Known by its more common nickname of the Tucson Gem Show, the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase is one of the largest events for rock collectors in the world. The event features more than 40 different shows in the Tucson area each winter with vendors selling a variety of gems and other collectible minerals.
The Tucson Gem Show began as a show put on by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society at a Tucson-area elementary school in 1955. The show moved to the Pima County Fair and Rodeo Grounds the following year before finding its current home (as of October 2010) at the Tucson Convention Center Arena.
Taking place over two weeks, the Tucson Gem Show attracts up to 55,000 visitors annually to one of the 40 smaller shows that make up the event. Many of these shows are free, but as of October 2010, some shows charged a nominal entrance fee.
The Tucson Gem Show gives visitors a chance to shop for gems, minerals and fossils from vendors around the world in one location. They can also have a chance to view displays from private collections and leading museums.
