About Us

We're a father-son duo based out of Northern Arizona, passionate about elevating the world of fine natural minerals and sharing their beauty. We bring expertise and knowledge about the field to be able to provide you with everything from historic specimens, to pieces from new discoveries, to top shelf classics that will add allure to any cabinet. 

It's also a mission of ours to help make specimen collecting more accessible to newcomers, those who are just beginning to discover their passion for the world of fine minerals. Though we strive to provide some of the top pieces on the market, we want to be able to offer specimens to those aren't yet able to afford them, and help them to keep cultivating that passion and love for nature's beauty. We source many of our pieces either directly from the miners or those who deal with them personally, and thus we are often able to provide premium material for excellent prices. 

We set ourselves apart from the competition by prioritizing integrity, crystal-clear communication, and the willingness to travel to where the minerals are calling. Whether above ground or underground, safe or dangerous, we put ourselves in the position to offer you the best of the best. 

About Connor:

My love for minerals began early on, growing up around all kinds of minerals, from agates to tourmalines. This interest in the mineral world was really kickstarted by going on rockhounding trips into the desert for chalcedony, as well as sneaking into abandoned mine shafts to mine for cinnabar (not a venture that I'd recommend pursuing). My introduction to the industry proper came by working for another mineral vendor, including large domestic gem and mineral shows. Being at these shows and seeing the insane variety of what nature can create is what got me completely pulled into this world, and I've been obsessed ever since. Natural minerals, and the chemistry, geology, and history behind them have become my number one passion, and I'm always eager to spread that passion with others. 

My personal interest mainly lies in lead minerals, primarily wulfenite. Ever since I first saw a quality specimen from the Red Cloud Mine, it caught my eye and my heart, and it also helps that it's the state mineral of my home state, Arizona. Aside from those, I have a deep interest in copper minerals and carbonates.

Outside of minerals, my interests include learning languages, playing the bass, and adventuring to areas uncharted! I'm always scouring until the opportunity where I can find a claim where a yet undiscovered mineral species lies in wait.

 

About Christian:

Born and raised in West Berlin, I developed an early interest in geology and exploration. I began my career with a three-year apprenticeship at a mineral and fossil business, laying the foundation for my expertise in the field.

I then established myself in the international trade of minerals, fossils, jewelry, and gemstones, traveling the world always on the lookout for newly discovered treasures. During this period, I exhibited at the prestigious Tucson Gem and Mineral Show for 15 years, Muenchner Mineralien Tage, Berlin, and other shows. While spending time in Arizona and marrying the mother of my child-to-be, I traded extensively with Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes, selling rough rocks and cabochons for jewelry production.

Following the birth of my son, I settled for 21 years, working as a tour guide in Northern Arizona. In this role, I shared my geological knowledge and recounted personal experiences from my years in the mineral trade, including my interactions with Native American tribes.

My son's growing fascination with minerals rekindled my passion for the field, prompting us to create Aether Fine Minerals LLC. For the past two years, I have fully immersed myself in the mineral industry once again, attending numerous shows nationwide and actively engaging in mining and rockhounding to expand both my personal collection and inventory for commercial purposes.

With a background spanning continents and decades, I bring a wealth of experience and cultural insight to the world of fine minerals.