About
About me
Hi, I’m Michael Gobin, owner and founder of Mineral Vibes. Born in France in 1979, I’ve spent my life in Provence, along the beautiful Mediterranean coast. I’m the youngest of the Gobin siblings, all of whom share a deep passion for fine minerals passed down from our late father, Christian Gobin.
Our father started his mineral business in 1974, with the support of our mother, Michèle. Over the years, he became one of France’s most respected mineralogists, renowned for bringing exceptional specimens to the market. Many of these iconic pieces, such as Touissit Azurites and Mibladen Vanadinites from Morocco, Katanga Malachite and Cuprites from the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), and N’Chwaning Rhodochrosites from South Africa, now reside in prestigious museums and private collections worldwide.
Growing up immersed in this incredible environment, I’ll never forget the thrill of unboxing crates from Zaire with my father, filled with dazzling Malachites, Cuprites, and Cobaltoan Calcites from his latest trip. It felt like Christmas morning every time. As a child, I even began selling small specimens at the Sainte-Marie-Aux-Mines show, proudly showcasing my treasures on a tiny booth.
In the 1990s, as my father battled cancer, my brothers Brice and Christophe stepped in to carry on his legacy. When he passed away in 1996, they took over the family business, embarking on their first solo trip to Congo to continue what he had built.
At that time, I was a teenager starting my engineering studies. I chose a different path to avoid adding pressure to my family as they worked tirelessly to sustain the business, support our family, and fund my education.
Over the past three decades, my brothers have transformed our father’s legacy into a world-renowned business. Their passion, expertise, and dedication have earned them recognition as leading mineral curators and dealers, providing extraordinary specimens to collectors and museums worldwide. Meanwhile, I built a successful career as an engineer and business development manager in the energy industry for a multinational company.
The genesis of Mineral Vibes
Since my early childhood, the mineralogy virus infected my soul and was quietly sleeping into my body, reminding me regularly where I was coming from, and making me looking at my two brothers with love and admiration. A small voice inside me would occasionally whisper, “Why didn’t you choose this path?” or “What if you joined the family business?” Yet, I remained focused on building my own career, determined not to disrupt or interfere with my brothers’ hard-earned success.
Everything changed in the summer of 2024 when my 15-year-old son, Paul, developed an interest in minerals and began asking about the business. His curiosity reignited my own passion and made me realize it was not too late to follow this dream and create something meaningful for my own family’s future. After a brief conversation with my brothers, it became clear there was a natural opportunity to step into the mineral world. With their full encouragement and support, I decided to embark on this journey.
In August 2024, “Mineral Vibes” was officially established, and I made my first sourcing trip to gather a selection of fine minerals. Shortly after, I launched the business online through my Instagram account, bringing Mineral Vibes to life.
Today, Mineral Vibes is a labor of love that I manage alongside my career in the energy industry. It allows me to stay connected to my roots, honor my family’s history, and share the beauty of minerals with collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
“Provide collectors with high-quality minerals at fair prices”
I take great pride in the specimens I curate, focusing on their color, luster, crystal terminations, and overall aesthetics. To me, each mineral is a piece of art, and my choice is always guided by the aesthetics and balance of the specimen.
When it comes to pricing, my goal is to make top-quality minerals accessible to everyone, including young or budget-conscious collectors, without requiring a significant financial sacrifice. Here’s how I achieve this:
- Make my own pictures and videos: With over 25 years of experience as an amateur photographer, I personally create all the images and videos for Mineral Vibes. My passion for photography, combined with a constant drive to refine my skills, allows me to showcase each specimen accurately and attractively.
- Direct sourcing: Leveraging my family’s decades-long network, I acquire minerals directly from trusted sources. This ensures quality, authenticity, and competitive pricing.
- Online-First Approach: Mineral Vibes primarily operates online, with a presence on Instagram, TikTok, and my website. While I focus on digital platforms, you’ll still find me at major shows like Tucson, Munich, and Sainte-Marie-Aux-Mines, where I look forward to connecting with customers and engaging with the wider mineral community.
- Stay focused on my market: I remain selective, avoiding large lots of low-quality specimens and staying within the mid-range market. While I currently steer clear of high-value pieces exceeding €10,000, this focus helps me manage risk and align with my target audience.
- Passion Over Profit: Mineral Vibes is a passion project, not my primary professional endeavor. This allows me to approach the business with creativity and enthusiasm, free from the pressure of relying on it to cover living expenses.
At Mineral Vibes, my goal is to share my love for fine minerals with the world, offering exceptional pieces that inspire and delight collectors of all backgrounds.
