ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is once again playing host to one of the most anticipated events of the year: the .Ìý
A tradition that has dazzled visitors and rock enthusiasts for over 70 years, these annual shows, which begin in late January and span through February, are a unique fusion of science, art and commerce, drawing thousands from across the globe to celebrate the beauty and wonder of the Earth’s treasures.
The 2025 gem shows are back in full force, with grand exhibitions, live interactions and the spectacular sights and sounds that make this event a hallmark of the city’s cultural landscape. With over 50 shows happening simultaneously throughout the city, it’s not just a collection of events — it’s an experience that brings ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ alive with color, energy and excitement.
The origins of the showcase date back to the 1950s with the first show held by the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Gem & Mineral Society. From there, rock and mineral enthusiasts, mostly from local clubs, began organizing small exhibitions in the city.
Over the decades, the events grew exponentially, attracting dealers, collectors, museum curators and hobbyists from around the world. Today, the showcase is one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind in the world, with more than 65,000 visitors descending upon ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ each year, according to Visit ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
While the event’s early years were focused primarily on rocks and minerals, it has since expanded to include a wide range of offerings, from precious gemstones and fossils to crystals, jewelry and even meteorites.Ìý
The show’s international scope is reflected in the diversity of vendors and exhibitors, who come from far-flung places like Brazil, Africa and Asia, bringing with them rare and exotic specimens that can’t be found anywhere else.
Starting soon, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ will play host to over 50 gem and mineral shows spread throughout the city. The shows are held across multiple venues in the city, with each location offering a slightly different focus.Ìý
Outside of the formal shows, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s surrounding streets are dotted with pop-up markets and private dealers, where visitors can wander through tents and booths displaying everything from handcrafted silver jewelry to polished agate slices. These informal events add to the charm and authenticity of the experience, offering a more intimate setting for those seeking a personal connection with the items on display.
Here is a look at four of the bigger shows in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ this season.
Terry Schurmeier, left, visiting from New Mexico, and Victoria Roberts, visiting from California, look at minerals from Silver Rain Bird in the Kino Gem and Mineral Show at Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on January 29, 2020.
Kino Gem & Mineral Show
When: Jan. 30 through Feb. 16; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Feb. 16 when hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Ìý
Where: Kino Sports Complex,Â
Admission: Free
The is one of the largest free gem and mineral shows as part of the showcase of offerings this season. This show takes over the area adjacent to Kino Sports Complex from Jan. 30 through Feb. 16, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from rare gemstones to fossils to beautiful pieces of jewelry.
This show's unique aspects include its large size, free attendance and multitude of vendors from across the globe. The show will feature food trucks, free parking and wholesale and retail available for visitors.Ìý
Lilet Cabahug pets Chewie at the Kino Gem Show on Jan. 31, 2023. Chewie was the original goat at the Kino Gem Show when TRAK and Michal & Company first started their collaboration.
As part of the Kino Gem and Mineral show, Michal Mael, owner of geode decor business , will once again bring her giant amethyst geode and, by partnering with local nonprofit TRAK, will have baby goats climbing in the geode ready for photo ops.
TRAK, Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids, aims to build and strengthen kids' skills through animal interactions. They will have baby goats, ducks and donkeys at the Kino Gem Show ready to take photos and interact with visitors.
“We love having the animals with us because it always attracts more people to our geodes and gems and also highlights the beautiful work that TRAK does for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,†Mael said. “People love the animals and tell us every year that the baby goats are a highlight of their gem show experience.â€
The Kino Gem show will have lots of highlights with its 200-plus vendors. For more information, visit the Kino Gem Show .ÌýÂ Â
People wander through the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Gem and Mineral Show inside the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center in 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Gem and Mineral Society
When: Feb. 13-16;Â 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center,
Admission: $13 for adults for one day; $20 for adults for two days; free for children 14 and under with a paying adult
The is organizing the largest show of the event at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center. The 70th annual show will be held over the course of four days, Feb. 13-16. Around 20% of the exhibitors will be local and from the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ area, but there will be international collections and items represented as well.Ìý
“We work really hard to get the regional museums that are part of what make the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ area so special to participate,†said Peter Megaw, the TGMS exhibits chairman.
This year’s theme is green, meaning there will be an array of emeralds and green gems from around the world. Megaw said the Smithsonian Institution will be loaning the Hooker Emerald Brooch, a Colombian 75 carat emerald set with diamonds and gold, for this year’s show.
The approximately 450 vendors will bring gem crystals, jewelry, natural crystals, fossils and so much more, including a 125-pound lunar meteorite. Megaw said an exhibitor will bring an almost-complete juvenile velociraptor skeleton to the show.
As the largest event in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s gem showcase, TGMS is one of a kind. It draws international crowds and has plenty of educational opportunities and activities among the exhibits.Ìý
“This is by far the biggest event of its type anywhere in the world,†Megaw said.
For more information on the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Gem and Mineral Society’s show, visit their .Ìý
Sergio Ruiz bends to get a closer look at the various gemstones for sale at the Village Silverspoon booth inside of the 22nd Street Gem Show on Jan. 30, 2024.
22nd Street Mineral, Fossil, Gem &Â Jewelry Show
When: Jan. 30 through Feb. 16;Â 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Where:
Admission: Free; $10 for on-site parking
The is another large free-to-attend show as part of the gem and mineral showcase in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
Taking over the space at 993 S. Freeway in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, this show will feature an array of rare gemstones, precious minerals, prehistoric fossils, crystals, meteorites and minerals spanning a 130,000-square-foot space and hosting over 200 vendors.
In addition to the gems and minerals, the 22nd Street Show will also feature a kids’ zone — a family-friendly experience sponsored by the Children’s Museum ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, plus a benefit that supports four Asheville, North Carolina artists affected by Hurricane Helene. You can also expect food vendors and other events for families and kids.
Adding to the excitement is an interactive rubber duck hunt that runs throughout the show. Participants can search for gold- and silver-painted ducks hidden across the venue, then bring the discovered duck to the Showcase Tent to reveal a special prize, with values determined by the paint designation on the underside of the duck.Ìý
For more information on the 22nd Street Gem and Mineral Show and a map of the show, visit their .Ìý
2025’s Color of the Stone takes place Feb. 1-8. Pictured is the Mountains and Robbins booth.
Colors of the Stone
When: Feb. 1-8;Â 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. dailyÂ
Where: Casino Del Sol,
Admission: Free
The artisan show returns to Casino Del Sol from Feb. 1-8 as part of the gem showcase, bringing together artisans, gemcutters, beadmakers and tradespeople from across the globe.
This free event is a curated showcase featuring gems, beads, jewelry, crystals, findings, clothing and more, with exhibitors ranging from globe-trotting merchants to renowned artisans and emerging talents.Ìý
This showcase is perfect for collectors of unique jewelry and antique gems as well as vintage clothes and specimens. This show is also known for its collection of Native arts and jewelry.Ìý
This show will also feature artisan workshops with professionals highlighting traditional and contemporary techniques in jewelry design, metalwork, metal clay, silversmithing, enameling and mixed media. Early registration is highly recommended for these sessions.
For more information on Colors of the Stone, visit their .Ìý
Kulin Pandey, owner, adjusts an apophyllite in a private showroom at Superb Minerals on Jan. 18, 2023.
More gem shows
There are plenty of shows for everyone whether you can make the above events or want to visit a smaller show. For more information on the rest of the showcase, has a list of all the shows across ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
For now, though, the city is basking in the excitement and glamour of the shows’ return. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time visitor, the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s gem shows are an unforgettable experience that showcase the beauty, mystery and science of the natural world.
The desert may be barren in some ways, but for a few weeks every February, it’s anything but dull. It’s a world of gems, minerals and endless possibilities — each piece sparkling with stories of ancient Earth, bringing color and life to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.