share both their knowledge and information about the best stores and places to look for exciting micromounts. In addition, they have the tradition of trading and exchanging micromounts among each other which is why it is a good idea to find an online micromounting community such as a forum or a club that provides contact with other micromounters and contacts with local micromounting groups or clubs that meet on a regular basis to exchange information.
Getting into contact with other micromounters, especially those who live in your region can save you a lot of time and effort for searching shops and places to get/buy micro materials. However, do not simply follow other collectors’ advice and do not be afraid to explore on your own because you may discover even a better place to get your hands on new and exiting micro materials. So when you pass by a store that looks like it might be selling micromounts, do not hesitate to visit it.