About Dr. Vance

Dr. Vance is a passionate geologist and lifelong rockhound with over 20 years of experience exploring geological wonders across North America. His journey into the world of minerals began during his undergraduate studies, where he discovered his fascination with the complex processes that create the beautiful specimens we collect.

After earning his Ph.D. in Mineralogy, Dr. Vance dedicated his career to understanding the formation and identification of rare minerals and gemstones. His research has taken him to some of the most remote and geologically significant locations across the continent, from the pegmatite fields of Maine to the volcanic regions of the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Vance specializes in the identification and formation of rare minerals and gemstones, with particular expertise in pegmatite minerals, volcanic specimens, and metamorphic rocks. His scientific background allows him to explain complex geological processes in accessible terms, helping rockhounds understand not just what they're finding, but how and why it formed.

When he's not conducting field research or writing scientific papers, Dr. Vance enjoys sharing his knowledge with the rockhounding community. He believes that combining scientific understanding with practical field experience creates the most rewarding and educational rockhounding adventures.