Guardian of Earth’s Treasure
Who is Eric Rampello?
It’s a bit difficult to describe myself to at times. I’m often reserved and keep to myself but once you get to know me, my character is quite bright and vibrant! My collection is the embodiment of my true personality. Fun, passionate, and ever evolving.
You’re from NY, yes? Tell me about that
I grew up “on the island” as we Long Islanders call it, Nassau County to be exact. It’s a unique area to grow up in. It’s quiet enough to be considered a suburb but loud enough to not feel like you’re living out in the sticks. Action by day, serene by night. For those that live in a suburb, you understand local community rivalries, issues, and even the comradery. As you could imagine, Long Island not only has the best of both worlds, but the worst as well.
The city folk understand the need to stand out from the crowd. We Islanders often feel like we have a chip on our shoulder. After all, we are constantly in the shadow of NYC, often being viewed as the less cultured of the New York natives. Most non-New Yorkers can’t name the five boroughs of NYC. Long Island not even being a borough all too often goes entirely unnoticed! We have to fight to be heard.
Could you describe your decision-making process to add a specimen to your collection?
Throughout my 15-year journey in collecting I have been talking to experts, making the necessary mistakes and adjustments, fine tuning my eye, and perhaps most importantly, discovering the purpose of my collection.
Size, color, clarity, perfection, locality, and species which all sum up to be- quality. My preference on size is typically thumbnail to miniature. This began as a necessity as I had no room to keep very large specimens. Before long I realized it was within this size range, I was best able to find specimens I deemed worthy of collecting. Being the decisive person that I am, I find myself very critical of the attributes of my specimens. I am always looking for imperfections that might distract my eye from admiring the beauty of the specimens.
Although, I’m not a stickler for locality or species, I do have my favorites.
I understand you enjoy cooking. How did that come about?
Having an advanced palate at such a young age, I was unimpressed with the bland American food I would often come across. I knew there was more out there. Once I had acquired the taste for Asian cuisines such as Thai and Indian there was no turning back. I was a full-on foodie by my mid-twenties. Emulating the different cooking styles of various ethnicities became a fascination. Regardless of which style of cooking, my favorite thing to cook is seafood!
Why is it so important that a mineral adheres to your qualifications? What do these stones mean to you?
Gems and minerals have greater meaning to me than just eye candy that I enjoy keeping. A truly beautiful stone has untold psychological effects. As someone with high anxiety, my mind is always racing.
My collection slows the world down around me. It paints the bigger picture of life. There’s a humility in seeing a beautiful object that took thousands, if not millions of years to form. I feel like a grain of sand within the wide universe. There are bigger things at play than just myself. This thought process grants me a moment of mellow relaxation.
You mentioned earlier, you discovered the purpose of your collection. Could you expound on that?
For me, collecting is a form of therapy. It keeps me focused, relaxed, and in a positive state of mind. Not too many activities can do all that for me. Some people have retail therapy, so they buy bags or clothes, well, I buy specimens! (laughs) In all seriousness, we are collecting Earth’s greatest treasures. I believe we have a responsibility to keep them in pristine condition. After all, we are mere temporary caretakers for future collectors.
Moreover, I’d like to build a world class collection that garners the respect of my peers. I am truly interested to hear what my fellow collectors and enthusiasts think of my collection. Ultimately, it is our community that decides what collections or individual specimens have great importance. I consider all of us the “Guardians of Earths Treasure.” Of the worldwide specimens, is for us, collectively and individually to determine those which are treasured and which are not. Personally, I feel that is a big responsibility!
Many of my specimens have sentimental value as well. Just looking at a particular specimen sends memories rushing back to me. Stories embedded in these stones which I plan on passing down as family heirlooms when the time is right.
I see the words “passion” and “heart” on your arms. Could you tell me a little about your tattoos?
I was 19 when I got my first tattoo which was a two-year project. I will probably get more. Tattoos for me are a form of art.
I usually start with an idea. Approach my tattoo artist and let him go to work. Tattoos don’t hurt so bad! I have no regrets on my tattoos. They tell my story in a beautiful and artistic way.
Passion and heart are the key ingredients to be successful at anything. Those are what drive me to go beyond good and into the realm of great. Passion is the fire inside you, but also something that can be taught over time. Heart is instinctive. It helps you rise to the occasion. You either have it or you don’t.
I noticed you have an angelic and a demonic being tattooed on opposite arms. Tell me about this.
My zodiac sign is Gemini. We have multiple passions, diverse friend groups, and are constantly looking to maintain a balance. This represents me perfectly as I sometimes feel my life is a juggling act! The tattoos represent the balance of life. The Yin and the Yang. The good and the evil.
It’s very representative of my upbringing as well. My mother is my angel. She has been a positive light for me to follow all my life. As far as the darker side, I’ll leave that up to you to figure out. No matter how you grew up, all of us have an internal struggle of light and dark. My tattoos are a reminder that we are all going through it.
What three specimens would you show to someone new to collecting to get them interested?
I would show my three most personally meaningful minerals. Interestingly enough they are my bigger Purchases from the Tucson, Denver, and Springfield shows respectively. My pink Fluorite, my Ajoite included quartz, and my Namibian tourmaline. These all have special meaning to me as they remind of my experiences at the shows.
What three specimens would you show to a more seasoned mineral collector?
For starters, definitely my Chinese cassiterite. It has unreal gem like qualities and color for the species. They are typically jet black. Next, would be my Copper in calcite. It’s an undamaged 360 crystal and you can really see the copper inclusion inside. Lastly, I would show my red apatite. This came from a small find. So few good ones exist!
What makes a mineral NFS in your collection?
I ask myself “when will I see this again?” The uniqueness or quality of the sample. That’s often when they become signature pieces in my collection.
Top three favorite species?
quartz, tourmaline, emerald!
All-time favorite specimen?
“The Paraiba Queen!” (quartz & tourmaline combo)
You have been collecting for over 15 years now. Could you explain your theories on how to collect minerals to acquire a collection of significance?
My advice is don’t skip the basics. Start with the obvious beauties like aquamarine, quartz, fluorite, and tourmaline. This is how you build experience. Study the crystal shapes and what to look for in a quality crystal. Don’t feel pressured to begin with the rare and connoisseur stones. You won’t be able to appreciate their level of rarity and mystique as a beginner. Secondly, it can be quite daunting to start off that way! There is much to learn about the intricacies of the scarce species.
When building a collection of significance, it’s important to ask yourself a question before you buy a new specimen. That being, “Does it make your collection different?” Are you adding a crystal that looks similar to ones you already have in your collection or is it filling a gap? Every specimen you add should be unique and different. The last thing you want is for someone to see your collection and think to themselves, “oh, I have ones just like these.”
Finally, I would like to add that this is my personal view on collecting and I fully respect differing opinions.
Now that we understand your methodology for collecting, can you explain how you implement this in the practical sense?
Research! Go to your local gem shows. Interact with dealers and collectors alike. Familiarize yourself with prices, sizes, colors, etc. Since the early 2000’s we now have digital databases of minerals. So, if you can’t get out to the shows, you can be active in the online scene.
We now have the what and the how, tell us why one should build a collection of importance.
It is incredibly therapeutic. Minerals, like art, are powerful because it moves people emotionally through its beauty, historical significance, or sentimental value. Seeing beauty every day can change your mood and entire perspective on life itself.
You suffer from depression and anxiety. Can you tell me about this?
I’ve had anxiety since first grade. I have never been comfortable in large groups. I am actually a very sociable guy; I just need to be in the right environment. Typically, that would look like a small intimate group of 2-6 close friends.
Growing up with anxiety was incredibly stressful. I was easily agitated and somewhat of a hot head. I had my fair share of fights as a young kid. I didn’t understand how to control my emotions. In the 1990’s depression and anxiety was not understood as it is today. They would just send me to the nurse’s office and tell my parents I was a “nervous kid.” (laughing)
You mentioned, as a child they chalked up your condition to being a “nervous kid.” What other misconceptions or frustrating situations did you endure due to people not comprehending what you are going through?
“Just be happy!” is what everyone used to tell me. If I could I would! (laughing) After hearing the “just be happy” one too many times, I began to simply not express my feelings anymore. I felt people weren’t even trying to understand my issues. I kept it all inside.
Even discussing my symptoms with family or a significant other took its toll. I felt like I was putting my burden on them. I didn’t want to put stress on others. So, even more so, I kept it inside.
At what age did you begin treatment? Did it help you?
I began seeing my first psychologist at age 13. Perhaps the most important thing she taught me was that having these issues was normal. Understanding that I was not alone in this fight and that there are others just like me was a big breakthrough. She taught me to see life a bit more objectively rather than emotionally. I no longer am in treatment and have not been in several years, but the times I did seek help made for a better and more clear frame of mind going forward.
I implore anyone struggling with mental issues to seek help. You are not in this fight alone.
What skills that you acquired through boxing training have you carried over into your new passion of collecting minerals?
Boxing and martial arts are about discipline, respect, and forever being a student. I can best express this with the story of my first sparring session. My trainer. Kenny, told me “Eric, go spar with this guy. We’re just going to get some work in.” Well, I didn’t know what that meant and my sparring partner was a grown man with at least 50lbs on me. I was only 15 at the time! (laughing) Instead of crushing me, he pressed forward helping me with my lateral movement. I realized he was leaving his body open to jabs, so I tagged him a few times to show him. The moral of the story is no one has to get hurt to exchange information. We both improved that day through a respectful sparring session.
My experience has been quite similar in the gem and mineral world. At the trade shows I would often approach dealers and fellow collectors. Sharing information about new finds, collecting strategies, the business side of things, and even hearing some interesting and historical stories before my time in the trade. This open-minded mentality has served me well.
Unlike physical sports, the beauty of science and minerals is that there is no prime age. In athletics, the human body reaches peak performance and then slowly descends. In the field of science, one can always improve by consuming new information no matter your age!
Speaking with you now, it’s difficult to imagine the young brash teenager you once were. How has boxing and mineral collecting help shape you to be the person in front of me right now?
Yes, the young, hot headed, opinionated, and braggadocious person I once was is no longer who I am today. As I got older, I began to understand that I represent more than just myself. The choices that I make represent me as a son, a friend, a brother, a collector, and a human. I discovered that everyone chooses their own path in life.
Boxing taught me discipline and patience which has become essential for mineral collecting. Mineral collecting has taught me that the world is bigger than myself. It really has given me a sense of humility. My hobbies are more than just fun activities to me. They have transcended into what has shaped my character and who I am at the very core.
You mentioned that you talk with dealers at the trade shows. Can you tell me what you look for in a mineral dealer?
I look for three things when deciding to work with a mineral dealer.
One: How much time do they give me? I prefer when they take the time to work with me rather than just try to sell. They have to be willing to build a relationship.
Two: Do they give me options? Mineral collecting is a two-way street. I want my dealer to present me with a few options they have chosen specifically for my personal taste.
Three: Favorability. Being among the first collectors that is shown new material. This comes over time by being a consistent client. Something you have to earn.
Overall, try to work with several different dealers. Figure out who you connect with the most. Collecting minerals is completely different than any other collectible market. With comic books, sports cards, and many forms of art, you already know what’s out there. New material is coming out daily in the mineral market! Each specimen is completely unique. An exact copy can never pop up on the market like in other collectible markets. All the more reason to build those relationships with your favorite dealers!
And as a side note, I appreciate that dealers in the industry that hit the roads and go to their clients, set up at shows, and the prospectors out their digging! Without all of them this industry doesn’t work!
Let’s have some fun. Could you tell us about some of your favorite experiences with a few dealers and fellow collectors?
Blake Barnett (Barnett Fine Minerals):
How I met Blake Barnett is a fun story! After briefly corresponding online, Blake had informed me that he was coming to NYC and would be happy to meet up. From my perspective, this guy from Texas, who I don’t really know, drove all the way to NYC in a very large truck and just pulled up in front of me in busy Midtown Manhattan. He yells from window, “JUMP IN!” …So, I jumped in! We attempted to find parking, but as you would know if you’ve ever been to NYC, that can seem impossible (laughing). We finally found a spot to park way uptown. He dropped the bed of the truck and it was full of flats of minerals!
My favorite specimen I acquired from Blake was a large smoky quartz from the 1982-1984 McEarl mine. It was actually in Blake’s private collection. It came from a small pocket and was absolutely pristine. Took me what seemed like forever to finally convince him to sell it to me! (laughing)
Adam Katz (Karma Minerals):
I first met Adam while looking at minerals in NYC. Adam, in his kindness and generosity, would invite me over to his home to look at stones and trade information as collectors. He was the first person to grant me experience as a vendor working with him at the NYC gem show. He was also my travel partner to the East Coast Springfield, Mass show!
John Betts (John Betts Fine Minerals):
I met John at the NY mineral show. I admired his experience and knowledge, so I thought it was a good idea to introduce myself. I had heard much about how long he has been in the industry, which was way back to a year before I was born! (laughing). I decided to approach him and introduce myself. Since then, I have been a client of his for over a decade.
Pete Heckscher (The Crystal Circle):
I enjoy working with Pete due to his even keeled and calm demeanor. As a buyer, there’s a comfort in his calm confidence. It must come from his infinite wisdom of minerals! Pete has always given me the time of day to show me what he has available. He was actually vending with his father when I first met him. Then it became him and his wife.
David Ziga (Ziga Mineral):
David took me on my first quartz dig in CT. We found matrix pieces, tabular crystals and all sorts of interesting formations. A friend actually referenced a young 19 year old David Ziga to me many years ago. He told me, “get to know this kid! He’s going to be an important figure in the industry one day soon!”
John Trinchillo (Astro Gallery of Gems):
Sunny Afternoon in NYC listening to John and Marc was hilarious! Those two are a real riot. The give and go between them was just too fun. We would hang and chat rocks for extended periods of time. Through John’s guidance I was able to learn the ropes of what to buy and what not to buy. I was young and green and wanted it all. John was always there to say, “kid, ya really need that?” I sincerely appreciate him keeping me on the correct collecting path!
Rick Kennedy (Earth’s Treasures):
I would also like to thank Ric Kennedy for his help and participation in supplying material for my new love of rare cut stones. He has worked with me to provide the unusual and original features that I look for when purchasing one for my collection and has always made time for me.
Alex Amiel (Crystallize Collective):
We actually vended together at the NY show twice. I witnessed him working with others all the way up to forming his own business. We had lots of laughs together and fun vibes. Alex is a young dealer with a bright future ahead.
Troy Wilensky (Wilensky Exquisite Minerals):
For the longest time, I only knew of his father to be a top dealer. It was David Ziga who referenced that I should meet Troy. I didn’t even know Stuart had a son! After becoming friends, I decided to go to the Fura’s Tears emerald exhibition opening in NYC at the Wilensky Gallery. It was absolute mineral heaven! I felt lucky to be in NYC during this grandiose event for minerals. To see the world’s finest emeralds all in one place was an eye opening and jaw dropping experience. Troy and I have been good friends ever since!
Marc Tanjeloff (Astro West):
I was 17 years old when I first came across Astro Gallery in NYC. I popped in and that’s where I met Marc. I loved everything! I wanted to jump right into collecting. Marc advised me that I should start slow. So, I purchased my first specimen. A $50 piece of aquamarine cutting rough. I was hooked on rocks ever since. Marc now operates his own store, Astro West, on the Upper West Side.
Mitch Portnoy (Formerly of New York Mineralogical Club):
I’d like to give a special thank you to the late Mitch Portnoy. Mitch was the selfless, funny, and generous president of the New York Mineralogical Club. He was a collector of Yankee memorabilia and minerals, and most importantly, a kind soul. Upon joining the club, I must say I was a bit intimidated by the prestige of the group. Mitch was there for me since the very beginning. He became a good friend and we would often chat about minerals and life at his apartment.
Mitch gave me plenty of buying tips as he knew I was an avid quartz collector. He helped me acquire my papagoite included quartz. A favorite among my collection.
Mitch had high confidence in me. He booked me for several public speaking events at the club. A fear that I have overcome through working with Mitch and the club. I think he saw and admired that I had leadership qualities.
Also, a warm thank you to the officers and members of the New York Mineralogical Club for all their support and goodwill throughout the years.
What’s your favorite story pertaining to one your collection specimens?
My pink fluorite from Switzerland! I walked into a booth at a mineral show in Tucson, Arizona and saw the most exquisite pink fluorite. It was owned by an international dealer who I had not previously worked with. I spoke with an assistant and put the piece on hold. It was just a bit above my price range. A day later, Blake Barnett gave me the notion that he could help me get the price I wanted. We went back together and got the price within $100 dollars of where I wanted it. I let him know I would be paying in cash and that sealed the deal! Next thing I knew, the dealer brought out celebratory margaritas…in dixie cups…at 2pm! (laughing) I don’t drink tequila but it happened! I thought to myself, “I guess I’m in for the ride!” This was one the most fun days I’ve ever had shopping for specimens. (laughing)
Goals of your collection? Did they change over time?
My collection goals date all the way back to when I was 17. I knew I wanted a worldwide collection in the thumbnail and miniature size range. Pieces that looked like candy. I wanted the freedom to organize and change the display at my leisure. It has been very well thought out for many years! I consider myself a tactician in anything that I do!
How do you feel about being interviewed?
This whole interview experience has been an honor. Just a few days before I got the call, I felt my support system dwindling. I was second guessing myself if this was all worth it. I have sacrificed much to build my collection and it was a real blessing to finally be recognized as a worldwide collector. There are so many collectors in the industry it’s easy to be overlooked. Getting the stamp of approval from my peers means a great deal to me.
Eric’s Treasure
Closing Statements:
Go to a mineral show and use your senses. Look around the room. How many happy and excited people do you see? How many different races and ethnicities are there? Minerals bring people together from all over the world. Joining the community means you will have friends in Africa, Pakistan, China, South America, and all over the globe. We are all here for our love of minerals.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family. My mother Susan has been an unwavering source of support and love since the very beginning. None of this would be possible without you. I love you, mom! Also, my older brother, Michael, who’s early guidance and steadfast loyalty helped shape me through my youth to become the man I am today. Finally, I’d like to thank my late grandparents, Blanche and Harry, for being a beacon of wisdom, love, and virtue. I miss them more with each passing day.
Donate to this Charity
https://donate.nami.org/give/197406/#!/donation/checkout
Credits
For pictures of Eric: @rich.visuals
For pictures of Minerals: Ziga Mineral Photography
For pink fluorite photo: Evan D’arpino
Thank you Eric for making time to share your treasures with us! What a beautiful journey to see some of your prized collection and learn more about you.
Just perfect Eric! CONGRATULATIONS on a wonderfully personal look into your life and the rocks we all love. What an AMAZING Collection. Thank you for sharing.
It’s really nice to see someone who loves a piece of Mother Nature so much. My little nature loving soul feels glee in seeing you share your love of these treasures. As a new collector I have a few pieces but was a bit random and all over place in what I was buying so reading this article I am putting more thought into what sort of a collection I would want. I can feel the excitement building for me.
Thank you Eric, Guardian of Earth’s Treasure.
Eric, I just wanted to say thanx for sharing. I have just started collecting rocks and gems and only in Oregon. Hopefully someday I will see a few of the beautiful and amazing gems in person that I have seen here! They really do have energy to give to those who can feel them! 🙂