'Every shade of blue': Tucson gem show's main event opens

Picture sapphires, opals, turquoise.

Plus azurite, chrysocolla, aquamarine, lapis lazuli, tanzanite, tourmaline ...

Brilliant blues are the main event this weekend in Tucson.

“Shades of Blue: Minerals of the World” is the theme of the 62nd Annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, which is packing the Tucson Convention Center through Sunday.

Expect to see “lots and lots of blue minerals, blue gemstones and every shade of blue you can imagine,” said Gloria Quigg, the show’s publicity chair.

There will be a world of other colors, too: An estimated 250 retail dealers from around the globe are sharing the Exhibition Hall and the Arena areas of the convention center to show off their jewels, baubles, beads and rocks.

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When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 12 and Feb. 13; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 14.

Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

Tickets: $13 per adult; children 14 and younger get in free with a paying adult. There’s a $2 off coupon at tucne.ws/4bg ; $2 discounts are also available Friday for active or retired military and for seniors ages 62 and older.

Parking: $8 at the convention center.

Free city shuttle: GemRide runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sunday. See tucne.ws/4bh for details.