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.

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.

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 the New Zealand branch, taking care of all orders based in New Zealand, Australia or Asia.