Talk Rocks with Leonard Himes at This Year’s Colorado Mineral & Fossil Spring Show

Talk Rocks with Leonard Himes at This Year’s Colorado Mineral & Fossil Spring Show
By Rachel Ford

Leonard Himes in his labratory prepping mineral specimens.

For Leonard Himes, a lifelong passion for minerals began in an unlikely place, central Florida. Where, as he puts it, "rocks don't really exist." What started as a childhood curiosity has grown into decades of collecting, teaching, and contributing to the mineral community. Today, Leonard is a familiar and respected presence at shows across the country, and attendees of the upcoming Colorado Mineral and Fossil Spring Show can look forward to both his knowledge and his carefully curated specimens, inspiring others to follow their passions.

I asked Leonard to tell me where his love for minerals first began. He traces his interest back to the 5th grade, when he and his friends discovered mineral material dredged from the St. Johns River: gemmy yellow calcite crystals and fossil clams. "That was exciting stuff," he recalls. Likely, after bringing the specimens in for show-and-tell, his teacher encouraged Leonard and another classmate to begin studying the minerals and to share what they learned. This other classmate's grandmother's collection would be Leonard's first exposure to mineral collecting. Leonard, now "hooked," began receiving mineral souvenirs after his well-traveled aunt learned of his passion.

Living in a region with limited natural mineral diversity did not slow him down. Leonard began writing letters to geological surveys across the country, requesting samples. Some responded with thoughtfully prepared collections, opening his eyes to the broader world of mineralogy. Later in the 7th grade, his teacher, who also had an interest in minerals, had catalogs for Wards Natural Science Establishment. Interested kids, like Leonard, could contribute their nickels and dimes and choose pieces from the catalog. Leonard recalls, "It was really fun when the package arrived, and we saw the rocks. Looking back, he credits Mrs. Richard & Miss Boyle's encouragement for leading him on a career in teaching. 

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Leonard's journey took a meaningful turn when he met William Clement Casperson, a former museum curator at the Paterson, New Jersey, Museum, while visiting the State Science Fair, where Leonard had an exhibit on mineral identification. Mr. Casperson encouraged young geology enthusiasts by giving each person with a geology-related exhibit a Prehnite specimen. William had retired to Florida with his wife, Marion, and opened a small rocks-and-shells shop that just happened to be along the route between his home and his older brother's. Leonard's mom would let him stop in whenever they would visit.

Later, visits to the American Museum of Natural History in New York left a lasting impression and further deepened his appreciation for minerals and their presentation. 

Leonard in the field.

Leonard stepped away from collecting during college, where he studied chemistry and earned a teaching certificate. The passion returned in full force when a fellow teacher, Edwin Allabough, introduced him to the world of mineral shows and field collecting. This introduction changed everything. Now married, family vacations soon became collecting trips, including time spent at the well-known Ruggles Mine in New Hampshire. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into something more after selling off the Autunite he found there. Leonard discovered he could sell what he collected, eventually building a business that supported him through the summers and ultimately grew into his becoming a nationwide retail mineral dealer.

While Leonard is often associated with Colorado minerals, particularly from Ouray County, he is quick to emphasize that he does not consider himself a specialist. Still, his experiences collecting in the San Juan Mountains left a strong impression. "It's a wonderful scenic area," he says. "Great for trout fishing and jeeping on mountain roads." For Leonard, places like Ouray and Silverton represent more than mineral localities. They are landscapes that combine natural beauty with the thrill of discovery. One of Leonard’s most memorable finds came from a wavellite pocket in Avant, Arkansas, in the early 1970s. The specimens he recovered were significant enough to be acquired by both the Smithsonian Institution and the American Museum of Natural History, an achievement that also helped launch his business.

At his core, Leonard remains an educator. "I am a career teacher, so it is simply part of who I am," he explains. "I cannot help but help people." That mindset has made him a valuable resource within the mineral community. Whether speaking with new collectors or seasoned enthusiasts, Leonard sees education as essential to preserving the integrity of the field. "Knowledgeable collectors and dealers have a responsibility to share accurate information and correct misunderstandings," he says. For those just starting, his advice is simple but important. Join a local mineral club, learn from experienced collectors, and invest in good books.

For Leonard, mineral shows are about far more than buying and selling. "The best part is the people," he says. "Meeting new customers and reconnecting with old friends." That sense of community is something he has experienced throughout his career, and it remains one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the mineral world.

At this year's Colorado Mineral and Fossil Spring Show, Leonard will be offering something especially meaningful: pieces from his own long-held inventory. "As I begin to reduce my inventory, I am rediscovering high-quality specimens that are no longer in current production," he explains. "Many of these may be new to younger collectors." Attendees at the Colorado Mineral & Fossil Spring Show can expect to find these pieces offered at discounted prices, along with standout specimens, including exceptional gem-quality forsterite (peridot) from Pakistan, among the finest he has handled.

With a lifetime of experience, a deep commitment to education, and a genuine appreciation for the people who make up the mineral community, Leonard Himes brings something truly special to every show he attends. His story is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a small discovery and a little encouragement to spark a lifelong journey. 

Visit Leonard Himes in Booth #33 to "talk rocks" at the Colorado Mineral & Fossil Spring Show, located in the new Livestock Center at the National Western Center. The show is located at 4850 National Western Drive in Denver, Colorado, and will run from April 17-19, 2026. It includes free admission and is open daily from 10-6. On Sunday, the 19th, it will close at 4 pm. 

Learn more about Leonard Himes