Treasure Hunting At The Gem Show

Each February vendors come to Tucson, AZ to exhibit gems, minerals, fossils, boulders, and natural art at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

2018-01-27_13-19-18_181 — 5 ft and above for these crystal formations!

The logistics of shipping the tremendous amount of heavy rock always amazes me. In just a few weeks tons of material arrive in Tucson. I picture an off-balance washing machine thumping away; except its the earth wobbling from the excess weight.

I have my favorite venues. The Co-Op on Oracle Rd always has a large petrified wood room with different tables on display every year. I highly recommend hugging petrified tree millions of years old whenever one gets a chance.

2018-01-26_14-21-14_190 — Spectacular Petrified Wood Table.

2018-01-26_14-21-20_261 — Tables are made from slabs millions of years old.

My favorite room at the Co-Op has Septarian geodes from Utah. I check their room first thing on the first day as they are very popular.

Image result for utah geodes — Each Septarian Egg is unique.

The Co-Op is handicap accessible and always has fossils to see.

We tried the new venue advertised as the “upscale” 22nd street show. Not my type of product but found some interesting art!

2018-01-28_11-39-37_236 — Warrior Woman made from metal and motorcycle chain hair!

These bat coffins are quite interesting. However pants would have been a good idea. I was not prepared to see bat genitalia so early in the morning.

Also proof that someone whacked that Geico lizard. Perhaps now we can stop contemplating why a Gecko selling insurance in the US has a UK accent and has access to Navy aircraft carriers.

In the olden days (I’d say even 10 years ago) there were only a few different venues hosting exhibits. It was easy to see in a couple of days. The fame of the Tucson Gem Show spread and now there are venues all over town.

2018-01-27_13-01-49_514 — The ever popular giant pink skull decor.

After the 4th or 5th venue it can feel like repetition, However, treasure may be right around the corner.

I try to buy my supplies from returning vendors to show support to them for coming back each year. Half the fun of the treasure hunt is talking to the vendors and listen to their story. People come from all over the world. There are so many different paths that lead to the Gem Show!

2018-01-28_11-20-42_018 — Lights show through the mineral creating fascinating patterns on the wall.

One of the more artistic booths has unique gem inlaid pictures. Every year they exhibit and have a darkened room where the art is illuminated from behind. Impossible to capture the beauty in a photo.

2018-01-27_11-04-58_027 — This pic doesn’t even come close. Metal background, gem quality inlaid lapis, turquoise, & coral.

When I tell the exhibitor that ‘this is always one of my favorite booths”, she animatedly responds “Oh do you posses one of our pieces?” I tell her “I wish” as I run my hand over the cool metal and stone.

One of the returning booths only sells Himalayan Salt Lamps. If you see one you want buy it because if you wait to “buy it on the way out so I can take it straight to the car” it the treasure will be gone.

There are miles and miles of beads,