I am an italian collector born the 1st June 1950. I collect personally minerals in my region (Valle d’Ossola since 1972 and I have a collection of about 5000 specimens.
I study the mineralogy of my region and the history of the old collectors. I have written more than 60 papers, the book “L’Alpe Devero ed i suoi minerali” and many chapters of the book "Minerali e miniere del Vergante e Val d'Agogna". I collect also old books and papers related to general and regional mineralogy. During my researches I have discovered for the first time many new minerals for my region and three new mineral species: fetiasite, albertiniite and another one submitted to IMA.
I’m member of the : Società Italiana di Mineralogia e Petrografia, Mineralogical Association of Canada, Gruppo Mineralogico Ossolano (President), VFL Verein Freunde Lengenbach, Club de Mineralogie de Montreal (Canada), Schweizerischen Vereinigung der Strahler Mineralien- und Fossiliensammler, Urner Mineralienfreunde and FESPEM Fédération Européenne des Société Paléontologique et Minéralogique(member of the board). I'm also member of the editorial board of Rivista Mineralogica Italiana.
My main collection is regional (Valle d’Ossola). I have also special interest for Mont Saint Hilaire minerals (locality that I have visited personally for more than fourteen years), Binntal minerals and old specimens with original labels.