Storing fragile specimens so they actually survive

A specimen that survived geologic time can still be lost to a five minute storage mistake. Fragile or fracture prone material should be individually wrapped or cushioned rather than stacked loosely with other specimens, since even light contact during handling or a minor bump in a drawer can chip a delicate edge. Sudden temperature changes are a real risk for some material, particularly opal, which can crack from thermal shock, so avoid leaving specimens in a hot car or near a direct heat source. Direct, prolonged sunlight can also fade certain minerals over time, amethyst being a genuine and well known example, so display pieces in bright windows are not always a good long term home for color sensitive material.