The Institute has an on-going program that solicits donations of suitable analytical equipment that supports its research efforts. Once fully assembled and staffed, it is envisioned that collectors and other interested parties would have low cost access to this analytical capability as Institute funding and staffing permits. It comes as no surprise that many new mineral species are first observed by astute collectors, and it is hoped that better access by collectors to the tools of the scientific community will advance the discovery of additional new and interesting mineral species. A list of equipment being sought is located in our Equipment Needed section.