Grant Powell
Founder & Chief Curator
Meet the Founder
A Collector at Heart
Powell Minerals was founded by Grant Powell, a lifelong collector whose journey began at the young age of five. Growing up in San Diego, California, Grant lived near the legendary Pala mining district, home to some of the world’s most celebrated tourmalines and pegmatite treasures. His early exposure to the vibrant geology of Southern California ignited a passion that has only grown stronger over the decades.
Despite the formalities of running a business, Grant doesn’t consider himself a dealer—he’s a collector first and foremost. His mission is simple: to seek out and acquire the most exceptional mineral specimens the world has to offer, and to share them with others who appreciate the rare and natural beauty found beneath the Earth's surface.
The True Meaning of Rarity
In a world filled with man-made collectibles—like trading cards or coins—minerals stand apart. Their rarity isn’t dictated by print runs or market trends; it’s shaped by the planet itself over millions of years. Each specimen is a singular moment in geologic time, forged under unique conditions that can never be replicated. That authenticity, that untouched beauty, is what drives Grant’s pursuit.
