Welcome to my Mineral Collection!

The Wildfang Collection® consists of several hundred specimens representing a wide range of mineral species. It is the result of over 40 years of dedicated collecting, guided by my increasingly refined personal standards—as outlined in the aesthetic principles below. Maintaining and improving the collection is made possible through a global network of trusted dealers, miners, and fellow collectors. New additions must either offer unparalleled aesthetic appeal or clearly surpass existing specimens—sometimes prompting deaccessioning of pieces that no longer meet the evolving standard.

As a result, the collection continues to evolve, becoming ever more focused on what I define as the highest level of mineral aesthetics—a deeply personal and continually sharpened perspective on what makes a specimen truly exceptional.

A collection shaped by decades of passion — marked by my own signature of excellence.

Aesthetics

My primary focus is on the aesthetics of each specimen. From shape, grouping, color, and contrast, to the relationship with the matrix, there are countless elements that contribute to a specimen’s visual impact. Because these aspects are too rich and nuanced to be captured in a single paragraph, I’ve dedicated an entire section of this website to my personal standards of aesthetics in mineral collecting. There, you’ll find the principles and reflections that have guided me throughout more than four decades of collecting.

Provenance

An unattractive specimen doesn’t become appealing to me simply because of its provenance—no matter how significant it might be. Aesthetic quality remains my foremost priority.

That said, provenance can be the “cherry on the cake”—adding historical, scientific, or personal value to an already beautiful piece. It can enhance a specimen’s story, making it even more compelling and desirable, but never at the expense of visual impact.

Size

Does size matter? To some extent—yes. While I don’t follow strict size categories like thumbnail, toenail, or miniature, I naturally gravitate toward “palm-sized” specimens—somewhere between small cabinet and cabinet size. That said, my collection includes a few larger pieces (large cabinet) and some smaller ones (miniatures), which add diversity and visual rhythm to the overall display. After all, some minerals simply don’t occur in larger sizes, and forcing a size standard would mean missing out on remarkable material. For me, size is a consideration—but aesthetic impact always comes first.

Variety

There are over 5,000 mineral species recognized by the IMA, but only a small fraction of them are likely to produce specimens that truly attract me.

That said, I’m always pleased to add a new species to the collection when it meets my aesthetic criteria. Expanding the diversity of the collection is rewarding—but never at the expense of the core principles that define my style. I remain committed to beauty, proportion, balance, and all the elements that make a specimen truly compelling in my eyes.

Value

I’m not a cool-headed investor in minerals—I collect them out of love for their beauty, not their market value. While it’s true that beautiful things can occasionally become quite expensive, my priority has always been the joy of holding and admiring a remarkable specimen, not its potential for future gain. For me, the emotional and aesthetic reward far outweighs any financial return.

Colors

Admittedly, I tend to favor colorful minerals over black ones—or even gold. I’m something of a rainbow-addict, which naturally draws me to species like Beryls, Fluorites, and especially Tourmalines—they’re among my absolute favorites. That said, I do have a few “black beauties” in my collection that I wouldn't want to part with. Even outside the spectrum, some specimens simply have a presence that commands admiration.

My specimens are displayed in a private museum, housed in a secured, air-conditioned vault and presented across 22 well-lit showcases. Each piece is carefully arranged on individual acrylic bases along glass shelves, ensuring clarity and elegance in presentation.

The museum is open by appointment to friends within the mineral collecting community. Prospective visitors who are not yet personally known to me—“friends-to-be”—are welcome to inquire, but will need to provide a personal recommendation from someone I know and trust.

Yes, I would like to VISIT

For now, I invite you to enjoy the photos, videos, and information shared on this website. I hope this fascinating world of beautiful and aesthetic minerals becomes as much of a revelation to you as it has been to me over the past 40 years.

Sincerely,

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