A Technique for Labeling Rock and Mineral Specimens Michael A. Gorycki, Ph.D. First posted: November 31, 2007 Updated; June 6, 2017 ABSTRACT The labeling of individual specimens in rock or mineral collections is often a disorganized, incomplete and nonprofessional process. In the procedure described here, data for each specimen in a collection is first compiled by word processing using a system capable of printing a very small font size on heavy paper as neat, legible, and detailed specimen labels. These small labels are then cut out, briefly immersed in clear nail polish and firmly affixed to the specimens. Labels produced in this fashion are informative, durable and should lead to more easily studied specimen collections. Labels can also be prepared and fixed to petrographic slides, permanent grain mounts, and micro-mounts. Identical labels of a larger font size can also be prepared and placed in specimen tra