Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, I am a 28-year-old mineral collector now residing in Dallas, Texas. I have been an avid collector for about 9 years, but my fascination with geology dates back to my childhood. In college, I took a mineralogy class that sparked my passion for minerals, leading me to explore their forms, colors, chemical properties, variety, formation, geological processes, and finally, a degree in geology at the end of college.

My collection focuses on worldwide thumbnails, particularly minerals with exceptional provenances, such as ex-museum specimens. While I occasionally acquire interesting miniature or small cabinet pieces, my main interest lies in the former. My website, https://www.alexvenzke.com, showcases my collection.

I hold leadership positions or am a member of a number of mineral-related organizations, including the Young Mineral Collectors (YMC) group, the mindat.org management team, the Mineralogical Association of Dallas (MAD) group, the national Friends of Mineralogy (FM) organization, the Mineralogical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC), and the Friends of Mineralogy Virginia Chapter (FMVA), which I co-founded and served as the first Vice President.