Field Reports

A window into the world behind the specimens — from alpine glacier expeditions and historic Spanish mines to the crystal peaks of Pakistan and the aisles of the Tucson Gem Show.

Stefan's Field Reports

Asturias, Spain · 1985–2000

Berbes

Decades of fluorite mining in one of the world's most celebrated localities — personally extracted specimens from the mountains of Asturias.

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Uri Alps, Switzerland · 2002

Tiefengletscher

An alpine expedition with 12 collectors and the legendary Strahler Kaspar Fahner — hunting smoky quartz at the glacier's edge.

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Bernese Oberland, Switzerland · 2001

Fieschergletscher

Camping at 2,800 metres above the Fiesch Glacier, drilling into alpine clefts for rock crystal and smoky quartz.

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Julius's Field Reports

Northern Pakistan · October 2025

Into the Mountains of Pakistan

Returning to the mountains that first drew me into the world of minerals — deep into the mines, navigating the gem trade, and witnessing a remarkable find.

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Tucson, Arizona · February 2026

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show 2026

Walking the halls of Mineral City, connecting with the global collecting community, and reflecting on where the market is heading.

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Namibia · April 2026

Crystal Hunting in Namibia

A field report from a crystal hunting expedition across Namibia — visiting Tourmaline mines near Usakos, the Spitzkoppe, Goboboseb Amethyst diggings in the Brandberg, the Streep pegmatite mine, and securing a prized Erongo Aquamarine.

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Nanjing & Chenzhou, China · May 2026

Nanjing Mineral Expo & Chenzhou, the Fluorite Capital of China

A field report from the Nanjing Mineral Expo and a journey to Chenzhou — the heart of Chinese Fluorite mining. Coming soon.

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