It was truly an amazing collection of every size and quality level. And, typically, Joe was willing to share his collection with anyone. About six months after his visit to Joe's house, Doug ran into Joe at a mineral show. Joe's simple response summed up his years of collecting in four words. And it summed up why I collect minerals.
Minerals are beautiful to look at.
The best are unrivaled by anything that Man can make. Those are mass-produced items, all alike. But every mineral is unique, no two minerals are alike. Perhaps it is the natural perfection of a fine crystal that makes them so attractive. I don't know.