Tucson Rock, Gem, and Fossil Shows

55 & sunny

Earlier this week I purchased some extra fine Trilobites from a guy from Delta, Utah. One of the Trilobites was a large “bug” with a little baby at its’ side. I make wire-wrapped trilobite pendants and this will make a very special one.

Madonna-bite and baby-bite

Madonna-bite and baby-bite

Delta is famous for Trilobites and this one is great. I was so impressed with this cutie that I went back to see if there were more. He did indeed have a stashed box of multiple Trilobites. One of the new ones has a baby riding on top of its’ mama. This was at the Hotel Tucson City Center at the Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show (I know, we’ve been there three times).

Upstairs we noticed a camera crew that was set up for some taping of Steve Arnold, one of the Meteorite Men. We watched this happening as Steve tried to coax a good interview out of a little girl. Her dad said she talked all the time, but when the camera was taping she was a bit shy.

Good luck with this interview Steve.

Good luck with this interview Steve.

We ran into both Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold as they finished lunch and they graciously consented to a picture. We chatted and Geoff mentioned that one of his friends ask him how his voice was? He asked how she knew his voice was gone and she mentioned it was mentioned on a blog (mine). I told Geoff it was my blog where I mentioned we saw him at the Electric Park Show. Anyway, I’m pleased to report Geoff’s voice is back. Geoff said he enjoyed the blog. Thanks for checking me out Geoff. We were also impressed with Steve’s watch with its Muonionalusta face (you remember my favorite meteorites); very cool Steve. We found these guys to be just regular guys, not pretentious at all; very friendly and approachable. Just two normal guys with a cool job. Thanks guys. We’ll keep watching your adventures.

Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold-The Meteorite Men

Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold-The Meteorite Men

I should mention Geoff Notkin’s owns Aerolite Meteorites, LLC and his website website is Aerolite.org, and Steve Arnolds is also a very cool site with videos at Arnoldmeteorites.com. You can also check on the Meteorite Men at Science.discovery.com/tv/meteorite-men.

Bonnie doesn't know what snuck up behind her.

Bonnie doesn't know a cave bear just snuck up behind her.

We ran into John and Jane Matz from our rock club in Traverse City. It’s a small world.

We decided to check out the Main Avenue Mineral Fair and other small shows in the area. Most of these shows were comprised of Moroccans selling their fossils. I don’t buy them because it is so difficult to tell real from fake with their stuff. We did find one warehouse with a great deal of rough rock. I purchased some Picasso Marble, Exotica Jasper, and Sodalite.

Giant garnets.

Giant garnets.

Cavansite from India

Cavansite from India

Mara Mamba Tigers eye from Austrailia

Mara Mamba Tigers eye from Australia

It’s going to be warmer tomorrow, but maybe we’ll avoid the shows and crowds.