Tony L Potucek was originally from Twin Falls County, Idaho USA

What are you excited for?

Life, every day. My family.

Favorite Gem or Mineral?

Pyromorphite and vanadinite (the apatite series). There also seems to be

a lot of wulfenite in the collection, too.

Why did you start collecting?

Mineralogy is part of geology which became my life. As a spin-off, I

brought home many mining artifacts from mining districts where I worked.

What is your collection focus?

Quality, aesthetics and lack of damage govern my collection. I collect

worldwide minerals, emphasizing Western USA and Mexican minerals,

specializing in Idaho, my birth state. I have mineral suites from Mapimi’,

the San Francisco mine, Milpillas, Bisbee, Morenci, Ajo, Tiger (Mammoth-

St. Anthony, Magma mine at Superior, AZ, the Magdalena District (Kelly

mine) NM, Hansonburg District (Blanchard) NM, the San Pedro Mine NM,

Bunker Hill mine (Idaho USA), and Elmwood, TN. In particular, I look

harder for specimens from famous western USA and Mexican mines and

mining districts. Specimen size does not matter. I like mineral localities

which I have collected, as well.

How long have you been collecting?

Since 1959 (65 years)

Interesting Story?

My whole life is an unabridged story. See me if you want to hear some.

Bring a good single malt scotch or a fine red wine.