
We are full time mineral dealers.
My interest in minerals began when I was 13 years old. At 15, I entered a
competitive case in the first Tucson Gem and Mineral Society show, which was
held at the Helen Keeling grade school. I won a blue ribbon in the junior
division for the best self collected minerals. That was when I also met Dick
Bideaux who won the red ribbon an the advanced division. At 16 years old,
I had
already purchased fluorites from Southern Illinois. I made my first trip to
Mexico in 1958.
My wife, Jackie, and I began our mineral business in 1965, attending shows throughout the U.S. including federation shows. We also made three or four trips a year to Mexico. Mexican and Arizona minerals were my favorites. Collecting at the Old Yuma, Flux, Glove, Rowley, Red Cloud, and 79, is just a partial listing of the mines that provided beautiful specimens for the business. In 1968, a great pocket of wulfenite and vanadinite specimens was found at the Old Yuma mine, by me, my wife, and John and Karen Cesar. Out of this pocket came the largest and finest Old Yuma wulfenites.
We started participating as dealers in the TGMS show in the 1970's and continue to this day. I feel honored and priviledged to have served on various chairs for TGMS, including President, Vice-President, Board of Directors and Show Committee.
Over the years, our many business ventures to Mexico, Canada, Australia and Europe provided a myriad of increases for our minerals, customers, and suppliers. One of the most memorable trips was to the mineral show in Prague, Czechoslovakia while it was still under communistic rule.
Western Minerals has over 40 years of experience as a purveyor of fine specimens to major museums, universities and private collectors, as well as conducting appraisals to meet their current needs.
The uniqueness of the mineral world has enabled us to meet people of various professions and nationalities, which has resulted in many wonderful and lasting friendships.
SHOWS
· The Tucson Gem and Mineral Society Show
February 7th-10th, 2008
Please visit us at the largest show in the United States which is held the
second full
weekend in February at the Tucson Convention Center.
Member of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society since 1955.
· The Denver Gem and Mineral Show
September 14th-16th, 2007
Held each year in September at Denver Merchandise Mart.
· Mineral collection appraisals with 40 years
of experience.
· We have a very large inventory supplying beginning and advanced collectors,
as well as museum quality specimens.
· Contact us for your specific requirements and we will provide any
information and photos from our inventory.
We thank you for visiting the Western Minerals website.