MINERALonline

We are very excited to be at the point in the process of the Topaz monograph that we are searching for a cover image. Do you have any high-quality images of topaz that you think would make a gorgeous cover? Send them our way! If you've seen our covers in the past, so you probably know what we are looking for. But if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by phone, email, snail mail, pidgeon-gram, whatever.

Today, being St. Patrick's Day, I can't help but notice everyone decked out in green. And green can only remind me of emerald, which happens to be my birth stone. It's probably the first stone I could ever identify, probably the first I even knew the name of. But as I have started to learn more about Lithographie's catalogue and read about other minerals, I've learned that, as a layperson, identifying is not as easy as I would have thought. Just because it's green doesn't mean it's an emerald; just because it's maroon doesn't mean it's a garnet. I have already been blown away by people taking one quick look at a mineral that to me could be a quartz or could be zinc, and quickly identify it as something I've never heard of... and of course be right! I would love to know how you do it. Tell me about the minute coloring or structure that my novice eyes wouldn't notice. Explain the details that mean something to you but that I couldn't even pronounce the term for. Basically, wow me!

Maya

I would be the first to admit that I knew nothing (or pretty darn close to nothing) about gems and minerals before a few days ago when I took a new job working for Gloria Staebler at Lithographie. OK, so I still know next to nothing. But I am quickly starting to meet some of the interesting characters and hear some amusing stories about the field.

And I am hooked. It sounds like something out of a movie: billion-dollar collections, world-famous museums, international travel and intrigue. And strong camaraderie. If there is a dark underbelly to the world on mineral collection (and there just might be), I have yet to see it. As someone who could easily be called an outsider, I have been treated warmly with open arms. When asked if I knew any mineral collectors, I answered, "No, but I grew up around construction workers." This got a laugh but also a nod an approval in the comparison.

So let me take this opportunity to introduce myself to those who would follow this blog, since you are the ones I am learning about and will be working with in the future. I am Lithographie's newest employee and will be working on the marketing aspect of the company. Already, I heard wonderful feedback from some of you through our new Facebook fan page about how much you love our publications. It is so inspiring to enter into a job where so many people are passionate about the industry. Coming from journalism, which every day seems closer and closer to its demise, it is refreshing.

If you ever have any questions, feedback or just hellos, feel free to post on this blog or contact us via email or phone. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!

Maya