Brett and Teresa Shaffer

Proprietors of Shaffer Minerals

Our Story

I have been collecting mineral specimens for over 50 years. I started as an 8-year-old who was given a handful of “Herkimer diamonds”. My parents also developed an interest in lapidary in the late 1960s while living in Okinawa. From there it led to the family owning a rock shop (Knox Rocks and Gems) in Knoxville, Tennessee from 1978-1986. I continued to grow in the hobby, collecting minerals and fossils in both Tennessee and North Carolina.

After high school, I earned a degree in Geology from Tennessee Tech. I then earned a master’s degree in science education. Meanwhile my mineral and fossil collecting continued. I worked 11 years as an Environmental Geologist and 29 years as a high/middle school science teacher. In 1994, I married my soul partner in life. We have been on very many collecting trips over the years.

During that time, I was in business offering mineral specimens as the Mineral Vug from 1995-2002. Since 2004, I have been in business as Shaffer Minerals. We used to do the Weinmann Mineral Show in Cartersville, Georgia. Since 2025 I have been in the Tennessee Valley Mineral show near Hixon, Tennessee. I am a member of the Tennessee Valley Mineral Club.

My business offers mineral specimens and fossils for sale. Many specimens come from the southeast United States with the rest of the mineral specimens coming from around the world.

We strive to make sure your experience is enjoyable.

At Shaffer Minerals, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection of uncommon and aesthetic mineral specimens. Our collection is curated for mineral enthusiasts, ensuring that each piece is not only unique but also reasonably priced. We source minerals from both the United States and around the globe, providing a wide array of options for collectors. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is paramount, and we strive to create a positive shopping experience. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, our knowledgeable team is here to assist you in finding the perfect addition to your collection. Explore our offerings and discover the beauty of nature’s treasures today!


Advantages of Our Minerals

+ Wide variety of unique mineral specimens available for collectors.

+ Affordable pricing without compromising on quality and aesthetics.

+ Expert guidance and support for all mineral enthusiasts.

+ As detailed Location information given as possible.