The Collectors
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Friday 30 November 2007
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Warren Somerville collected his first fossil when he was just nine years old and little did he know but it was the start of a life-long obsession. There are around 2500 fossil specimens and over 4000 mineral specimens in the amazing collection that Warren has generously donated to the people of Australia and is permanently housed in the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst, NSW.
While Warren’s wife watched as his collection of rare fossils and minerals grew, he recalls the day a life-size cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton was delivered to his house. It was at this point she said it was either time to get the collection into a museum or time for a divorce.
In the past Warren took local rare and scientifically important specimens overseas to trade with collectors, museums and universities. One of his best trade materials has been Tasmanian Crocoite. At some of the international mineral shows Warren attends there are up to 50 million mineral specimens for sale resulting in as much as $100 billion being spent over the course of a show.
When Warren first started collecting fossils there weren’t many restrictions on what you could collect in the field, however things have changed dramatically since then. National Parks and Heritage areas are off limits, and many countries now prohibit the exporting of local fossils.
Warren explains that quality crystals of minerals are worth much more when they are still growing on the parent rock. This can double or even triple their value. He warns prospective fossil shoppers never to buy a valuable piece online. Ideally inspect the item personally looking for signs of staining, glue and chisel marks. Alternatively go to a reputable dealer who would never endanger their reputation by selling a fake.
The initial donation of his collection was valued at $8 - 15 million dollars, but it would be impossible to replace it all for that money now.
As far as Warren is concerned there is no end to collecting as there will always be specimens that he doesn’t have but would like, plus there are new things being discovered all the time.
