68. Jim & Gail Spann, Desaultels Award
Competition Case from 2008 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show
by Brandy Naugle
The Tucson Gem and Mineral Society awards
the Desaultels Memorial Award to the case
with the best crystalized mineral specimens.
This award was started in 1991, in honor of Paul Desaultels.
Wendell Wilson said in the Mineralogical Record that
he was "the greatest American curator of the 20th century".
And no one disputed it.
photo Jolyon Ralph, "Desaultels Trophy", Mindat.orgNow Jim and Gail Spann of Rockwall, Texas can add themselves
to the this elite list of world class collectors
who have taken home this most prized honor.
And what legendary company they will be with!
Past winners include such well known collectors as
John Barlow, Bill & Elizabeth Moller,
Les & Paula Presmyk, Kerith Graeber, and Caroline Manchester.
Jim and Gail have taken the mineral world by storm.
Only being in the hobby for 3 short years,
they have already amassed an enviable collection
of truly outstanding mineral specimens.
The Spann's are passionate about mineral collecting,
and are active member's in the
Mineralogical Society of Dallas (MAD Club).
This year at the Westward Look Fine Mineral Show
Gail hosted a highly attended panel discussion entitled,
"Perspectives of the Woman Collector".
We attended this talk, and I found the evening
to be truly inspirational.
Gail is also regular on the popular website Mindat.org.
She can often be found striking up dicussions with
other people within our hobby on the messages boards.
Within the coming weeks,
Gail will be taking on the moderation duties
for Jolyon Ralph's new Mindat group exclusively
for female mineral collectors!
A group like this is long over due,
so you can bet your sweet bippy that yours truly
will be one of the Charter Members.
Thank-You Gail and Jim for your enthusiasm,
and Congratulations on your first of many big TGMS wins!Gail & Jim will also be manning the MAD CLUB table
at the Dallas Fine Mineral Show, May 2nd - 4th!
Companion to The-Vug.com Film #74
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