Wendy & Frank Melanson Collection Frank and Wendy Melanson have operated the mineral dealership Hawthorneden since 1968. Since then, Wendy has amassed a fantastic collection of thumbnail sized specimens with Frank’s assistance. Their frequent trips to Brazil and great contacts in Canada and around the world have given them access to a vast array of minerals and localities represented in this collection of nearly 10,000 specimens.

This specimen is one that is far better in person. I know that’s cliché in website-speak, but it’s really true here. It’s hard to capture the brilliance and aesthetics of this nearly floater rosette of hematite without actually holding it in your hands. The Melanson’s acquired this one from the Joan and Bill Sanborn collection in 1989.