Rock Chalk ..Wildcats?? ..Scenes from a day among Geologcal goodies N' geeks in Tucson

[Silas_Sancona]

It took a few years but finally made my return to what i consider to be the biggest signal of spring, - in the desert at least - 

Each year, as January ends, and February arrives,  thousands of Rock, Gem, and Fossil geeks from across the country and world converge upon dozens of venues spread out across Tucson to admire, learn about, and purchase tens of thousands of pieces of rock mined from across the globe..  Some quite simple and inexpensive ..others costing as much as a new car  -or more-

Adding to this, various vendors from across the globe attend some of the different shows to sell other art - related items, so, you not only get a mental education in everything from Fossils and gigantic Quartz Crystal specimens, but other things like various pieces of Clothing, brass ware, pottery, etc from places like India and Mexico...

As to my associating the event with the " unofficial " start of Spring?   By the time the event draws to a close, typically right after Valentine's Day for the latest running venues,  temperatures are usually on a general, upward trend.  Plant Sale Season sets in about 2 weeks after the T.G.M.S  events are in the rear view mirror for the year as well.  The connection between the Gem / Mineral Show and spring weather setting in has yet to fail me every year since moving here.

While there is a sales event for every budget / schedule,  the " main event " of events during the total Mid Jan. - Mid Feb timeframe is the JOGS show, held every year at the Tucson Expo Center during the final week of January / first week of February..  JOGS also returns for a quick show at the end of August as well after hosting events in Las Vegas and San Diego.

 ....Is on the list of " must attend " Natural Science - related events.

Anyway,

Some of the highlights ...A little rushed, so i didn't get all the shots i'd intended on..  Next Year..

A few of the selections i would have pulled from the " Discount Bin " of cut / polished Gemstone specimens if i had the extra $$ this time around.. Yes, i collect Gemstones..







A few of the ..dozens.. of displays of various cut stones from various vendors.. 




Should have gotten a closer shot of both but, the cut stone on the clear cube is, gem - quality Blue Celestite from Madagascar.  Stone in the silver case on the left is Prismatine / Kornerupine, another rare gemstone from Tanzania. Both are new to me.

Never  get tired at starting at rough < not pictured > and cut Tanzanite, one of the world's rarest Gemstones. Unfortunately, a vendor from Tanzania who had large, rough Tanzanite pieces on display the last time i'd attended this particular sale, was not here this year.  






Various Fossil displays from Green River Fossil Company, and another Vendor..
















Always check out what Butterflies / other insects / critters are for sale..



















I'd heard of someone doing this in the past.    Neat to see it in person on display




Maybe not something i'd have in my house, but can respect the time / creativity put into these unique lighting pieces..  The blue Chandelier piece definitely caught my eye..






Giant Quarts Crystals and cut Amethyst, and  Citrine Geodes..











Asian - inspired carvings ..Possibly from various types of Jade..











Rainbow Obsidian pieces / sculptures from a vendor from Jalisco, Mexico, where some of the most valued deposits of this type of stone originate. I should have, but did not get a full shot of the Aztec Warrior sculpture in view on the upper right. When the vendor turned it toward the lights, it was a brighter shade of coppery gold than the sculpture in full view.



Another vendor's creations







Petrified Wood  pieces




= this table... Some of the wood used for the legs could be Manzanita, or Madrone..










Turtle figures carved from the wood of Bursera graveolens, aka: Palo Santo.. 



 Considering how many vendors were selling it, i now know where to pick up chunks of this intensely aromatic wood.  An interesting side note, More research is needed to be certain, but, it is highly possible Palo Santo and another Bursera  species widely distributed in western / southern Mexico may be the same species, or only slightly separated.  Strong Licorice / Anise scent of the wood, foliage and sap of both is almost impossible to tell apart. Leaf structure is also very identical between the two.


As usual when in the area for this event, checked in on a couple favorite nurseries to see how things are looking for the spring ahead / pick up a couple things..


..And of course, Thank you AZ Wildcats for slapping down ASU ealier today..  Any time that occurs,  it's a great day..






 

[Marie Nock]

Thanks for posting pics of the T.G.M.S.  It's on my bucket list so hopefully I'll get there someday.

[Darold Petty]

My son attended university at Tucson, and I purchased a large quartz point and a piece of petrified palm trunk at this show.