Young Mineral Collectors

10/18/2026

In the twentysixth episode of Under the Radar, Giovanni Recalcati, a physicist and young collector, who was offered a job at MCP in Milan, Italy, talks about what led to this opportunity and how it changed his view on collecting.

The host for the show is young collector and mineral photographer, Matthew Parshchikov from Bonn, Germany.

Check out Giovanni here:
https://www.specimendi.com/c/giovanni-recalcati

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/Q_9Cs0QRDq0

Welcome to the twentysixth episode of Under the Radar where we feat...

09/19/2026

Welcome to the twentyfifth episode of Under the Radar where we feature outstanding members of the mineral community with a focus on young talents and beyond!

Our next guest is Chad Kaatz, collector and dealer of fine minerals and number one Illinois fluorite buyer. In this video, Chad shows some highlights from hsi collection and talks about what core values a successful mineral dealer should have.

The host for the show is young collector and mineral photographer, Matthew Parshchikov from Bonn, Germany.

Check out Chad here:
https://www.instagram.com/c.k.fine_minerals/

Watch here: https://youtu.be/K9hXJoRng_w?si=1PlZUajMY6DVW0Ak

Welcome to the twentyfifth episode of Under the Radar where we feat...

09/13/2026

We’d like to remind everyone that YMC has an opportunity to feature mineral exhibits for the 2026 Mineralientage München!

For this to work, we need to have approximately 35-40 specimens for the display. Currently, we have 12 specimens submitted by 3 members. We cannot make this show possible without your support; please consider submitting your minerals for display!

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR SPECIMENS USING THE FORM IN OUR BIO:
https://forms.gle/dsDJgNZTYX4RV3ks5

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: SEPTEMBER 16TH!

This year’s show theme is: “The Pioneers of the Mineral Market”. We want to encourage you all to promote Young Mineral Collectors and showcase the best examples from your collections that show what and how you collect. So introduce yourself to the mineral community with your best rock forward!

If you have further questions, ask us in the comments or email us at [email protected].

09/06/2026

We’d like to remind everyone that YMC has an opportunity to feature mineral exhibits for the 2026 Mineralientage München!

For this to work, we need to have approximately 35-40 specimens for the display. Currently, we have 12 specimens submitted by 3 members. We cannot make this show possible without your support; please consider submitting your minerals for display!

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR SPECIMENS USING THE FORM IN OUR BIO:
https://forms.gle/dsDJgNZTYX4RV3ks5

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: SEPTEMBER 16TH!

This year’s show theme is: “The Pioneers of the Mineral Market”. We want to encourage you all to promote Young Mineral Collectors and showcase the best examples from your collections that show what and how you collect. So introduce yourself to the mineral community with your best rock forward!

If you have further questions, ask us in the server or email us at [email protected].

08/24/2026

Welcome to the twentyfourth episode of Under the Radar where we feature outstanding members of the mineral community with a focus on young talents and beyond!

Our next guest is Will Jessup, founder of the site EarthWonders.com . In this video, Will talks about what the intentions behind this project are and his view on the mineral world as a new collector.

The host for the show is young collector and mineral photographer, Matthew Parshchikov from Bonn, Germany.

Check out Will here: Will Jessup

Watch at the link in bio.

08/24/2026

Welcome to the twentyfourth episode of Under the Radar where we feature outstanding members of the mineral community with a focus on young talents and beyond!

Our next guest is Will Jessup, founder of the site "Earthwonders". In this video, Will talks about what the intentions behind this project are and his view on the mineral world as a new collector.

The host for the show is young collector and mineral photographer, Matthew Parshchikov from Bonn, Germany.

Check out Will here:
https://earthwonders.com/willjessup

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/UZWE3vGnahg?is=L4F3lZUhyFZl2g3b

Welcome to the twentyfourth episode of Under the Radar where we fea...

07/24/2026

Welcome to the twentythird episode of Under the Radar where we feature outstanding members of the mineral community with a focus on young talents and beyond!

Our next guest is Shanice McBean. She collects English fluorite and is the founder of NXT GEN Mineral Collectors. In this video, Shanice explains her collecting focus and her activity in the UK.

The host for the show is young collector and mineral photographer, Matthew Parshchikov from Bonn, Germany.

Check out Shanice here: https://www.instagram.com/beansfluorite/

Watch here: https://youtu.be/862j0_6YnAE

Welcome to the twentythird episode of Under the Radar where we feat...

06/29/2026

Our next YMC photo contest winner is Eric He eric 🎉

Amethyst scepter with blue fluorite
Gaojing Mountain, Huqiu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
FOV 21mm

Fluorite and amethyst is not a common combo, much less blue fluorite with amethyst. This is from a tiny find last year of only a few pieces - this being the best I’ve seen.

06/19/2026

On June 13, 2026, a number of Young Mineral Collector members visited the Topaz Mountain Gem Mine in Colorado for an amazing field trip that yielded beautiful topaz crystals, friendships, and unforgettable memories. Scroll to see both photos and videos of this trip!

Here is a recollection of some notable moments as described by member Jesse Sansevere:
"I think there was 19 of us. A 747.5 carat topaz was found by Anna Merritt. At least 8 topaz crystals were found as well as numerous small smoky quartz crystals. Three families attended who had one child with them - having kids on this trip or under 18 was a first I believe.
Perfect weather. Linda and Richard of Pinnacle 5 guided and supervised. Multiple “cutters” gem quality topaz were found. They had flats of available specimens to look through at 50% off price tags and they sold a good ten specimens at least. People even attended from out of state."

Big thanks to Pinnacle 5 Minerals for allowing us to experience a fantastic field trip at their property!
Thanks as well to Jesse Sansevere (Made of Minerals) for the media.

06/16/2026

We are excited to announce our next museum tour event will be Saturday, July 25th in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the morning, we’ll be heading to the Monongahela Rockhounds Show, which is Pittsburgh’s top show for mineral specimens. In the afternoon, our own Education Chair, Chris Emproto, will lead a “behind the scenes” tour at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History where attendees will get to see how CMNH’s collections are stored as well as learn how minerals are analyzed and identified. You can even bring a few of your own specimens to be analyzed during the tour! After dinner, collectors are invited to see the collection of YMC member Ray Galeza. Please fill out this interest survey if you are considering attending. Attendance will be limited to 10–12 people. Get in contact with Chris or email leadership ([email protected]) if you have any questions about this event. There is no fee to attend, although you are responsible for your own transportation, food, and accommodations. Note that you must be current on your YMC dues to take part!

Please respond through this survey if you are thinking about attending the trip. Responses must be received by July 20th.

Link in Bio!

TENTATIVE INFORMATION
Museum: Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: 25th of July, 2026
Tour Guide: Chris Emproto