7 Excellent Events for Rock Collectors
Have you ever walked amongst sparkling crystals, vibrant colors and dazzling gems as far as the eye can see? If you said no, then you haven’t been to a Rock and Mineral show–the perfect place to witness the beauty of nature with a little rockhounding.
Rockology is here to let you in on the secret to rock collecting success–go to a show and uncover a world of rare hidden gems. Gem and Mineral shows can be experienced all over the US, but here are some of the best shows for dedicated rockhounds:
1. East Coast Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show, West Springfield, MA
The East Coast Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show located in West Springfield, Massachusetts hosts around 200 vendors to mark a grand international show. This particular event includes vendors from all over the world including Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, Russia, Madagascar and Morocco, so you can see why events like this set the stage for amazing finds! This show will be held August 7-9, 2015 for anyone on the East Coast who would like to attend for the low price admission of just $6 for adults, –kids under 12 are free! Here you will find wholesale and retail options from 50¢ tumbled rocks to $50,000 premium museum specimens.
The works includes crystals, minerals, meteorites, geodes, jewelry and gemstones as well as rock collecting equipment. Watch the exhibitions and lectures, identify “unknowns” and let the kids get a free mineral specimen and for a small price can pan for gems and fossils.
2. West Coast Gem and Mineral Show, Santa Ana, CA
The West Coast Gem and Mineral Show is brought to you by Martin Zinn Expositions–a top promoter of the industry–and hosts over 80 dealers. It is completely free to include parking in Santa Ana each May and November. You will not want to miss this one, since it’s the largest mineral and fossil show along the West Coast. Here you will find both wholesale and retail by MZE who have been operating fossil and mineral shows and events in Denver, Tucson and West Springfield for over two decades.
3. Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, Tucson, AZ
The Tuscon Show is by far the biggest gem & mineral show in the world. and personally our favorite show that we attend every year – in fact, if you are interested, you can get a head start with our Ultimate Guide to the Tuscon Gem and Mineral Show!
Named “The World’s Biggest Treasure Hunt”, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is a dazzling sight of rare booty indeed! You won’t want to miss this biannual event held in Tucson Arizona each January 30 to February 15 and September 3-6. Don’t hesitate out on your chance to get to the event this coming year in 2015, since this international showcase (Jan/Feb) hosts a whopping 3,990 vendors! It’s the source of any rockhounding rookie’s excitement. Join us there!
4. Denver Gem and Mineral Showcase, Denver, CO
The Denver Gem and Mineral Showcase is another massive production of 850 vendors across 10 locations hosted by MZE. This showcase will be held September 11-20, 2015, and offers rock collectors an international selection. You would be interested to know this particular show offers gem, fossil, jewelry and mineral show locations, so come meet us at the Denver Coliseum Mineral Show!
5. New York/New Jersey Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry Show, Edison, NJ
The New York and New Jersey Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry Show is a great place for East Coast rockhounds to get acquainted with rare gems from around the world. It’s located in Edison, New Jersey and takes place April 10-12, 2015. Admission for adults is $10, kids $5, and under 5 free with an adult–but don’t worry, your admission covers three days of rockhounding and a donation to the Franklin Mineral Museum. Check out this fantastic expedition of 150 vendors, a great place for rock collectors to spot new treasures.
6. North Carolina Gem and Mineral Showcase, Franklin & Spruce Pine, NC
For rockhounds of those Southeastern states, you definitely must stop in to the North Carolina Gem and Mineral Showcase! It’s held May 6-August 2 in 12 locations to complete the selection of gems, fossils, minerals and jewelry with hundreds of vendors. This particular show takes its mineral heritage quite seriously with the two cities of Franklin and Spruce Pine hosting the most celebrated gem shows in the world.
7. Quartzsite Showcase and Swap Meet, Quartzsite, AZ
The Quartzsite Showcase and Swap Meet is a large event of 3,000 vendors, though 500 are gem, fossil, jewelry and mineral specialty shops. It’s held in Quartzsite, Arizona on January 1 to February 28th, and prices are known to be particularly reasonable at this show. You may also like that it offers free admission and free parking, though remains a difficult place to locate–so keep your directions closeby!
Conclusion
You may want to plan your rockhounding adventures to the gem and mineral show of your choice ahead of time, since some events require registration. Plus this will give you plenty of time to get excited about all the rocks to collect and shine!
Learn a bit about rock collecting before you go with info on Rocks and Minerals, Rock and Mineral uses or about other must-have rocks for collectors. Be sure to download our free Rocks 101 eBook.
cc: Yoko Nekonomania
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