Mineral Wines Tasting Room
419 Main Street
Murphys, CA
ph:
brett
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!
Copyright 2014 mineral-wines. All rights reserved.
Mineral Wines Tasting Room
419 Main Street
Murphys, CA
ph:
brett