About Us

Rob Smith, owner of African Gems & Minerals started in the hobby of collecting way back in the 60's. He established African Gems & Minerals in 1984 and the company has grown to what it is today - 16 employees make up the team, specializing in gems, minerals, crystals & fossils from the central and southern African regions and from the rest of the world.

Rob himself has traveled Africa all his life. The last 20 years, with two 4x4's and two Rubber Ducks (where the 4x4's can't go the Rubber Ducks will!) to collect gems and minerals in the remotest of places.

He has done the Zambezi, the lakes of central Africa and island hopped in northern Mozambique many times in search of really good gems and minerals.

Rob has a large personal collection of Tsumeb minerals and a fabulous collection of rough and cut gems. He also has a large collection of mining memorabilia from gold diamond scales, theodolites, microscopes, cocopans (ore carts) and rare gold and diamond books which are out of print. This also includes the largest collection of mine lights in South Africa numbering 500+!

Collecting good specimens today is tough and over the last 6 years Rob has bought a staggering 30 major Tsumeb collections in Southern Africa.

He was instrumental in securing and promoting the fabulous Ajoite included Quartz from Messina in the 1980's and was of late instrumental in developing the market for Spirit Quartz (also known as Cactus Quartz). Over 40 tons has moved through his hands in the past two years.

We are proud to be associated with the crystal Guru of our planet "Melody" - author of "Love is in the Earth" series. A kaleidoscope of Crystals.

Rob has a daughter, Mary-Anne Smith, who has helped out at many of the Gem & Minerals Shows over the years.

Mary-Anne Smith heads up our New Zealand branch, taking care of all your orders if you are based in New Zealand, Australia or Asia.

When you're in Auckland, come and meet Mary-Anne who is excited to show you our new shipment that has just arrived in New Zealand for summer. We do all the markets, festivals and shows in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Christchurch.

Give Mary-Anne a call for wholesale in Auckland, or check our Events Calendar to see where we will be this weekend.  

Remember - we are always keen and eager to assist you!!

CONTACT US today!