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Who are we? Why was it formed? Purpose Primary Focus Publications		Who are we? The Canadian Mineral Society is a national association for professional and avocational collectors of Canadian and worldwide mineral specimens. It was founded September 19, 1998, by a small group of mineral collectors in Canada.   Calcite, Black Lake Mine, near Asbestos, Quebec. Photo by Daniel Comtois, ©1999. We are an informal group of collectors with a genuine interest in minerals. The informal nature of our society makes it unique from other organizations. There is no executive, and consequently, there is no administration. This concept allows members to focus solely on their field of interest – minerals and mineral collecting. Moreover, members can freely organize local meetings or symposia, participate in local shows on behalf of the society, and share knowledge with other members. Why it was formed Canada's huge geography has made it very difficult for Canadian collectors to locate and contact other collectors. Very few mineralogical clubs exist in Canada, and other local clubs are too broad in scope to provide a suitable environment for the serious mineral collector. As a result, collectors must subscribe to mineralogical journals to inform themselves about Canadian minerals and mineral localities. In 1996 it became clear that Canada lacked a national mineral society devoted to the collection, preservation, appreciation and study of Canadian minerals. Furthermore, there appeared to be a need to promote the mineral collecting hobby, and to provide a suitable environment in which to promote it. Collectors also needed a means to find and communicate with other collectors, to share knowledge, and to advance their skills in mineral collecting. Finally, it was realized that Canada possessed several world famous mineral localities that produced an interesting variety of rare and unique minerals. It was for these reasons that the society was formed in 1998. The Internet played a central role in uniting collectors from across Canada, and this website serves as a virtual meeting place for its members. Purpose The purpose the Canadian Mineral Society is to... Promote the collection, preservation, and appreciation of Canadian minerals, and minerals in general, Promote and appreciate the aesthetic beauty of mineral specimens, Provide a suitable environment in which to promote the above, Provide collectors a means to find other collectors in Canada and around the world, Promote the sharing or exchange of knowledge with other collectors, and Provide a means for collectors to increase their knowledge of minerals, and to advance their skills in mineral collecting, The Canadian Mineral Society is committed to responsible development. Primary Focus Although Canadian minerals are the primary focus of the society, we also acknowledge and have an interest in the many rare and beautiful mineral specimens from around the world. Publications The Canadian Mineral Society is centred around the Canadian Rockhound web magazine. Members have contributed features articles for the semi-annual issues. We encourage all members to contribute articles related to Canadian minerals, collecting experiences, a discovery, or on some interesting locality. Pending funding, we intend to implement a newsletter in printed form, which would be distributed to members. Interested in joining our society? See our membership information page for instructions on becoming a member.
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