The collection emphasizes minerals from Arizona and Mexico, but also contains meteorites and minerals from around the world. The Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum displays some 2,000 pieces from its collection of more than 40,000 specimens from its new location in the Historic Pima County Courthouse in Downtown Tucson. He's particularly knowledgeable about Arizona minerals and gemstones, such as Apache tears (a type of obsidian), and carries some rare specimens of the metal that gives his shop its name. He enjoys sharing his vast reserves of knowledge-about gems and minerals-with everyone from newbies to seasoned collectors. John Mediz opened the Copper City Rock Shop in the former mining town of Globe in 1970, but he dates his interest in the earth's bounty back to junior high school (some 70 years ago, give or take). Of the bracelets, earrings and necklaces created by owner David Owen, perhaps most interesting are the intricate silver-and-jasper scenes: everything from ancient desert ruins to Chinese pagodas. Bisbee turquoise, malachite and campbellite (a mixture of copper and other minerals such as azurite, calcite, malachite, pyrite, quartz and others) are among the many striking gemstones used in the unique wearable art you'll find at shops like Jewelry Designs by Owen on Main Street. The search for copper at Bisbee's Lavender Pit Mine also unearthed rich lodes of turquoise that's prized the world over for its brilliant blue color. Its location near the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson makes this a perfect stop on a family outing. Lose yourself for hours among the bins of rocks, fossils and rough-cut gems-more than 100,000 items in all-where geological oddities like fulgurites (root-like formations created when lightning strikes desert sand or soil) cost as little as $10. Shopping for Arizona gems and minerals Mineral hunting in TucsonĬollectors of all ages, experience levels and budgets flock to Tucson Mineral and Gem World on the city's west side. Kids can safely try their mining skills, too, during this March event that features music, a crafts fair, a carnival and history talks.ĭon't plan to be in Arizona for these shows? You can still shop for earthly treasures year-round, from rare fossils to jewelry made with Arizona's unique gems. Rounding out spring, the Apache Leap Mining Festival in Superior, east of Phoenix, features grueling miner competitions like sawing, spiking, drilling and mucking for cash prizes. Thousands of vendors, including around 500 rock and mineral dealers, converge on this Western Arizona town for a swap-meet atmosphere where you'll find gems, fossils and jewelry from professional and amateur rock hounds, lapidaries and artisans.Īlso in February, Gold Rush Days salutes Wickenburg's mining and ranching heritage with a weekend of activities that includes gold panning, mining-skills contests and tours of the nearby Vulture Mine ghost town that put the town on the map. If you’re like most customers, you’ll leave with a special treasure.Tucson's gem show coincides with another-the popular Desert Gardens Rock, Gem & Mineral Show in Quartzsite in late January. You are always welcome to browse at Carlsbad Gem and Mineral. And, his low-pressure sales tactics make for pleasant shopping experience. Bob’s enthusiasm and expertise instantly assure you of the quality of merchandise found in the store. I couldn’t be happier!”įrom a customer standpoint, it’s nice to know you are buying from a reputable source. From life-long collector, to working in several national jewelry chains, to GIA certification, to owner of Carlsbad Gem and Mineral… I’ve followed my passion. “My eyes were drawn to sparkly things… jewelry and gems fascinated me. “My love of jewelry began when I was eight years old,” recalls Bob. He can tell you as much as you’d like to know about each piece! And, as a graduate gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America, Bob speaks with authority. Customers who come to Carlsbad Gem and Mineral get more than jewelry, gems, minerals and fossils… they get educated! That’s because owner-proprietor, Bob Ware makes it his business to know everything he can about what is showcased in the store.
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