Travel Tips & Trends

Fossils, gems and minerals on show

In September, Coloradans have an opportunity to learn about gems and minerals alongside rockhounds from all over the world.

The Denver Gem and Mineral Show is now in its 41st year and is the second largest event of its kind in the country. (The largest is held in Tuscon, Ariz. in February.) This year's exhibits include displays from museum collections around the world, in addition to dealer displays and a fluorescent room showcasing minerals that glow under ultraviolet light. Scientists, artisans and other experts will give talks throughout the weekend and provide demonstrations of gem-cutting, fossil preparation and more. Three hundred vendors are expected, selling minerals, fossils, meteorites, gems, jewelry, books and lapidary equipment. The Colorado Fossil Expo is held in conjunction with the Denver Gem and Mineral Show. Both events take place Sept. 12–14 at the Denver Merchandise Mart. For more information go to www.denvermineralshow.com or call 303-233-2516.

A number of other mineral shows are held in Denver on the same weekend. Free shuttle buses will run from the shows mentioned above to the Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show at I-25 and I-70, which is expected to have 200 vendors this year and runs from Sept. 10–14. More information on the Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show can be found at www.mzexpos.com.