History of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

History of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is the world’s largest gem and mineral show, and it has been held annually in Tucson, Arizona since 1955. The show is produced by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and it is held over four days in February.

Tucson Gem & Mineral Society

Read more: Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (Main Show)

The first Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® was held in a small elementary school in 1955. The show was a success, and it was moved to a Quonset hut at the Tucson Fair Grounds the following year. The show continued to grow in popularity, and it moved to the Tucson Community Center in 1973. In 1990, the show moved to the Tucson Convention Center, where it remains today.

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tucson. The show attracts over 50,000 visitors each year, and it features over 2,000 dealers from around the world. The show offers a wide variety of gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and other related items.

Read more: Products of the Tucson Gem Show

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is a major economic event for Tucson. The show generates over $50 million in economic activity each year. The show also helps to promote Tucson as a destination for tourists and businesses.

Tucson Gem & Mineral Society

Here are some of the key events in the history of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show®:

1955: The first Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is held in an elementary school.
1956: The show moves to a Quonset hut at the Tucson Fair Grounds.
1973: The show moves to the Tucson Community Center.
1990: The show moves to the Tucson Convention Center.
2010: The show attracts over 50,000 visitors for the first time.
2023: The show celebrates its 68th anniversary.

Read more: Tucson Gem Show 2025 Schedule

Tucson Gem & Mineral Society

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is a major event in the world of gems, minerals, and fossils. The show is a great place to learn about these fascinating objects, and it is also a great place to find unique and beautiful specimens. If you are interested in gems, minerals, or fossils, then the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is definitely worth a visit.

Read more: Tucson Gem Show Tips

Tucson Gem & Mineral Society

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Showcase are growing

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Showcase is a gem and mineral show that is held annually in Tucson, Arizona. It is the largest gem and mineral show in the world.

The show was started in 1955 by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society. The first show was held in an elementary school, and it featured just a few dozen dealers. Some of the independent organization or dealers such as JOGS Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show,  Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show, and 22nd Street Show created their own shows every year and year. The show quickly grew in popularity, and called “Showcase”.

In the early years, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Showcase was mainly attended by collectors and hobbyists. However, the show began to attract more professional buyers in the 1970s. This was due in part to the discovery of new gem and mineral deposits in Arizona, as well as the increasing popularity of gem and mineral jewelry.

Read more: Recommended shows

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Showcase is divided into several different sections. The main section of the show features dealers from around the world who sell a wide variety of gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and other related items. There are also sections of the show that feature educational exhibits, demonstrations, and lectures.

Read more: Tucson Gem Show Map

Differences between the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Showcase

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Showcase are two different gem and mineral shows that are held annually in Tucson, Arizona.

Both shows are large and offer a wide variety of gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and other related items. However, there are some key differences between the two shows.

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show® is the older and more prestigious of the two shows. It is produced by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, and it is held over four days in February. The show is held at the Tucson Convention Center, and it typically attracts over 50,000 visitors each year.

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Showcase is a newer show that is organized by a group of private dealers. It is held over two weeks in January and February, and it is held at various locations around Tucson.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two shows: