The Quincy Mine's Gift shop is in this building and the tours start there also.
Wednesday August 10th
One of the highlights of the Copper Country Mineral Retreat is the swap meet that takes place at the Quincy Mine’s parking lot. Dealers from all over the area bring in their local stuff and set it out on tables for the many rock enthusiasts to drool over and purchase.
Mine Hoist Building at the Quincy
Bonnie liked these mine related relics.
By carefully searching the tables, bargains can be located. A savvy and knowledgeable rockhound can make some great deals as all the dealers enjoy bargaining. Prices can vary for the same item dealer to dealer, so a quick go-round is in order, then a more careful look and the games can begin. After attending the show for many years, I know most of the dealers. I consider many of them friends as we also hunt on the same rock piles.
The most fun is meeting up with old friends that are there to look and buy. We have good friends from Wisconsin, Maryland, and Michigan that we saw and chatted with.
I bought some great Lake Superior Agates, Mexican Fire Opal, Datolite, and Pink Opal from out west. I am always looking for different colors, great banding or patterns, crack-free, and jewelry potential. My spending was limited, but I’m like a frog when a bug flies by–he just can’t resist snapping it up. When I see high quality stuff that my customers would like, I snatch it up quick.
There were also some dealers geared for the history buffs. Books on the copper mines, documents of share ownership, lights, and paraphernalia from earlier copper mining days were available along with great copper specimens.
Some "Lakers" for sale.
I love this colorful Datolite and even bought some for future jewelry.
some of the rabid rockhounds at the swap meet.
This swap meet is open to anyone, and is a great tourist attraction. Rock shows are a great training place for newbie rock enthusiasts, with such friendly people and a wide variety of stone and minerals. Rockhounds at a swap–we’re in heaven!
Next I will report on the hunt at the historic Cliff Mine.