Inside the TCC before the show opened.
The 59th Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show opened at the Tucson Convention Center today. There was so much of this year’s featured mineral I literally got tired of looking at it.
There are big Fluorite fans out there, and although I like it, I find agates a bit more to my liking. Some of the best Fluorite specimens from around the world were on display; China, England, Switzerland, Illinois (of course), and several other locations. I’m only going to show you a few of the over 100 pictures I took, but the rock club will be amazed at the April meeting.
I found one dealer at the show that had some exceedingly rare Wingate Agate Slabs, from Wingate Pass near Death Valley. Years ago, this California material was hunted on what is now Edwards AFB. So it really would be a dead end if you attempted to hunt on the China Lake bombing range. Not many people were recognizing the stuff, but I think it is arguably some of the finest plume agate ever found.
It pays to be one of the first to a trough of slabs. Not only Wingate, but a dino bone slab with a fortification agate in it; and RED for Valentine’s day.
In years past it has been the tradition of the
Smithsonian Institution to loan a piece of value to this show. You can tell you are approaching because you will see the police officer there guarding it. In the case was a necklace of 374 diamonds and 15 Columbian emeralds, The necklace was purchased by Harry Winston in 1948 from the Maharaja of Indore and became a part of Winston’s “Court of Jewels” traveling exhibition. In 1955 the necklace changed ownership and was later bequeathed to the Smithsonian Institution.
Besides Fluorite there were other minerals displayed. Bonnie’s favorite was the huge chunk of silver dubbed the Silver Dog. We saw beautiful gold specimens, some fantastic gemstones including blue-capped tourmaline, and several dealers brought out their premium specimens for purchase and viewing. My favorite was a giant fish skeleton puppet of a normally 5 inch fish expanded to eight foot, with a fellow walking around inside. Look at the picture and imagine a guy inside it.
Foot carving.
Turquoise from Canana Mine in Mexico.
Dolphin carving
Fish Puppet-Normally a 6" Cockerellites liops. This bog one was named "Spike"
Wingate.
D-Bone
When the “Big Show” opens, we know this year’s show is drawing to a close. This will be my last blog until I get home and unpack all the boxes I’ve sent home. I’ll take a picture of the pile and show you the highlights.
I appreciate all the nice feedback, so I know you have been enjoying my stories.
See you back in the cold and snow. YUK.