Mineralica in Tucson (Show-Report)

Mineralica magazine is represented in the USA for the first time! An attempt to put the impressions into words.

Dear readers,

We've been in Tucson for a few days now and will be staying until 12 February - and I have to admit: My first visit here is overwhelming! The sheer abundance of minerals, stands and encounters is breathtaking. Dealers and collectors from all over the world come together here to present their treasures. But unlike shows such as the Munich Show or Saint-Marie-aux-Mines, the shows here in Tucson do not take place in a single location. Instead, numerous individual fairs are spread throughout the city. Without a car and enough time, it would be almost impossible to explore everything.
In this article, I would like to try out a new format. I would like to give you an overview of the current trends in the scene and at the same time provide an insight into the development of Mineralica. Because this year is something very special for us: Mineralica magazine is represented in the USA for the first time!

Let's start with the Pueblo Show, as this is also where our accommodation is located. This show is something special - one of the last remaining hotel shows in Tucson! I'm told that these hotel shows used to be widespread and mostly took place around the Main Show. But over the years, the structure of the Tucson shows has changed dramatically: Premium dealers have created their own sales areas, and huge tents have been erected in many places - almost like at Oktoberfest.

This is precisely why the atmosphere at the Pueblo Show is unique. Imagine a typical US hotel - a building with an inner courtyard where there would normally be a pool and a spacious car park around it. But during the show, everything changes: there are tents and stands everywhere, and you can hardly recognise anything of the actual hotel complex. It's hard to believe that guests are actually still staying here - but it works!

The special thing about this show is that the hotel rooms on the ground floor are also used as sales areas. Anyone strolling through the corridors will find open doors to the left and right, behind which are lovingly arranged display cabinets and showcases full of treasures. The range is a colourful mix - from jewellery and wholesale goods to rare special pieces. Two dealers are particularly impressive, offering crystals weighing tonnes and huge druses - true giants of the mineral world!

Our next stop takes us to Mineral City, one of the most exclusive addresses in Tucson. Numerous premium retailers have set up permanent salesrooms here - similar to the Fine Mineral Gallery (more on this later).

Mineral City is like a little world of its own: Spread across several blocks are buildings housing elegant showrooms. Anyone who comes here will hardly be able to stop marvelling - the range of first-class material is simply overwhelming. Of course, quality has its price: cheap finds are rare here. Many dealers pay an annual rent for their salesrooms, which is ultimately reflected in the prices. But for serious collectors and lovers of exceptional pieces, Mineral City is an absolute must.

As already announced, we now come to the Fine Mineral Gallery. This was founded a few years ago by Ian Bruce and not only houses Crystal Classics under its roof, but also other well-known dealers in the scene.

Of course, this is only a superficial description - the Tucson Show offers countless other exciting locations to discover. But before we get lost in the details, let's take a look at some special highlights...

Well-known dealers such as Crystal Classics are also represented in the Fine Mineral Gallery. As usual, they present their treasures in elegant british campaign style - with elegant wooden showcases, decorative brass elements and first-class minerals in between.

Now let's get back to Mineral City. In Building D, I met up with an old friend, Christopher Smith-Duque. He proudly presented his new paintings and gave us an in-depth interview in which he shared his latest works and impressions. Stay tuned on this!

If you are looking specifically for agates, the Tucson Showplace is the right place for you. This small but excellent show in the south of Tucson is home to several wholesalers as well as The Gem Shop, Inc. - an established centre for agate collectors. Particularly pleasing: printed issues of Mineralica magazine are also available here!

A highlight this year is the young agate dealer Joshua Ritter, who will be represented on the premises for the first time in 2024. With his extensive range, he brings a breath of fresh air to the show and presents an impressive selection of agates - a must for all lovers of these fascinating stones.

At the Tucson Showplace, I also came across first-class Vera Cruz amethysts from Mexico - slender, transparent crystals in bright violet. Surprisingly, the quality is top, the prices surprisingly favourable! A real insider tip for collectors.