I started a special project last fall that I just finished yesterday.  It took much longer than I had anticipated, but the lack of electricity in my shed, improper tools, the weather, and the fact that I'm not a carpenter worked against me.  So, here is a brief description of the project and photos of the finished product.

Last fall I found a nice 2 piece pecan china hutch in a local thrift store.  I was able to get it for a very nice price including delivery to the house (Photo 1).

I lightly sanded the pecan stain in the upper hutch and painted the walls and shelves with white semi-gloss enamel and added LCD light tapes under each shelf.  I constructed 3-step display shelves out of 2" foam insulation and painted them white, too. 

Photo 2 is the finished display hutch and base with drawers for storing non-display specimens. 

Photo 3 is the upper display hutch with NC specimens included.

Photos 4 & 5: Left and right shots of the Top Shelf.

Photos 6 & 7: Left and right shots of the Middle Shelf.

Photos 8 & 9: Left and right shots of the Bottom Shelf.

I am pleased with the outcome and it shows off the specimens much better.  My next project is to improve my other display cabinet.

Dennis

Looks great!

I love it!  I see those cabinets sometimes on craigslist and think to myself that one day, I'll get one for my rocks.  Now you you have your very own museum.  Drawers full of rocks, too??? 

Very good looking cabinet and specimens!  Where is that big garnet from Dennis?

Collin: The large almandine crystal (3") on the top shelf came from the Poovey Garnet locality near Morganton. This site is no longer accessible, as is the nearby Tweedy Garnet site.  The large dark trapezohedral garnet on the right end of the second to bottom shelf came from the Henson Creek Mine in Avery Co.

Dave: I used LED tape lights (daylight 6000K) that I found on Amazon.com.  They were easy to install and I have a lot left over that I can use in other cases, once I purchase the appropriate fittings and power cords.  Everything I read about lighting mineral cases recommended LED daylight 5000-6000K lights.  Although a few species don't respond to that temperature range well.

Dennis