The Annual Gem and Mineral Show is making it’s way to Tucson yet again this February, marking the 58th year for the event. Between Feb. 9 and 12, the Tucson Convention Center will be filled with show participants and interested visitors at the largest gem and mineral show in the United States. This year’s theme is in celebration of Arizona’s centennial anniversary, entitled “Minerals of Arizona.”

Among exhibits from public and private collections of gorgeous minerals, gems, fossils, and lapidaries, there will be unique jewelry and art created from one-of-a-kind pieces available for purchase.  These crafts and extraordinary works of art will be presented by over 250 retailers, offering a huge variety of gem and mineral souvenirs.

A Saturday Night Dinner Program will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, complete with a buffet dinner, silent auction, competitions and awards presented during the special one-night event.

The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is presented by the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society, a non-profit organization that formed in 1946 with the main goal to promote and teach geological importance, mineralogy, and earth sciences. They continue to hold fundraisers, scholarship opportunities and other special events aside from The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show to promote knowledge throughout the community.

Admission is $10 for adults, and are available by phone or online through Ticketmaster. For more information, go to their website, http://www.tgms.org/2012showinfo.htm, or call  1.800.745.3000.

Image Credit: Tucson Citizen