TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Two new exhibits are featured in the 71st Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, one of the largest of its kind in the world.
The first features LEGO minerals, built using pieces from an already available LEGO minerals kit. The designer, Dario Del Frate, will be signing LEGO boxes at the show.
“We have the first LEO Mineral sets that have ever been put together,” said Peter Megaw with the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
The Silver Twins are the second featured exhibit. The two pieces of raw silver were mined in Norway back in 1947 and went missing for many years, according to Peter MeGaw. He said they turned up two years ago, and this will be the first time they are publicly displayed together.
“They are amazing silver specimens,” said Lauren Megaw with TGMS. “These come out of the ground, and they look like these big ropes. They’re jaw-dropping.”
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The theme for the 71st annual show is Red, White, and Blue, commemorating the 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed.
“We probably have 60 exhibits dedicated to red, white, and blue gems,” Peter Megae said.
The floor of the Tucson Convention Center is filled with booths and cases from about 160 exhibits and 250 vendors.
“In some ways, you can look at the TGMS show as the best museum in the world,” Lauren Megaw said.
People come from around the world to sell and display their gems and minerals.
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“The real question is whether or not there is a specimen from Antarctica,” Lauren Megaw said.
Several Arizona-based vendors are part of this year’s show. Evan Jones with Unique Minerals has several blue, copper minerals in his display.
“This is the copper state,” Jones said.
He said that he feels vendors, dealers, and exhibitors at TGMS form a community.
“We’re a community. It’s a mineral community,” Jone said.
Doors open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, and the show runs through Sunday. Single-day tickets are $15 and are free for children under 14 years old. They are available at the door and HERE.
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