The Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase is among the largest rock, gem and mineral shows. It makes its way annually into Tucson beginning in the end of January.
The showcase first made its debut in 1955 and started off as a very small show organized by the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society at a local elementary school, according to the Arizona Daily Star. Now thereβs over 35 different shows all around Tucson to explore! Find some more information about this yearβs event, including details on the many shows, through Visit Tucson.
Thereβs still time to attend this yearβs gem showcase, which continues through mid-February. If youβve never been, are you looking for some tips for attending the first time? Look no further! Hereβs some advice from some of the vendors and attendees.
1. Bring cash
Each gem show is different! Some parking is free, like at the show at Kino Sports Complex, while others only accept cash, like the 22nd Street Show. The majority of the booths inside accept credit cards, but some only accept cash.
![Kino Gem Show](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/39/8395e108-a289-11ed-94c2-67bc2c5fe88d/63daf7ee05bd4.image.jpg?resize=200%2C277 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/39/8395e108-a289-11ed-94c2-67bc2c5fe88d/63daf7ee05bd4.image.jpg?resize=300%2C415 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/39/8395e108-a289-11ed-94c2-67bc2c5fe88d/63daf7ee05bd4.image.jpg?resize=400%2C553 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/39/8395e108-a289-11ed-94c2-67bc2c5fe88d/63daf7ee05bd4.image.jpg?resize=540%2C747 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/39/8395e108-a289-11ed-94c2-67bc2c5fe88d/63daf7ee05bd4.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1037 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/39/8395e108-a289-11ed-94c2-67bc2c5fe88d/63daf7ee05bd4.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1660 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/39/8395e108-a289-11ed-94c2-67bc2c5fe88d/63daf7ee05bd4.image.jpg 1700w)
Head to the Kino gem show to see baby goats! For a $5 donation to local nonprofit TRAK, you can take a photo with a baby goat inside a giant amethyst geode.
There are also some nonprofit organizations set up at certain shows, accepting cash donations. For instance, the Kino gem show has baby goats and a huge amethyst piece to take pictures in, all for a $5 donation to Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids.
Donβt forget about everyoneβs favorite part: food trucks! There may not be any ATMs around to withdraw cash so itβs best to bring some with you.
2. Wear comfortable attire
There are many gem shows around town with lots of different booths to explore. Youβll want to be comfortable to really enjoy your experience. Be prepared to get those steps in!
Wear comfy shoes and clothing that isnβt too tight. The sun is starting to come back out so consider wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen! Bring water to stay hydrated.
![Pueblo Gem and Mineral Show](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/61/d617463c-822e-11ec-8dae-7ba418861d9c/61f730bd5a09e.image.jpg 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/61/d617463c-822e-11ec-8dae-7ba418861d9c/61f730bd5a09e.image.jpg 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/61/d617463c-822e-11ec-8dae-7ba418861d9c/61f730bd5a09e.image.jpg 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/61/d617463c-822e-11ec-8dae-7ba418861d9c/61f730bd5a09e.image.jpg 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/61/d617463c-822e-11ec-8dae-7ba418861d9c/61f730bd5a09e.image.jpg 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/61/d617463c-822e-11ec-8dae-7ba418861d9c/61f730bd5a09e.image.jpg 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/61/d617463c-822e-11ec-8dae-7ba418861d9c/61f730bd5a09e.image.jpg 1700w)
Shireen Carter takes a picture of an Amethyst cluster formation in front of Grounded Life + Home's booth at Pueblo Gem and Mineral Show, 777 W. Cushing St., in Tucson, Ariz. on Jan. 30th, 2022.
3. Bring a tote bag
Many booths will give you a plastic bag for your purchases, but condensing all of your amazing gem show finds into one bag is easier and better for our environment.
Tote bags, backpacks and even rolling carts and suitcases are seen by attendees.
4. Take your time
Plan out which shows youβd like to attend as there are many different ones. Thereβs so much to see at each β donβt rush through it!
And itβs not just rocks, there are many unique pieces of art. Bringing a small notebook or using your phone to keep track of the items youβre interested in β and their prices β at different booths may be helpful. Many vendors are selling the same items at different prices, so you may want to explore before buying something right at the jump. Take pictures as well!
![Kino Gem Show](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/6b/86b6fc82-a289-11ed-9f99-4bf7e8667ec0/63daf7f342850.image.jpg?resize=200%2C113 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/6b/86b6fc82-a289-11ed-9f99-4bf7e8667ec0/63daf7f342850.image.jpg?resize=300%2C169 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/6b/86b6fc82-a289-11ed-9f99-4bf7e8667ec0/63daf7f342850.image.jpg?resize=400%2C225 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/6b/86b6fc82-a289-11ed-9f99-4bf7e8667ec0/63daf7f342850.image.jpg?resize=540%2C304 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/6b/86b6fc82-a289-11ed-9f99-4bf7e8667ec0/63daf7f342850.image.jpg?resize=750%2C423 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/6b/86b6fc82-a289-11ed-9f99-4bf7e8667ec0/63daf7f342850.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C676 1200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/tucson.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/6b/86b6fc82-a289-11ed-9f99-4bf7e8667ec0/63daf7f342850.image.jpg 1700w)
Tucson's annual gem show is back! Pictured is the gem show at Kino Sports Complex, which is open until Feb. 12.
5. Arrive early for the best parking
The gem show brings in people from allover and can get pretty packed, especially later in the day. If you want to secure the closest parking spots, itβs best to arrive early!
6. Donβt get overwhelmed β have fun!
Your first time attending the gem show may feel a little overwhelming with how much the vendors have to offer. However, people are there to help you! Vendors are often more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have, so donβt be afraid to ask.
Madi Kingsbury is a senior at the University of Arizona, studying journalism. She's an apprentice with #ThisIsTucson for the spring semester.
The 22nd Street Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Feb. 12. Parking is $10 (cash only) and admission is free. Find it at 600 W. 22nd St.