The culmination of the rock, gem and mineral shows in Tucson is The 64th annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, hosted by the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society. It is held in the Tucson Convention Center for 4 days and features displays, vendors, symposiums and lots of cool stuff for every age.
Tourmaline
Benitoite-California’s State Gem. I never saw so much of this rare and valuable stuff in one place.
Nice display I’d say
Crystals and Crystal Forms provided a very large theme for displays to play off of. We spent a lot of time photographing the displays in order to give you a good idea of the scope and diversity here. Most displays are theme-based, so if crystals set your heart a-twitter, you’ll be a-buzz in this place!
Tucson’s Mayor Rothschild (on right) introducing Gov. Ducey
The Gov seemed quite interested and looked at displays for at least an hour. Wherever I was the Gov kept doing fly-bys.
The governor Doug Ducey and the mayor Jonathon Rothschild as well as various other dignitaries and VIPs were there for ribbon-cutting and brief speaking. Governor Ducey seemed very interested in the displays, obviously he loved the rocks and minerals.
Post necklace. Security was tight. You don’t want to lose a Smithsonian Piece.
Some of the most beautiful rocks, gems and treasures are here. In the center will be a police-guarded display from the Smithsonian. The Post Emerald Necklace had 24 Baroque emerald designed by Cartier and redesigned by him later. Some of the finest large emeralds from Colombia are featured.
Arkansas Turquoise nugget, the worlds’ largest
The largest American Turquoise nugget was there–surprisingly it is a more recent find from Arkansas! Also the largest Laguna agate, a butterfly shape, was presented. I took so many pictures that I will post them over the next couple days.
A Geode wth a Polar Bear was bought as I took the picture (Not by me), but I’m pretty sure it’s going to China.
Bonnie buying Boulder Opal fro a friendly Aussie.
Wingate Pass Agate. Can’t get it anymore as it’s on the White Sands Missle Range.
Chrysoprase
Claimed to be the Worlds Largest Laguna from Del Rey Agates.
A Dino Nest-China
Lots of vendors are there to tempt you. We were sure we were all done buying stuff, but some Larimar and Opal got in our way. You can see the new jewelry they become if you subscribe to our newsletter (ONLY once a month), or follow us on Facebook.
The show is more navigable later in the day but if you come first thing you can stand in line for 40 minutes while the excitement builds. Lots of interesting people to talk to in line, so don’t despair!
More on this tomorrow……