2023
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show®

Silica – Agates and Opals and Quartz, Oh My!

Welcome
to the 2023 Show

Show Co-Chair's Letter from
Peter Megaw

Hours >

Tickets >

Join the Society

The Tucson Gem and Mineral
Society was founded in 1946
and began as a small group
interested in the hobby of
mineral collecting
and lapidary.

View Memberships

Show Co-Chair
Welcome

Letter from Mark Marikos

2023 Show Poster

On sale at the TGMS Poster Booth, located in the Galleria of the Tucson Convention Center.

President's Welcome

Letter from TGMS President
Michael Hollonbeck

Saturday Awards & Reception

February 11, 6PM
West meeting Rooms 102–103

More Info >

2023 Grand Prize

Giveaway on Sunday, Feb 12

EVENTS

MAP

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Show Co-Chair's Letter

Welcome to the 68th Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®, the culmination of the three weeks of mineral madness here in the Old Pueblo that have grown to legendary status worldwide.

This year TGMS is celebrating the many members of the Quartz Family through our “Agates and Opals and Quartz, Oh My!” theme. We expect Quartz is familiar to almost everyone since it, and its relatives, including Petrified Wood- Arizona’s State Fossil are everywhere. The basic building block of this family is SiO2-Silica, which is a key component of much of the earth’s crust and from which we derive essential daily products ranging from glass to the silicon chips in just about every electronic device we have.

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is put on by a home-grown group of volunteer mineral enthusiasts many of whom collect Quartz-Family minerals and live to share our love of all minerals, rocks, fossils and Earth Science. This Show is our annual gift to Tucson and within you will find a unique world-class pop-up mineral museum that will exist for four days and vanish never to be seen again. You and your children would have to travel the world to see a fraction of the marvels we’ve brought you…and intend to keep bringing you for years to come! Waiting are dozens of exhibits of Quartz Family minerals plus other exotic and beautiful gems and minerals from many of the world’s preeminent natural history museums and private collections. So come on in and lose yourself in the varied colors and forms of Silica, learn why and how it became our State Fossil, ogle agates from Mexico, Opals from Australia and be sure to see the best collection of single Gem Crystals ever assembled!

TGMS is all about education so, in addition to the exhibits, there are lectures by professional mineralogists and hobbyists; booths in the Galleria where you can interact with mineral scientists, representatives of state and federal geological agencies and professional organizations to learn about available educational resources for the earth sciences. Or visit the Micromount Symposium and Activities Room where you can learn about the delights of using a microscope to appreciate the thousands of mineral species that only occur as tiny crystals. We are especially proud to feature exhibits by mineral-related winners of the annual Southern Arizona Regional Science Fair (SARSF) and of our Junior Education Program, run in conjunction with the SESS geology student group from the U of A, where children of all ages can learn about many aspects of our fascinating planet…with an emphasis on its minerals. Kids are challenged to learn, turned loose to apply their new learning in the exhibits area, and rewarded for their efforts by a starter collection that they have earned on their own.

You will also find mineral specimens, jewelry, gems, fossils and publications relating to them brought for sale by more than 250 of the world’s highest quality dealers, manufacturers and importers. There’s something for everyone…and the hunt is at least half the fun. In the process we hope you learn more about these fascinating products of our earth and a bit more about the community of mineral lovers who come here annually for this event…they all come for very good reasons…find out why!

We also hope you learn a bit more about the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society…we don’t “fold our tents and go home” after the Show…we ARE home and active ALL year, with monthly programs and member activities, and we provide funding for all levels of Earth Science education in our local schools and Universities. Stop by one of the Information Booths and pick up the literature about how to join and get involved with the Society and our Show…it can be YOUR Show too!

Watch out!! You might just also get bitten by the Mineral collecting bug!!!

– Peter Megaw
2023 TGMS Show Co-Chair

Show Co-Chair's Letter

I know that many of you are as excited as I am about the coming of the Tucson phenomenon that happens every January and February, because I can feel the excitement in the air as dealers start moving into town from all over the world. For years, starting in my college days, I dreamt of coming to Tucson for the Show. I guess it had something to do with the fact that the first one was over my first birthday, way back in 1955. So, living here and being directly involved in this event is literally a dream-come-true!

But how many of you know how it all started?

It goes back to some members of TGMS attending a mineral show in the Phoenix area early that year. They came back and told the club “We should have a show.” Two to three weeks later, the very first Tucson Gem and Mineral Show© was held in the cafeteria of the Helen Keeling Elementary School. From the beginning, the focus was on education – introducing the public to the hobbies we all enjoy, as well as encouraging curiosity about the earth sciences in general. Over 1,300 folks attended that first Show over two days!

It became obvious that they needed a bigger venue, so the next Show was held at the Rodeo Grounds (now the Fair Grounds) and it continued to grow each year. In 1961, someone in the club had the “audacity” to invite the Smithsonian Institution to bring a display to the Show. At that time, the Smithsonian didn’t take anything anywhere. But Paul Desautels, Curator of the mineral collection, was intrigued. After asking where Tucson was, he used the “It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission” approach and brought a display to our Show. The 2020 Show was the 60th consecutive year they displayed, a record interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having the Smithsonian as a partner in our educational efforts became a big draw, and the Show began to attract many more museums and institutions, creating the most phenomenal exhibit of mineralogy, lapidary, and related topics anywhere.

As our Show continued to grow, and eventually moved into the Tucson Community Center, Satellite shows sprang up – now over 40 different shows occur in January and February, but the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show© remains unique in that it is not a commercial show, but is run by staff and volunteers. It is also unique in the proportion of floor space dedicated to educational exhibits.

Education is still the reason we do it! Sure, there are dealers at our Show. I thank them at every opportunity for partnering with us. They help us finance this “one-of-a-kind” exhibition. We would not be able to do it without them! Many of them have told me over the years that they enjoy the “different” atmosphere at our Show. It has an ambience not found at the many other shows they attend. They appreciate the friendliness and helpful nature of the many volunteers. They appreciate the opportunity to view world-class exhibits from leading national and international museums and institutions – it gives them something to look at during their breaks, besides their competitors. And they appreciate the broad spectrum of people attending and participating in the Show, from young children to seasoned academic scientists.

So if you are here at the Show reading this, you are participating in one of the truly unique events in the world. Each year history is made here, young (an old) minds are turned on to the hobby. Some of those going to become the exhibitors and world-class dealers of tomorrow. But many more get to spend one to four days absorbing the wonders presented here.

Thank you for being a part of this!

– Mark marikos
2023 TGMS Show Co-Chair

President's Letter
Michael Hollonbeck

On behalf of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, welcome to our 68th annual Show, “Silica - Agates & Opals & Quartz, Oh My!.” I look forward to seeing all the friendly faces and wonderful displays that makes this the best mineral and gem show in the world! I am a native Tucsonan and it is such a pleasure to have this Show in our city every year.

The theme this year will have some exciting displays with all sorts of beautiful cases and exhibits featuring some fantastic mineral specimens and gorgeous jewelry. The staff, club members and volunteers put many hours in planning, and work on this Show year-round to bring our visitors this wonderful Show.

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is unique in its educational emphasis, attracting novice collectors, to academic researchers. It is the largest of its kind put on by volunteers, and the only one in its class sponsored by a loc al non-profit club that you could join! Look for membership opportunities on our website (www.tgms.org) or at the information booths in the Exhibit Hall or Galleria. Seventy-six years ago (December 3, 1946), a couple dozen collectors met to form TGMS. In March 1955, two weeks after visiting a Phoenix show, members put together their own in a school auditorium. As it grew, and eventually moved to the Tucson Community Center, others began to see opportunities, and satellite shows appeared.

In 1961 a member audaciously invited the Smithsonian Institute to bring a display. At the time, the Smithsonian didn’t take anything anywhere, but Mineral Collection Curator, Paul Desautels was intrigued, and convinced his superiors to try it. Every year since, the Smithsonian has partnered with us, displaying many priceless national treasures. Such partnerships with other museums contribute to the uniqueness of our Show. Whatever your interests, I know you will find an abundance of exhibits and merchandise to enjoy.

Visit our Junior Education Area (west end of the Galleria) and see how our partnership with the University of Arizona, Society of Earth Science Students (SESS) is influencing new generations with the collecting bug. There will be several free lectures on a variety of topics at all levels, so please make time in your day to catch one of these. If you need assistance, please look for a docent wearing a green vest that can answer questions or direct you to someone who can. When the urge comes, grab a snack or drink and meet other collectors or dealers in the food-court.

Thank you for coming. We hope you have had such a great time that you will return year-after-year. There is nothing else in the world quite like the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®, and I hope you will go a step further and join TGMS so you can add your talents and dedication to future shows.

—Michael Hol lonbeck
President Tucson Gem and Mineral Society

COVID-19 Policy

Face coverings are required upon entry to any Tucson Convention Center facilities

Concerts and Events
Change is what it takes to be back in business, and our upcoming concerts have implemented protocols to ensure you feel safe when you attend a concert at one of our TCC venues. Please check the event page to hear about specific concert/event protocols.

In response to a persistent surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Pima County, on December 21, 2021, Pima County Board of Supervisors passed Resolution 2021-87 which requires everyone in the County to wear a face covering indoors when six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained. Resolution 2021-87 will remain in effect until February 28, 2023.

The health and safety of our guests and employees are our top priority. Through public health organizations such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), Pima County Health Department and City of Tucson, we are staying abreast of the latest updates and developments as they occur. Any actions we take will be consistent with guidelines from these agencies and our local health department officials.

Updated 12/22/2021

Grand Prize

“Tanzanite & Paraiba Flame II”

Marquise cut 1.95 ct Tanzanite
5 Paraiba Tourmaline Accents 30/100 ctw
14 kwg Setting & Chains

Designed by CRM
Booth Location #311-313

“Giveaway Booth” - located at the west end of the exhibition hall

Grand Prize Drawing on Sunday, February 13th at 3:00pm

Ticket Info

General Admission
February 9–12, 2023
$12.00 plus a $1.00 TCC ticket tax.
Tickets are available at the door.

2-day $22.00 tickets
not valid with any other discounts.

$3.00 off coupons
on website

Military & Senior
On Friday, February 10, 2023, receive $3.00 off the regular priced ticket for Active and Retired Military (show ID) and Senior Citizens 62 and older (show ID).

Children
14 years and under are free with a paying adult.

Show Hours

Thursday, Friday, Saturday:
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday:
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Official 2023 TGMS Show Poster

On sale at the TGMS Poster Booth, located in the Galleria of the Tucson Convention Center.

Saturday Night Awards & Reception
February 11, 6pm

W. Meeting Room 102/103
Off the west end of the Exhibition Hall

PROGRAM

6:00 PM – Cash Bar

6:30 PM – Refreshments will be served

7:00 PM – Awards Ceremonty

M.C’s Greeting
Competitive Awards, Carnegie Award, Friends of Mineralogy Awards
TGMS President & Show Chairman's Remarks
Slide Winners (Jeff Scovil)

Tucson Competition:
Junior, Junior-Master, Novice, Advanced, Masters, Junior Awards from Dr. Rob Lavinsky of Arkenstone, Best of Theme, Bideaux, Romero, Lidstrom and Desautels Trophies, Friends of Mineralogy Awards, Carnegie Mineralogical Award.

2023 TGMS Show Committee

Ellen Alexander
Show Treasurer, Docent Program Chair

Mark Ascher
Micromount Symposium Chair, Micro Room Co-Chair

Mike Braswell & Sara Day
General Retail Co-Chairs
(Grand Ballroom & Ex-Hall)

Connie Clark
Publishers Chair
Educational Exhibitors Chair

Robert Crowell & Elaine Hughes
Exhibit Case Co-Chairs

Ken Don
Show Photographer

Victoria Fila
Junior Education Chair

Ron Gibbs
Micro Room Co-Chair

John & Nancy Howard
Exhibitor Move-In/Move-Out Co-Chairs

Dave & Barb Korzendorfer
Exhibit Hall & Galleria Information Booth Co-Chairs

Mark Marikos
2023 Show Co-Chair
Show Poster Committee

Patricia McClain
Security Chair, TCC Liaison, Publicity Chair, Show Poster Chair

Peter Megaw
2023 Show Co-Chair, Special & Guest Exhibits Chair

Bob O’Donnell
Publicity Co-Chair

Linda Oliver
Arizona Cine Equipment

Bear & Hollie Pitts
School Visits Co-Chairs

Les Presmyk
Competitive Exhibits Chair

Herb Ross & Kate Verbeke
Galleria Product Sales Co-Chairs

Hibben, Alrene
Recording Secretary

Penny Savoie
Giveaway Booth Chair

Ortrud Schuh
Mineral Retail Dealer Chair

Kent Stauffer
Case Linings Chair

Tucson Gem & Mineral Society
2022–23 Officers & Directors

TGMS is a non-profit corporation promoting interest in and study of geology, mineralogy, lapidary and allied earth sciences.

Michael Hollonbeck
President

Mark Ascher
Vice President

Linda Ross
Recording Secretary

Ellen Alexander
Treasurer

Marilyn Reynolds
Membership Secretary

Victoria Fila
Society Director

Janette Simister
Society Director

Diane Braswell
Society Director

Les Presmyk
Past President

Affiliations

American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. (AFMS)
Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies (RMFMS)
Metropolitan Tucson Chamber of Commerce (MTCC)
Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
VisitTucson

Show Hours

Thursday, Friday, Saturday:
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday:
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

2023 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show®

Silica – Agates and Opals and Quartz, Oh My!

Welcome to the 2023 Show

Hours >

Tickets >

Join the Society

Show Co-Chair Welcome

2023 Show Poster

President's Welcome

Saturday Awards & Reception

2023 Grand Prize

(AZ)Si02*(SC)2

A Few of My Favorite Themes

A Gathering of Spirits

Ace Jewelry

Adelaide Mining Company Pty. Ltd., The

African Trading

Agates “An Acquired Taste.”

Agates and Friends

Agates from Antiquity.

Agates From Mexico

Agates of Mexico

Alan’s Quality Minerals, LLC

Alaska Gold and Gem

Alpine Silica: The World of Swiss Quartz.

Alpine type minerals of Nepal

Amber Gems Company

Amber Gems Company

Ambermoda

Amerind Museum

Arat Jewelry

Argentian Agates

Arizona Gemological Laboratory

Arizona Pyrite

Arizona quartz

Arizona quartz

Arizona Si02

Arizona Type Minerals – Silicates

Artisan Jade

ASE Minerals, LLC

Australia – Inland Sea Creations

Balaam Design

Barbie: You Can Be…a Reiki Healer

Barite World Tour #7: Barites from Asia and Oceania

Baron, Scott, & Assoc.

Bergmann Minerals, Inc.

Big Blue Treasures

Big Rock Minerals LLC

Birdseye Woodworking

Black Opal Direct

Blanc de Noir and Co.

Blue Elk Designs

BMG Gems & Jewelry LLC

BORA

Bridges Tsavorite

Broken River Mining Pty. Ltd.

Cape Town Matrix Crystals

Carnegie Mineralogical Award Case.

Carol K

Carved Opal and Obsidian

China Rock

Chumil

City Parks & Recreation Leisure Classes Jewelry Student Works

Collector Spotlight: Jonathan Yao

Collector Spotlight: Luka Berkovic

Condoragatemines

Corazón, Sterling Silver from Taxco

Cornerstone Minerals

Coronado National Forest

CRM

Crystal Circle LLC, The

Crystal Classics Fine Minerals, Ltd.

Crystal Creations

Crystals of The Lake George Pluton, Colorado.

Cutter’s Bench, The

D & M Rock & Gem

Davidson Design USA

Davir Gems

Dawson, Wayne Allan Studio

2023
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show®

Welcome
to the 2023 Show

Show Co-Chair
Welcome