Preservation of specimens
is a primary function of the museum community, and while
the Institute does not intend to compete with the many
capable organizations currently pursuing that important
mission, by its very nature the Institute will maintain
research collections for study and modest public display.
By focusing on areas that are currently beyond the interest
of many natural history museums, i.e. those locality
suites or rare minerals that may have lesser exhibition
potential, the Institute hopes to supplement the historical
and scientific record of the mineral kingdom in ways
that are not adequately served by other organizations.
Rescuing unwanted or under-appreciated collections of
dwindling interest from many colleges and universities
is a significant effort of the Institute. Using such
material for research, education or ongoing preservation
supports the key purposes of the Institute. Its reference
collections can be made available for specialized displays
to the general public, and by their very nature they
also support the research community in areas other institutions
may be unable to serve.
