Benitoite, 5.5 cm tall, Etched by Brett, photo by Jeff Scovil

Benitoite is a rare and beautiful gem mineral occuring only in California.  Winemaker Brett Keller started collecting minerals at the age of 10, and then again when his he and his six-year old daughter began searching the dumps at the Benitoite Gem Mine in 2007. Good luck in the hunt resulted in many terrific specimens being etched by Brett, and so began a passion for the art of preparing this beautiful mineral. Since 2009 the Kellers have exhibited Benitoites and other colorful Minerals from around the world at shows throughout California and at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, where in 2010 Brett was a guest speaker on the ‘Artistic Impression of Benitoite’.

 All of our Benitoite Specimens were etched by Brett, who would like to thank Rick Kennedy, who taught him what to look for at the mine and for sharing his expert knowledge of the art of preparing this special mineral. 

Our Collections have been displayed throughout California and at Tucson, and has been honored with several awards, including:

For the Benitoite Collection

2009 California Federation of Mineralogical Societies Trophy

2009 Hamel Mineral Trophy

2010 American Federation of Mineralogical Societies Trophy

Best of Show...Tucson 2014!

For the Worldwide Minerals Collection

2013 California Federation of Mineralogical Societies Trophy

2013 Ray Meisenheimer Mineral Trophy

Best of Show, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, 2012

First Place, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show 2013

Best of Show, Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, 2014

Here are a few minerals in our collection! We specialize in 'Toenail' sized minerals that generally are about an inch to an inch and a half across. Our focus is distinctively 'California Style', where we look for a lot of color in the specimens. We also look for perfection of crystal form and rarity.  

Please note! All images © copyright by photographers mentioned. Please do not use them without permission!