Tulsa’s Hidden Gems

The Tulsa Rock & Mineral Society Presents the 2017 Rock & Mineral Show

The free kid’s zone features lots of education and fun activities for children of all ages.

Join the Tulsa Rock and Mineral Society for their annual Gem and Mineral Show at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds on July 8 and 9. The show serves as the organization’s largest fundraiser, supporting educational and enrichment programs for the community.
The weekend-long exhibit provides an opportunity to experience the beauty and history of the world. It also brings together vendors and rock lovers from across the region, offering choice specimens of gems and precious stones, jewelry and related crafts and artifacts.
“We are expecting 25 vendors from everywhere from California to Florida,” said Tulsa Gem and Mineral Show 2017 Chairman, Finis Riggs.
A special feature this year will be a beautiful opal display from Australia. The dealer will even have some of the items for sale. You will also find equipment and findings dealers, geode cracking and turquoise jewelry, a stone setter and a florescent room at this year’s event. Competitive displays of minerals, fossils and jewelry will be judged with prizes awarded to the winners.
Each month, the Rock and Mineral Society meets at College Hill Presbyterian Church, located near the University of Tulsa at 712 S. Columbia Ave. Meetings begin 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every month. Visitors and children are welcome. There is a different display every month for people to observe and enjoy.
Whether the rock was found along a trail or digging into the side of a mountain, it always feels special when one makes a discovery. Even when the rock is purchased or passed on from person to person, there’s always an element of thrill when you lay eyes on the piece for the first time.
At the show, plenty of activities will educate and entertain young and old. A free kids’ zone will feature hands-on opportunities to dig for gems, as well as demonstrations and other fun activities. There will also be working exhibits where attendees can see how to cut and polish their own gems.
Admission to the Annual Gem and Mineral Show is $6 for adults. Children 12 years old and younger (accompanied by a paying adult) are free. Scouts, military members, police officers and firefighters in uniform receive free admission. The show takes place at the Exchange Center at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds. Show hours are Saturday, July 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Each vendor displays a unique collection of gems and precious stones at the Gem and Mineral Show.