Wally Mann Neither my two degrees in Geology from the University of Oklahoma nor my background in science as a petroleum geologist fostered any real interest in mineral collecting. It actually began when I wandered into a rock shop and discovered the Mineralogical Record in May of 1980. I practically memorized that first issue, and decided to call advertisers Ken and Betty Roberts of Roberts Minerals. Betty sent me several Elmwood specimens, and I ended up purchasing a $150 calcite that I still own. My wife Gail said, “Wally, you could have bought a new suit!” Too late, I was hooked. I’m still hooked. Today my primary focus and passion are for superb specimens which exhibit aesthetics, color, and freedom from damage. Specimens in my collection range from miniature to small-cabinet size; fine old specimens with history and provenance are particularly important to me, and are highly coveted. In 1981 I became a member of MAD, where I met a group of devoted collectors who have since become my good friends, listeners and sometimes advisors.
Wulfenite on calcite, 9.2 cm, Ahumada mine, Los Lamentos, Chihuahua, Mexico. Collected 1968; ex Evan Jones, Irv Brown, Helmut Brückner collections. Jeff Scovil photo. 96
Supplement to The Mineralogical Record, January–February, 2009