Meet Phil Persson

First Mineral Specimen: Tumbled amazonite pebble, age 6.

How I really caught the “mineral bug”: Discovering Franklin, New Jersey at age 13 when my family moved nearby.

Mineralogical “Heroes”: Paul B. Moore, Martin Erhmann, Lazard Cahn, Paul Desautels

I earned a BA in Geology from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2012 and an MSc in Economic Geology from the Colorado School of Mines in 2017, specializing in geochemistry and petrology. Since founding Persson Rare Minerals in 2012, I’ve combined 20 years of collecting, buying, and selling experience with academic rigor to help collectors and museums build meaningful collections.

I’ve co-authored scientific papers and magazine articles focusing on rare earth element minerals and pegmatites of Colorado, and I regularly speak at mineral clubs and symposia nationwide. I am also the host of Minsanity Podcast [hyperlink to youtube channel], where I explore the intersections of mineralogy, geology, and the collecting community. Beyond dealing, I offer consulting services for mining companies navigating mineral exploration and for collectors seeking authentication and valuation expertise.