October Editorial      

The Tucson Show

      If you just want to attend one mineral show, the Tucson Show is the one to choose. It is by far the biggest mineral and rock show in the world. Although there are a number of mineral shows at other places and times, what makes the Tuscon show special is sheer size. Nowhere else are so many minerals on display to such a large number of people. And it keeps getting bigger every year with more and more wholesale and private displays being introduced.

      The Tucson show is not hosted in one place. Different shows take place in different parts of town including many hotels. Some owners display their gems in their own hotel rooms. Literally thousands of dealers and vendors from all over the world exhibit and do business at these various shows, but there is plenty on offer for non-professionals as well.

      The original show was organised by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society in the 1950s. The society still has its own Gem and Mineral show which is rightly referred to as the Main Event, despite the other shows and exhibitions that have grown up around it over the years.

      The Tucson show takes place around the first two weeks of February each year. For the exact dates and the calendar of the 2006 Tucson show click here.

      Admission to most shows is free with the exception of the Main Event which is hosted in the Tucson Community Centre. The Main Event is accompanied by a series of lectures and there is even a children's day offering 'An interactive event starting Friday, 2:00 p.m. until Sunday 4:00 p.m. A fun opportunity to experience the world of minerals at their own level with a special hands-on maze of information'. This event is presented by The University of Arizona Society of Earth Sciences Students and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society.'

If you can't get to the show, we will be posting a report on what you have missed!