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.
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.
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.
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.
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,