Crystal Pavilion – Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
It’s that time of year again! I’ve just unpacked my bags from three weeks in Cambodia and Myanmar and I am packing again for my annual trip to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. This year I am taking both my daughter Alisha and my son John. This will be Alisha’s first experience at Tucson, John’s fourth or fifth, but it is time to show Alisha the scene since I am grooming her to take over Marty Magic. Both Alisha and John already have a good eye in knowing what to look for in a fire agate or opal, but the Tucson Gem and Mineral show is an overwhelming experience if one does not know how to approach it. John and I look forward to showing her the ropes (or in this case, the rocks.) I will be shopping for Fire Agates, Mexican Fire Opals and Australian Boulder and Korite Opals.
Opal and Fire Agate Purchase – 2012
Each February, Tucson is invaded by tens of thousands of gem dealers, rock hounds, fossil dealers and importers. The rooms of most every motel are turned into mini showrooms and every exposition hall and hotel convention room, hosts a show. Many of these shows are open to the public but the more elite shows are open only to those who are in the jewelry business. Gaining entry to the AGTA show requires much documentation; a minimum of $10,000 in trade related invoices, resale numbers, business checks, business card, pay stubs etc.
AGTA – American Gem Trade Association Show
The photos for this blog post are from previous years but next week, I will post photos of this years event and some of our special “finds” at this years show.
Amethyst Crystal with John for scale – 2011
Dinosaurs Anyone?
Hi Marty, I’m attending my first Tucson gem show soon and am curious if I should wait for the big show that starts on the 13th, or if going the weekend before would prove just as fruitful. I’m only looking for simple cabochon stones, nothing too fancy or expensive. Any advice? Thanks!
Hello Andrea,
We returned from Tucson late last night, February 5th. The AGTA and GJX shows opened on Tuesday, Feb 4th so we spent two full days shopping at these. I’m not sure what show you are referring to that opens on the 13th? We flew to Tucson on Feb 1st because we like going to the hotel shows along side Highway 10 that are open a few days before the AGTA and GJX. That said, if you are looking for simple cabochons, I think you can go anytime and there should be plenty to choose from but realize that the AGTA and GJX shows close on Sunday, February 9th. I hope my reply is not too late and you have the chance to go this year. Marty
Hi Marty, thanks for your reply! The show on 2/13 is the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show held at the convention center, I believe. After additional research the 22nd St and Kino shows seem to be a good fit. No, not too late at all. I decided to go on 2/7 and bypass the other show. Hope you had a great time!