Tucson Gem and Mineral Show
Approximate — check official site before visiting
The world's largest gem and mineral show. Every February. Hundreds of dealers, exhibits, and events across the city.
🌐 Visit Official Site →🪨 What You Can Find Here
Quartz Crystals
Clear, smoky, and rose quartz crystals are among the most common and rewarding rockhounding finds. Arkansas produces world-class quartz.
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Opals
Precious opals with brilliant play-of-color. Nevada's Virgin Valley produces spectacular fire opals worth thousands.
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Agates
Banded chalcedony prized for their colors and patterns. Lake Superior agates, Fairburn agates, and Montana moss agates are especially famous.
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Fossils
From shark teeth in Florida to dinosaurs in Montana, the US offers world-class fossil hunting for all skill levels.
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📍 Nearby Locations in Arizona
Salt Wash Turquoise Mine
St. Johns, Arizona · Fee Dig
Historic turquoise mine producing high-quality blue-green turquoise prized by jewelers. Part of Arizona's rich turquoise mining heritage.
Kingman Turquoise Mine
Kingman, Arizona · Fee Dig
One of Arizona's oldest and most productive turquoise mines. Known for its distinctive blue color with a stable matrix.
Four Peaks Amethyst Mine
Tonto Basin, Arizona · Fee Dig
Famous amethyst mine producing deep Siberian-grade amethyst. Some of the finest amethyst in the world. Not open to casual public collecting.
Gold Basin
Kingman, Arizona · BLM Land
BLM gold prospecting area. Known for fine gold deposits. Popular area for metal detecting and gold panning.
Lynn Creek
Lake Havasu City, Arizona · BLM Land
BLM placer gold area. Recreational gold panning in washes and dry gulches. Seasonal access depending on weather.
Petrified Forest National Park
Holbrook, Arizona · National Park
World-famous petrified wood deposits. Collecting is prohibited (National Park), but the park offers spectacular views and educational exhibits. Collec...
⛏️ Recommended Gear
Make the most of your visit to Tucson Gem and Mineral Show with the right equipment.
Rock Hammer
The most essential rockhounding tool. Choose a hammer with both a flat striking face and a pointed pick end.
Typical: $25-45
Safety Glasses
Mandatory protective gear. Rock chips fly unpredictably when hammering.
Typical: $10-20
Chisel Set
Cold chisels in 3-4 sizes for precise extraction from matrix rock.
Typical: $15-30
Geologist's Pick
A heavier crack hammer for splitting hard rock. Essential for hard rock mining areas.
Typical: $35-60
Sifting Screen
Stackable mesh screens for sifting gravel and dirt. Essential for gem and fossil hunting.
Typical: $20-40
UV Flashlight
Long-wave UV light for finding fluorescent minerals and Yooperlites.
Typical: $15-35