I have been collecting minerals for 30 years, starting in Michigan at the age of 9. The real collecting started when my family moved to Vista in San Diego County, California. I was captivated by the beauty of the Pala pegmatite minerals, and set out to collect in many places. I collected at many of the mines and small prospects in San Diego County. During high school, I spent countless days digging pegmatites in California and Mexico.


Upon graduating high school, I enrolled at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. While there I extensively collected throughout Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mexico, and Montana. I even managed to graduate in four years, with an Engineering degree.

I consider myself a field collector first and foremost, with purchasing of minerals for the collection secondary. Even today, I spend many days each year field collecting, albeit less than in my past.

I have posted a few of the collection's pieces for everyone to see.

Enjoy!