Fine Minerals
Growing up in Colorado, Nic Valenzuela started his “rock” collection as a kid while gathering neat looking specimens in his driveway. Now a Consignment Director of Fine Minerals at Heritage, he has turned his interest into a career with more than 10 years in the fine mineral industry.
Valenzuela started attending events as a teen before developing his own business, Silvermoon Collectibles, selling mineral specimens to the general public online and at fine minerals shows. His favorite piece since joining Heritage is a significant piece of Amazonite and smoky quartz from a well-known find called the "icon pocket" mined from the Smoky Hawk claim in Colorado. A piece recognized by many in the industry, the find was discovered on the TV show " Prospectors" in 2013.
His personal collection of fine minerals has come from specific localities around the world, his favorite being elbaite from San Diego County in California. While his true passion remains the minerals that he documents, researches and admires in his free time, Valenzuela also enjoys collecting trading cards, retro videos games and other collectibles.