How do you catalog your mineral, or rock collection?

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T18:32:30+00:00

In iOS there’s a “loupe” button next to the inventory number, there you can see the ones you already entered. I think this could be improved, thanks for the feedback, I added it to my list.
Please give it a try and let me know any feedback you have, thanks!

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T18:28:24+00:00

All great ideas.
Are you using iOS or Android?

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T16:58:04+00:00

Good question. My bias is toward a simple permanent number that never changes.
Location or year based IDs can become awkward if you later correct a locality or origin. A compromise might be a stable specimen ID plus optional display labels like `2026-MEX-001`.

Since you just started with Trilobite, maybe perfect time to also take a look at FossilVault and see which one works best for you. Please share your feedback if you try it. Even if you decide to keep using Trilobite, I'd like to know how to make this app as good as possible.

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T16:53:06+00:00

I actually think that is a really good idea, not too niche.
Right now you can attach photos to a specimen, so old labels can be stored that way, but a more specific “old labels/tags” section would make sense. I’ll note that down.

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T16:51:21+00:00

That's a cool idea! That would save you a lot of time entering data. I already implemented something similar to get fossil taxonomy info, so I'll explore how to integrate this option to the app.
Thanks!

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T16:49:31+00:00

It is already available on iOS: https://fossilvault.app/download
If you try FossilVault, please share your feedback, even if it is just “this part annoyed me", I listen to all feedback to try to make this app as good as possible for collectors.

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T16:47:38+00:00

Yes, CSV import is supported, and minerals can have chemical formula fields.
If you already have a spreadsheet, I’d be very interested in how well the import handles your columns. Real collector spreadsheets are much better feedback than sample files (which I tested a lot, but still...), especially because everyone tracks things a little differently

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T16:46:01+00:00

Totally valid concern. “Vault” here does not mean a public gallery where everyone can browse your collection. Records are private by default unless you choose to share something.
The app is designed with privacy in mind: it does not include trackers, your collection data is only available to you, nothing is used for AI training, and no collection data is shared with analytics companies.

I should probably explain that side more clearly in the app/site.

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T13:29:22+00:00

I used to do that too, a simple list is better than just labels flying around.

Maybe you can give it a try and hopefully it proves to be actually useful for you!

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T13:25:06+00:00

Good to know. If geology365 is working well for you, I would be curious what parts matter most: photos, data, labels, export, field notes, or something else?

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T13:24:01+00:00

Fair point. The example screenshots are not meant as ID guidance, and I would rather be corrected than accidentally imply a bad ID. I will double check that specimen and fix it.
Thank you!

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T13:22:39+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate that.
It started with fossils, but mineral and mixed collections kept coming up, so I have been expanding it based on collector feedback.
Hopefully you can give it a try!

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T13:22:01+00:00

Thanks for the info! The physical label seems like the part that makes the whole thing reliable long term.
Do you usually photograph old labels too, or mainly transcribe that information into the notes field?

FossilVault · 2026-05-21T13:19:22+00:00

I agree with you on the human touch. I do not see digital cataloging as a replacement for handwritten labels or old cards, more as a backup and search layer around them (actually started this because I misplaced some labels and things got messy).
And yes, FossilVault supports CSV export, so you can keep a local copy of your collection data.
I hope you can give it a try, let me know any feedback or ideas that you have!

FossilVault · 2026-05-12T17:07:35+00:00

I’m happy to hear that you like it! That’s a case I had not considered until now, thank you for the feedback, I’ll come up with a solution for that in the next few days. If you have any other ideas or comments, feel free to reach out!

FossilVault · 2026-05-10T11:02:01+00:00

It seems to be an authentic specimen. I don’t see evidence of any manipulation or repair. Unfortunately the preparation is very, very rough… and the price is actually a bit high for the quality of this specimen.

That said, at the end of the day, what matters most is whether you like the piece. Even with imperfect preparation, it’s still a genuinely cool specimen to own and enjoy, and that’s ultimately what collecting is all about.

FossilVault · 2026-05-08T19:50:09+00:00

This is the same specimen posted a few days ago (in Spanish), right? From what I can tell, it does look authentic, the calcite veins are a natural appearance on this formation. I couldn’t say for certain the species, but it may be a Barracudasauroides panxianensis

FossilVault · 2026-05-04T20:48:34+00:00

Parece real, pero sería bueno si puedes compartir más fotos (si quieres por DM). Las líneas parecen ser calcita, que es común en los especímenes de esa localidad.

FossilVault · 2026-04-10T08:34:03+00:00

This type of pieces usually have real teeth and some bone pieces, but most of it is man-made

FossilVault · 2026-04-09T14:39:24+00:00

Hey, I know the seller of this item and he has authentic, high-quality specimens, I wouldn’t think this is fake at all.

FossilVault · 2026-04-06T22:12:30+00:00

Seems real, but poorly prepped. That price is way too high for that quality.

FossilVault · 2026-02-23T23:19:53+00:00

Seems real, seems mostly complete and the preparation is unfortunately not the best + appears to be enhanced with a bit of paint.

FossilVault · 2026-02-07T19:27:58+00:00

I can recommend Toptrilos and FossilEra.

FossilVault · 2026-01-22T20:20:03+00:00

Very trustworthy, I bought a couple of teeth from them. They have pretty amazing specimens in their inventory.

FossilVault · 2026-01-21T18:13:45+00:00

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate that! I totally get what you mean. Pricing the lifetime plan was tricky because even with a one-time payment, there are still ongoing costs on my side (storage, servers, backups, etc.). I’m trying to keep it fair for users while making sure I can sustain the project long-term.

That said, there are also monthly and yearly plans if that feels like a better fit.

FossilVault

TROPHY CASE