If you keep minerals in your collection in cardboard boxes, the best way to retain the locality is by placing a label with the mineral's name, variety, together with the mineral. If minerals are displayed, they should be labeled either by a number with information corresponding to that number , or by charting them in a display listing. Another method, popular among computer enthusiasts, is using a database to organize the mineral information. Some minerals have weaknesses in their physical structure, and must be kept in special conditions. This include fragility, disintegration, color fading, and transformation.
All minerals break when put under stress, some easier than others.
Therefore, ALL minerals should be handled as little as possible. If minerals in a display breakfront or casing, they should not be crammed together. There should be ample space between the specimens. If the minerals are in drawers, they should be place in small cardboard boxes . Many purchased minerals are sold in such boxes.