Collector Spotlight: Vitor Carvalho

1. How many years have you been collecting and what started your passion?

I’m 15 years old, and started collecting minerals since I was 10. Everything started with my passion by chemistry. First, I collected pure elements, and them I realized these elements could arrange in crystalline  substances with very interesting colors, shapes and structures. Knowing that it all comes from nature and that I could have a little bit of all this geological history fascinated me. Above all, geology and mineralogy are áreas of the scientific Field, for which I always had na affinity and curiosity. It’s a world of possibilities. I have always had immense support from my parents, Who, even though they are not from the Field, help me get samples and participate in meetings. Familly support was fundamental in my trajectory.

2. What is the focus of your collection, and has it changed over time? Why?

My collection focuses on brazilian minerals. In fact it is made up exclusively of minerals from my country. I think as a way of limiting the collection a little, so I don’t buy everything on my way. But it was not always so. At the beggining, I collected any mineral I liked, wich didn’t work, making a large accumulation of unrepresentative samples. Then I started modeling the collection until I reached the point of only collecting Brazilian minerals, mainly from the state where I live, Minas Gerais.

3. What do you like to do outside of mineral collecting?

I’ve always loved music. Since I was 7 I play the piano (classical music, soundtracks and internacional music). I also like to cook, play Mario games and chess. Traveling is always a good option too, especially in places in contact with nature. I also like to spend time talking with family and friends.  

4. Have you been to any shows? If so, what’s your favorite part of them?

Every year I participate in the meeting of collectors here in my city, at the MM Gerdau museum. It is an excellent opportunity to exhibit part of the collection, socialize with friends, exchange samples and meet people from the field. I also participate in the meeting at USP (São Paulo University) and the FIPP, Feira Internacional de Pedras Preciosas (International Fair of Precious Stones) at Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais. I represented MM Gerdau at EXPOSIBRAM 2019 (Brazilain Mining Expo and Congress). I hope to visit Tucson someday.

5. What’s your favorite/dream specimen outside your collection? Why?

I have always been fascinated by speleothems, from caves. They are very curious and interesting, as well as have a formation history really cool. However, such a sample is just a dream, beacuse in my country it is forbidden to own speleothems samples..

6. What’s your favorite locallity? Why?

As a brazilian collector, my favorite locallity is Minas Gerais. It is not a specific locallity, but a huge state with a lot of incredible occurences. The regions of Governador Valadares, Conselheiro Pena, Capelinha and Ouro Preto are my favorites. These places have some of my favorite minerals, like Titanite (Capelinha), Fluorapatite (Conselheiro Pena) and Goethite, Topaz (Ouro Preto).

7.  What specific aspect of the hobby you would you like to learn more about?

I intend to study geology, in order to better understand the formation of minerals and rocks. Maybe turning into a profession instead of just a hobby. It’s a wonderful world to explore. I want to be a researcher and contribute to the rise of geology and mineralogy in my country. It’s a passion I never want to put aside. My inner Explorer scientist it’s speaking louder!