Tucson Main show 2012

The last weekend at Tucson, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society show (TGMS), we call it the "main show". This show is the largest single mineral show and is held at the Tucson Convention center. This is in some ways the most important show for us as museums are asked to bring a display to the show. This is a great way for us to show off our collection to an enthusiastic crowd who would not otherwise see it in L.A. Also, TGMS partially subsidizes the cost of our trip in exchange for the exhibit we put together, so good deal!

There is a theme to the show every year, last year was a good one, "Minerals of California"!  This year, in honor of Arizona's centenniel the theme is "Minerals of Arizona".

Setting up L.A. County's exhibit: "The Ben Frankenberg Collection of Bisbee Minerals". Copper, silver and gold mining in Bisbee, AZ began around 1880. For many years the mines at Bisbee were among the world's largest. Ben Frankenberg owned a general store in Bisbee and collected some fine copper mineral specimens from the early days. His collection was donated to NHMLAC by his daughter Bobbi Frankenberg.

Done!  Looks great!

Amazing Bisbee malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂) owned by the Smithsonian Institution.

Some of Alyssa's favorite minerals on exhibit were from the mine at Morenci, AZ.  Such cute malachites and azurites.

There are many education themed exhibits as well!

This is an unbelievable gemmy tanzanite crystal, it must be about 10-12 inches tall.

Beautiful tourmaline from the Santa Rosa mine in Brazil.

 Eloïse bought this unusual aquamarine crystal for the collection. The termination was etched and a spessartine garnet grew inside.