Denver, Colorado — Fossil and mineral enthusiasts from across the nation have converged in Denver to partake in one of the country’s most illustrious gatherings dedicated to geological wonders. The annual Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry Show, heralded as the largest event of its kind in the United States, opened its doors last week, offering a captivating window into the world of precious gems, rocks, and crystals.
The sprawling event spans across the expansive grounds of the National Western Complex and the Denver Coliseum, providing an unparalleled platform for vendors to showcase their awe-inspiring collections. One such vendor, Lee Brown of Bookbinder Crystals, underscores the enduring allure of these geological marvels. He reflects, “I think the coolest thing about precious metals and gems and rocks and crystals is the fact that they are going to long outlast us as organisms. It’s very often something that’s found in tombs and historical sites and things like this, the stones of the time, how they process them.”
Haroon Sait, hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, originally from India, brings two decades of experience in working with fossils and gems to the event. Sait believes there is much to be learned from these stones, which have borne witness to significant geological events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. He notes, “The interesting thing is that the crystal, even though it had to go through that major change in its life, it engraved that event within itself, but it still grew to become a beautiful crystal.”
Savannah Lee Hughes, representing Hughes Gem Gallery in Nevada City, California, shares her affinity for the mineral dioptes, prized for its vibrant green-blue hues, predominantly sourced from Africa, Arizona, and Mexico.
Abdoulie Jawneh, originally from Gambia in West Africa and now residing in Los Angeles, proudly exhibits African beads sourced from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia. He highlights their significance, stating, “They’re made by the local people in Ghana, the Krobo tribes, they use it for the protection and the good luck.”
The Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry Show is scheduled to run until September 17, 2023, providing ample opportunities for attendees to immerse themselves in the world of geological wonders. In addition to the exhibitions, a silent auction invites participants to engage in bidding, with exciting prizes awaiting lucky winners.
Admission fees for this event are family-friendly, with free entry for children aged 6 and under and a nominal $5 admission fee for those aged 13 and above. Furthermore, the organizers have generously arranged for free parking, ensuring that visitors can explore this treasure trove of Earth’s timeless treasures with ease.
This report was brought to you by Rocky Mountain Community Radio, a network of public media stations across Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico, in partnership with Aspen Public Radio.
