Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase

The Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase is many events in one event, if its centerpiece event, the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, is by far the most famous. No gem and mineral show in the United States is larger, none more prestigious, none more varied. The sparkling commercial jewelry of local and not-so-local retail dealers share space with university and museum collection pieces from around the world. The Smithsonian and the Sorbonne have held displays here, as have museums from Australia and England, among others. Come to buy, come to collect, come to simply appreciate, the 2008 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show will be held February 14th to 17th in the Tucson Convention Center.

However, although the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is the biggest event in the Showcase, it’s far from the only. This year, the Showcase as a whole runs from February 2nd through February 17th. The entire city is devoted to the Showcase. Hotel lobbies are often partly occupied with displays and tents rise up under the open air. You’ll need a map to visit all of the Showcase. Also, most of these smaller events are free and open to the public and not all of the wares will hurt your pocketbook. If you love beads, you’ll find any number of unique ones to add to your collection. Fossils are also present in force. Likewise, although gems are always pricey, the gem-shaper or collector can purchase them wholesale.

This showcase is more than just a draw for United States gem enthusiasts . . . it’s an international affair. With so many people pouring into Tucson, it’s important to arrange for lodging well in advance. Check out our pages for Tucson lodging, or, if you prefer to "rough it" a little more than a hotel room, Tucson camping.