This Weekend - Visit Your Local Club Gem Show!

26-27--NORTHRIDGE, CALIFORNIA: Show, "GEMboree"; Del Air Rockhounds Club; United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd.; Fri. 3-9:30, Sat. 10-5; free admission, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; gems, jewelry, beads, Girl and Boy Scout merit badges; contact Julia Marin, 18220 Marilla St., Northridge, CA 91325, (818) 886-7190; e-mail: jomarin@dslextreme.com; Web site: http://delairrockhounds.blogspot.com

27--BARTOW, FLORIDA: 6th annual show; Imperial Bone Valley Gem, Mineral & Fossil Society; Stuart Center, Polk County Extension Service Bldg., 1702 US Hwy. 17 S; Sat. 9-5; free admission; silent auction, door prizes, children's sand pit, demonstrations, rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry; contact Jim Reed, 5740 Hebron Ln., Lakeland, FL 33812, (863) 644-6665; e-mail: rocks57@tampabay.rr.com; Web site: www.bonevalley.net

27-28--BOISE, IDAHO: Annual show; Idaho Gem Club; Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood; Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; contact Charlie Smith, (208) 628-4002

27-28--EVERETT, WASHINGTON: 57th annual show; Everett Rock & Gem Club; Washington National Guard Armory, 2730 Oakes Ave.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Fritz Mack, P.O. Box 1615, Everett, WA 98206, (425) 232-0809

27-28--JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: 51st annual show; Mississippi Gem & Mineral Society; Mississippi State Fair Grounds/Trade Mart Bldg., 1207 Mississippi St.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, students $3; free demonstrations, door prizes, educational and hands-on booths, 24 dealers; contact Keith Peacock, 114 Quail Ridge Rd., Braxton, MS 39044, (601) 863-6535; e-mail: kpcoc@aol.com; Web site: missgems.org

27-28--ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA: Show; Anoka County Gem & Mineral Club; Har Mar Mall, 2100 Snelling Ave; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5; free admission; gems, minerals, jewelry, fossils, agates, collectibles; contact Martha Miss, 8445 Grange Blvd., Cottage Grove, MN 55016; e-mail:rockbiz@cs.com

26-7--IMPERIAL, CALIFORNIA: California Midwinter Fair & Fiesta; Imperial Valley Gem & Mineral Society; Fairgrounds, Gem & Mineral Bldg.; Fri. 12-10, Sat. 12-10, Sun. 12-10, Mon. 4-10, Tue. 4-10, Wed. 4-10, Thu. 4-10, Fri. 4-10, Sat. 12-10, Sun. 12-10; adults (13-59) $8, seniors (59+) $6, ages 6-12 $5, children 1-5 free; displays, fluorescent rocks, gold panning, children's games, dealers, geodes, jewelry, fossils, rocks, gems; contact Joe Rodriguez, (760) 353-1965

Doing the "Q"! 2010 Quartzite Trip Report

Photos via North Orange County Gem and Mineral Society

The Quartzsite Experience, the 2010 Show

by Steve Mulqueen and Kathryn Davis

Story via Rochound Ramblings Feb. 2010

Background - Kathryn Davis, Susan & Steve Mulqueen drove together to Quartzsite. As with any road trip, the adventure really begins as soon as the vehicle is in motion. The real excitement of the trip started as we entered the Banning area while heading east on Interstate 10. From the Banning area, there is a wonderful view of Mt. San Jacinto and Mt. San Gorgonio. Beyond Banning, the highway descends into the Coachella Valley, the beginning of a beautiful trek through the Colorado Desert. As we continued east on Interstate 10, the overcast skies offered an interesting view of the countryside. The rough desert terrain often translates to a desert road that resembles a roller coaster. Dodging potholes along the way is a favorite past time for the driver.

During our adventure, we stayed in Blythe, CA and drove about 30 miles each day to Quartzsite. Following is a list of some of our observations and experiences while attending the mineral shows in town.

Stormy Weather - Each year, the weather at Quartzsite is often mild, warm and sunny. I can remember past experiences when the weather was hot enough in January for people to wear shorts and a T-shirt. This year we had some cold, stormy weather. On Thursday, January 21, we experienced some rain in the morning. By noon, the rain was getting so intense that we decided to return to the motel in Blythe. As we sat in our motel rooms, we observed the wind-driven rain to be blowing in all direction while the lights in the room flickered. At this point it was observed to be a tornado. The tornado blew rain on the window of the motel room. Cell phone coverage and some TV channels were knocked out of operation. That evening, we observed one overturned container rig on the west-bound Interstate 10 and found that the entire town of Ehrenberg, Arizona was closed due to a power-out. That same evening, the storm cell moved through Quartzsite, inflicting major damage to some of the dealer's booths. Damage at Quartzsite included; destroyed canopy tents, broken display cases and shelving. Some dealers had specimens and products that were broadcasted to the wind, allowing for major breakage and loss. Dealers with major damage appeared to be in shock while some dealers experienced no major incident from the storm. The day after the storm, Tyson Wash, a major drainage that flows north through Quartzsite, had a high-water mark that was four feet above the bottom river gravels. Smaller roads that cross Tyson Wash were closed temporarily during and after the storm.

Learn From the Experience - Part of the Quartzsite experience involved conversing with show participants and dealers about rocks, minerals, fossils, etc. At times, a dealer at a certain booth will leave the booth and have someone that is "not so knowledgeable" in charge of sales. At one booth, Steve asked a dealer about the age of a bell-shaped echinoderm fossil. The person in charge said "I think it is Crustaceous". A quick translation on my part brought up the word "Cretaceous". At times, one learns from the dealer while other times we teach the dealers. At another booth, Kathryn observed a sign that said "Wyoming Jade". Kathryn asked the dealer where it was found, as in, where in Wyoming it was found?

The dealer immediately said it was found in "Montana". Kathryn thought to herself "Wouldn't that make it Montana Jade?" and said to the dealer "Oh, it is from Montana". It was also interesting to listen-in on conversation between dealers and participants. Often time the concept of "rare" was emphasized even for the more common rock material.

The Great Lesson - The real lesson leaned at Quartzsite was the ability to train your eye on the identification and source of rocks, minerals and fossils from around the world. When sharing the experience with friends that also attended, it was clear that we all had slightly different

perspectives on this year's show and came home with wonderful memories. Overall, we determined that the "Quartzsite Experience" is a "Learning Experience", learning about people, especially what they know and what they have gathered over the years. The essence of all

mineral clubs and mineral shows is "Having fun learning about the hobby with good friends". This basic concept really has not changed over the years.

Go to a GemShow this weekend!

12-21--INDIO, CALIFORNIA: Show, "Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival"; San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society; Gem & Mineral Bldg., Bldg. #1, 46-350 Arabia St.; 10-10 daily; adults $8, seniors $7, children $6; contact Bert Grisham, (951) 849-1674

13-14--OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON: 45th annual show, "Sweetheart of Gems"; Whidbey Island Gem Club; Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 S.E. Jerome St.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; contact Keith Ludemann, (360) 675-1837; e-mail: rock9@whidbey.net

19-21--SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: Show, "Gem Faire"; Gem Faire Inc.; Earl Warren Showgrounds/Exhibit Hall, 3400 Calle Real; Fri. 12-7, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; $5 weekend pass; contact Yooy Nelson, (503) 252-8300; e-mail: info@gemfaire.com; Web site: www.gemfaire.com

20--PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Annual show, "Family Fun Day at the Museum"; Maricopa Lapidary Society; 1502 W Washington St.; Sat. 10-4; free admission; dealers, demonstrations, kids' activities, gold panning, metal detecting; contact Laurette Kennedy, (602) 771-1611 or (602) 738-2552

20--UPPER MARLBORO, MARYLAND: Show; Southern Maryland Rock & Mineral Club; The Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave.; Sat. 10-4; ages 7 and up $3, 6 and under free; vendors, exhibitors, minerals, fossils, gems, original jewelry designs, demonstrations, faceting, bead stringing, wire wrapping, gold panning, children's crafts, door prizes; contact Michael Patterson, (301) 297-4575; Web site: http://www.freewebs.com/smrmc/

20-21--ALBANY, NEW YORK: 17th annual James Campbell Memorial Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show and Sale; New York State Academy of Mineralogy, Capital District Mineral Club; Museum, Empire State Plaza, Madison Ave., 4th floor; admission $6 (includes flower show); Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; more than 20 mineral and fossil dealers, guided museum tours, mineral and fossil identification; contact Michael Hawkins, (518) 486 2011; e mail: mhawkins@mail.nysed.gov

20-21--ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA: 51st annual show, "Treasures of the Earth 2010"; Antioch Lapidary Club; Contra Costa County Fairgrounds; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, active military with ID and spouse, Scouts in uniform, and kids 12 and under free; lapidary demonstrations, dealers, faceted stones, lapidary tools, findings, handmade jewelry, rocks, beads, supplies, opals, fossils, minerals; contact Ellen Bauer, (925) 458-2539; e-mail: ebauer_lapidary@yahoo.com; Web site: http://antiochlapidaryclub.tripod.com

20-21--PLAINVIEW, TEXAS: 48th annual show; Hi Plains Gem & Mineral Society; Ollie Liner Center, south I-27; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, students $1; dealers, demonstrators, grand prizes, silent auction, kids' wheel; contact Mildred Matlock, (806) 293-3476

20-21--GEORGETOWN, TEXAS: Williamson County Gemboree; Community Center at San Gabriel Park; Sat. 10am - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm (info from Magpie Gemstones at http://www.magpiegemstones.com/shows.html )

info via GemShows at http://gemshows.blogspot.com/

TGMS - The "Jewel of the Desert"

Today is the opening day of the "jewel of the desert" the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show!

This year the theme is "Gems and Gem Minerals" and the show is open to the public!

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Society presents the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show™ annually.

The Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mineral education of its members and the community.

Each year an all-volunteer Show Committee and additional Society volunteers bring this wonderful event to the City of Tucson.

Over the years since the first Tucson Gem and Mineral Show™, satellite shows have sprung up in the downtown area of Tucson and beyond. The overall happening has become known worldwide.

Want more information? go here and download a .pdf version of the 2010 TGMS Show Guide - courtesy of XpoPress.

Tucson Gem and Mineral Society

520.322.5773

tgms@tgms.org • www.tgms.org

Locate a Rock, Gem or Mineral Show Near You...

12-14--PORTLAND, OREGON: Show, "We Rock"; Oregon Agate & Mineral Society; OMSI, 1945 S.E. Water Ave.; Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; contact Richard Hall, (360) 751-0699 or (360) 263-2599; e-mail: bernicehall@mcleodusa.net

12-21--INDIO, CALIFORNIA: Show, "Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival"; San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society; Gem & Mineral Bldg., Bldg. #1, 46-350 Arabia St.; 10-10 daily; adults $8, seniors $7, children $6; contact Bert Grisham, (951) 849-1674; e-mail: bert67@verizon.net

13-14--OAK HARBOR, WASHINGTON: 45th annual show, "Sweetheart of Gems"; Whidbey Island Gem Club; Oak Harbor Senior Center, 51 S.E. Jerome St.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; contact Keith Ludemann, (360) 675-1837; e-mail: rock9@whidbey.net

20--PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Annual show, "Family Fun Day at the Museum"; Maricopa Lapidary Society; 1502 W Washington St.; Sat. 10-4; free admission; dealers, demonstrations, kids' activities, gold panning, metal detecting; contact Laurette Kennedy, (602) 771-1611 or (602) 738-2552; e-mail: lkennedy11@aol.com

20--UPPER MARLBORO, MARYLAND: Show; Southern Maryland Rock & Mineral Club; The Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave.; Sat. 10-4; ages 7 and up $3, 6 and under free; vendors, exhibitors, minerals, fossils, gems, original jewelry designs, demonstrations, faceting, bead stringing, wire wrapping, gold panning, children's crafts, door prizes; contact Michael Patterson, 11000 Thrift Rd., Clinton, MD 20735, (301) 297-4575; e-mail: michael.patterson@pgparks.com; Web site: www.freewebs.com/smrmc/

20-21--ALBANY, NEW YORK: 17th annual James Campbell Memorial Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show and Sale; New York State Academy of Mineralogy, Capital District Mineral Club; Museum, Empire State Plaza, Madison Ave., 4th floor; admission $6 (includes flower show); Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; more than 20 mineral and fossil dealers, guided museum tours, mineral and fossil identification; contact Michael Hawkins, (518) 486 2011; e mail: mhawkins@mail.nysed.gov

20-21--ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA: 51st annual show, "Treasures of the Earth 2010"; Antioch Lapidary Club; Contra Costa County Fairgrounds; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, active military with ID and spouse, Scouts in uniform, and kids 12 and under free; lapidary demonstrations, dealers, faceted stones, lapidary tools, findings, handmade jewelry, rocks, beads, supplies, opals, fossils, minerals; contact Ellen Bauer, (925) 458-2539; e-mail: ebauer_lapidary@yahoo.com; Web site: http://antiochlapidaryclub.tripod.com

20-21--PLAINVIEW, TEXAS: 48th annual show; Hi Plains Gem & Mineral Society; Ollie Liner Center, south I-27; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, students $1; dealers, demonstrators, grand prizes, silent auction, kids' wheel; contact Mildred Matlock, 701 Zephyr, Plainview, TX 79072, (806) 293-3476; e-mail: jmmatlock@suddenlink.net

26-27--NORTHRIDGE, CALIFORNIA: Show, "GEMboree"; Del Air Rockhounds Club; United Methodist Church, 9650 Reseda Blvd.; Fri. 3-9:30, Sat. 10-5; free admission, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; gems, jewelry, beads, Girl and Boy Scout merit badges; contact Julia Marin, 18220 Marilla St., Northridge, CA 91325, (818) 886-7190; e-mail: jomarin@dslextreme.com; Web site: http://delairrockhounds.blogspot.com

27--BARTOW, FLORIDA: 6th annual show; Imperial Bone Valley Gem, Mineral & Fossil Society; Stuart Center, Polk County Extension Service Bldg., 1702 US Hwy. 17 S; Sat. 9-5; free admission; silent auction, door prizes, children's sand pit, demonstrations, rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry; contact Jim Reed, 5740 Hebron Ln., Lakeland, FL 33812, (863) 644-6665; e-mail: rocks57@tampabay.rr.com; Web site: www.bonevalley.net

27-28--BOISE, IDAHO: Annual show; Idaho Gem Club; Expo Idaho, 5610 Glenwood; Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; contact Charlie Smith, (208) 628-4002

27-28--EVERETT, WASHINGTON: 57th annual show; Everett Rock & Gem Club; Washington National Guard Armory, 2730 Oakes Ave.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Fritz Mack, P.O. Box 1615, Everett, WA 98206, (425) 232-0809

27-28--JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: 51st annual show; Mississippi Gem & Mineral Society; Mississippi State Fair Grounds/Trade Mart Bldg., 1207 Mississippi St.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, students $3; free demonstrations, door prizes, educational and hands-on booths, 24 dealers; contact Keith Peacock, 114 Quail Ridge Rd., Braxton, MS 39044, (601) 863-6535; e-mail: kpcoc@aol.com; Web site: missgems.org

27-28--ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA: Show; Anoka County Gem & Mineral Club; Har Mar Mall, 2100 Snelling Ave; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5; free admission; gems, minerals, jewelry, fossils, agates, collectibles; contact Martha Miss, 8445 Grange Blvd., Cottage Grove, MN 55016; e-mail:rockbiz@cs.com

26-7--IMPERIAL, CALIFORNIA: California Midwinter Fair & Fiesta; Imperial Valley Gem & Mineral Society; Fairgrounds, Gem & Mineral Bldg.; Fri. 12-10, Sat. 12-10, Sun. 12-10, Mon. 4-10, Tue. 4-10, Wed. 4-10, Thu. 4-10, Fri. 4-10, Sat. 12-10, Sun. 12-10; adults (13-59) $8, seniors (59+) $6, ages 6-12 $5, children 1-5 free; displays, fluorescent rocks, gold panning, children's games, dealers, geodes, jewelry, fossils, rocks, gems; contact Joe Rodriguez, (760) 353-1965

via Rock & Gem Magazine