Start Your DIY Dinosaur Collection!
Above: An ammonite pocket fossil, a perfect collection starter!
Post Author - Ellis Nolan
So you want to start collecting dinosaurs!? You’re in the right place! Fossil collecting is a fun hobby and a great way to learn more about the history of our planet. After all, what’s better than being able to touch the real thing?! Here’s a quick start guide on how to begin building your dinosaur fossil collection!
1. It's Always Okay to Start Small
Above: Amber is a great first fossil to start a collection
When you’re first getting into a hobby, it’s important to not jump in too deep too fast. Rare fossils in good condition can fetch hefty price tags, and as a beginner it’s hard to know when you’re being taken for a ride. Thus, it’s best to start with something that sparks your imagination but won’t set fire to your pocketbook. Our affordable add-ons and pocket fossils can be a great first choice for starting out a fossil collection!
2. Collect What is Interesting to You!
Above: A fossilized brittle star with scientific drawings
In the age of the internet, there’s a milieu of information available about almost everything one could collect, and so it’s easy to get stranded in a sea of opinions. Ask yourself, “what originally got me into this hobby” For fossils, a great starting point is your favorite dinosaur, one that inspired you in a movie or documentary, or one you’ve read about. Collectors online might argue about which specimen is most likely to go up in value, or which is more rare, but really, what’s most important is that what you’re collecting fills you with a sense of awe and inspiration.
3. Talk to Other Collectors
Above: The Tucson Gem Show, a preeminent fossil trade show
The best part of being a collector is community! Talking to other people passionate about fossils can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby; you can learn more about new research, preservation techniques, and stories about how other hobbyists started collecting! Many resources are available online to meet other enthusiasts, such as Facebook groups, events on Meetup, and archaeological conventions.
Starting a fossil collection can be daunting, but it is also extremely rewarding in many different aspects. We’d love to be part of your collecting journey! If Mini Museum makes it into your collection, tag us on social media with @minimuseumshop!
Ready to start your collection? Visit our dinosaurs page here!
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So you want to start fossil collecting!? Amateur paleontology is a fascinating and fun hobby that can even nab you an award! Dinosaur bones are some of the most sought-after specimens in the world, so you may be wondering, is it even legal to own a dinosaur bone? In short, yes! Read on for more help starting your fossil collection!