Tucson AZ Gem ShowSee the World's Largest Collection of Gem and Mineral Shows at the
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| A saber-toothed tiger skull is just one of the fossils seen at the Tucson Gem Show |
While others oohed and aahed over sparkling amethyst geodes, nuggets of gold that looked like abstract sculpture, and emerald, ruby and sapphire jewelry sumptuous enough for a princess, we were mesmerized by a fossil.
A spectacular saber-toothed tiger skull stopped us in our tracks.
This rare, complete skull was beautiful in its simple elegance and yet still fearsome with its dagger-like canines, for which the long-extinct cat was named.
We love the annual Tucson Gem Show, held annually at the Tucson Convention Center, for wonderful finds like these.
It's also worth a visit because here you can feel like you've trekked around the globe, visited another world, traveled back in time, and pick up a little bling for your "someone special", too, all in one place.
About the Tucson AZ Gem Show
This world-famous show, sponsored by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, is the largest event of its kind anywhere.Over 25,000 people flock to the Tucson Convention Center during the second weekend in February to sell, buy or just gaze in wonder at the incredible array of wonders.
The show is open to the public and is retail-dealer only. It is held on the second full weekend in February every year.
Whether you love to make your own jewelry, want to see a rock from another world or just like to look at things that sparkle, this Arizona gem and mineral show is for you.
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| Gems and minerals are popular items at the gem show |
In addition to 250+ vendors selling their treasures, you'll see over 125 exhibits featuring spectacular gems, jewelry and minerals from private collectors and museums like the Smithsonian Institution and the British Museum.
We've spent hours wandering the tables, amazed at the diversity and sheer number of specimens.
Some of our favorites included giant formations of malachite and azurite, large pieces of petrified wood, and miniature animals, including elephants, cats and birds, exquisitely carved from turquoise, jade and other minerals.
Every year, the Tucson AZ Gem Show chooses a special theme.
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| Prospective buyers peruse the tables at the gem show |
In 2012, the show theme will celebrate Arizona's Statehood Centennial with a special Minerals of Arizona exhibition.
Expect to see lots of turquoise and turquoise-associated minerals, and others, including azurite, malachite, quartz, aquamarine and wulfenite!
Other highlights of the 2012 show include a full row of 40 cases devoted to Bisbee with minerals, cut stones, artifacts, and photographs.
Another display will feature historical items such as Geronimo's rifle and Wyatt Earp's six shooter from the Arizona Historical Society.
Past Tucson AZ Gem Show themes featured:
- Minerals of the USA,
- Minerals of Australia,
- Gold,
- Minerals of California.
Every year, there is something new and different to see.
Other Tuscon AZ Gem Show exhibits have included:
- a cast of a full-size mastodon – the elephant-like mammal that once roamed during the Ice Age,
- a micro-minerals room, where you can view tiny crystals through microscopes,
- rocks from other planets,
- a "mineral maze" for children.
There will also be lectures and experts on hand to answer all your questions.
The Tucson Gem Show hours are Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. |
Check out our Tucson Gem Show Tips page to get the most out of your visit.
The Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase
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| You can buy beads and other jewelry supplies at several of the Tucson AZ Gem Show tents |
The Tucson Gem and Mineral Society held the first show back in 1955, for members, collectors and rock hounds to show off their private collections.
Today, the Tucson Gem Show is part of the larger Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase, held annually during the first two weeks of February.
In 2012, the complete Tuscon AZ Gem Showcase will run from January 28 through February 12, 2012.
There are over 40 different sites scattered around the city at hotels, warehouses, and even in white tents in parking lots.
Dealers and buyers come from around the world to sell and buy.
Just about everywhere you look, you'll see the large white tents of these smaller shows, offering gems, minerals, fossils, meteorites, jewelry, beads, African art, Native American art and more from around the world.
Highlights of the citywide Tucson Gem Shows include:
- African Art Village – has about 100 exhibitors offering African masks, beads, statues and artifacts from throughout Africa.
- American Indian Exposition offers authentic American Indian crafts and arts from over 50 tribes. Buy direct from the artists and see them at work. Tribal dances held on weekends.
- Tucson Electric Park Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show – large public show with fossils, minerals, gems, beads, jewelry, findings, lapidary equipment, supplies and tools.
- Tucson Westward Look Mineral Show – held at the Westward Look Resort, this show offers some of the best minerals and meteorites from dealers around the globe.
Most of the Tucson AZ Gem Shows are free.
While some shows are open only to wholesalers and dealers, many are open to the public too.
| √ Tucson Gem & Mineral Showcase Note for Wholesalers Each wholesale Tucson AZ Gem Show sets its own admission policy. Most allow you to register at the show itself. Buyer registration usually requires a copy of your business license and/or tax-exempt certificate/resale tax identification and your business card. Some of the larger wholesale only shows require you to register online through their web sites in advance. |
Note: This Tucson AZ Gem Show information was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, availability, access, directions, prices and exhibit space availability and costs should be confirmed directly with the individual shows before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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