Quick answer: Micromounting is the hobby of collecting tiny mineral crystals, usually a few millimeters or smaller, mounted in small boxes and viewed under a microscope at 10x to 40x. Micromounts often show sharper, more perfect crystals than large specimens, cost little, take almost no space, and let collectors own rare species that never form big crystals.
Some of the most perfect crystals in the world are smaller than a grain of rice. Micromounting is the branch of mineral collecting devoted to them: tiny specimens mounted in small boxes and viewed under a microscope.
What a micromount is
A micromount is a small specimen, typically a few millimeters across, mounted on a pedestal inside a small plastic box, usually about an inch square. The crystals are meant to be seen at roughly 10 to 40 times magnification. In the size vocabulary described in thumbnail, miniature, and cabinet, micromounts are the smallest class.
Why small crystals are often better
Large crystals grow for a long time, and a long history means more chances for damage, inclusions, uneven growth, and later breakage. Tiny crystals often form fast and stay protected inside small cavities. Under the microscope they frequently show sharper faces, cleaner luster, and more perfect geometry than their larger cousins. Many rare mineral species only occur as microscopic crystals, so micromounting is also the way to build a collection with a large number of species.
Why people love the hobby
- Cost: excellent micro material is often inexpensive compared to large specimens.
- Space: a collection of hundreds of micromounts fits in a drawer.
- Discovery: an unremarkable rock can hide perfect crystals in its cavities.
- Rarity: species that would be impossible to own at larger size become accessible.
What you need
- A stereo microscope, ideally 10x to 40x, which gives a three-dimensional view. A good hand lens is a fine place to start.
- A light source that can be angled, since side lighting brings out crystal faces.
- Micromount boxes and small pedestals.
- Fine tweezers and a small brush for handling.
- Labels, because a micromount without species and locality loses most of its value.
Where to find material
Micromounters often trim small pieces from larger rocks: cavities in basalt (see basalt’s hidden cavities), vugs in dolostone and limestone (see geodes, nodules, and vugs), and mine dumps. Mineral clubs often hold micromount meetings and symposia where members swap material, and experienced collectors are usually happy to help beginners.
Photographing micros
Photographing tiny crystals is a hobby of its own, often using focus stacking to combine many images into one sharp picture. Our post on how to photograph a mineral specimen covers the basics. Also look for inclusions under magnification. Micro-scale is where they become visible.
