The story of The Arkenstone began in 1986, when Dr. Robert Lavinsky—just 14 years old—displayed minerals at his first show. With encouragement from the Columbus (Ohio) Rock & Mineral Society, Rob’s early hobby grew into a lifelong career.
The name Arkenstone comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Rob chose it to reflect both beauty and legend. By the mid-1990s, The Arkenstone had already become one of the first mineral businesses to build a serious online presence, connecting collectors worldwide through www.iRocks.com.
After graduating in biochemistry from Rice University, Rob earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at UC San Diego. Despite predictions that he would leave academia early to sell minerals, he completed his doctorate before turning full-time to mineral dealing in 2000. Today, his personal collection of Chinese specimens forms the foundation of China Crystalline Treasures, an interactive outreach project.
The Arkenstone has attended major shows since 1991, including:
- Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (TGMS) Main Show since 1998
- Westward Look Show since 2004
- 22nd Street Show since 2018
Since 2002, the business has been headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with one of the world’s most diverse galleries of collectible minerals—open by appointment. Thousands of specimens are on display, serving collectors, researchers, and museums.
Rob Lavinsky also co-founded the annual Dallas Mineral Collectors Symposium and serves on advisory boards of leading institutions, including the University of Arizona RRUFF Project, Tucson Gem & Mineral Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Rice Museum, and Hunan Museum of Geology.
“The key to The Arkenstone’s success has been combining science, art, and community—building trust with collectors worldwide since the early days of the internet.”
FAQ
Q: Why is The Arkenstone important in the mineral world?
A: The Arkenstone was one of the first to sell minerals online in the 1990s, shaping how collectors buy and learn about minerals today.
Q: Where is The Arkenstone located?
A: Dallas, Texas. The gallery is open by appointment only.
Q: Who founded The Arkenstone?
A: Dr. Robert Lavinsky, a mineral dealer with over 35 years of expertise and a Ph.D. in biochemistry.
Q: What makes www.iRocks.com unique?
A: It offers one of the world’s largest selections of fine mineral specimens, with photography, provenance details, and educational content.
- Link to gemology basics and collectible minerals.
- Link to Tucson Gem & Mineral Show
- Link to Dallas Mineral Collectors Symposium
- Link to China Crystalline Treasures.
- Link to museum collaborations
