Prepare yourself for an exciting journey into the world of geology at the Annual Rock, Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show. This captivating event will take place at the Exchange Center at Expo Square in Tulsa, offering a unique opportunity for enthusiasts, families, and curious minds to delve into the wonders beneath the earth’s surface. Scheduled for Saturday, July 13, from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday, July 14, from 10 AM to 5 PM, the show promises a weekend filled with engaging activities, stunning displays, and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Highlights of the Event
Discover Treasures from Vendors
Eric Hamshar, Director at D.W. Correll Museum, shares his excitement about the over 30 dealers who will be showcasing their collections at this year’s event. These vendors, hailing from Oklahoma and across the nation, will present a dazzling array of gems, minerals, fossils, and handcrafted jewelry. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a novice geologist, the diverse and high-quality offerings are sure to ignite your curiosity and passion. A standout feature is the fluorescent display room, where rocks and minerals come alive under UV lights, revealing their hidden, vibrant hues.
Engaging Exhibits
Among the fascinating exhibits, visitors can marvel at Ice Age bones unearthed from the Arkansas River, alongside discoveries from around the globe. Attendees can witness the art of lapidary through live demonstrations, learning how to cut and polish stones. The show also features gem faceting, wire wrapping, and the use of tumblers to refine rough stones. For those interested in beadwork, the Oklahoma Bead Society will demonstrate bead stringing techniques and offer lessons to participants.
Fun for Kids
The event is designed to be a family-friendly experience, with a variety of activities tailored for young explorers. The Kid Zone offers interactive experiences such as making fossil casts and exploring touch-and-feel tables filled with fossils and minerals. Educational displays, including geode cutting and geological wonders from The Elsing Museum collection at Oral Roberts University, provide insights into Earth’s history and beauty. Additionally, grab bags containing 10 specimens each are available for purchase, helping children start their own collections.
Visitors can also join the Tulsa Rock and Mineral Society, a community dedicated to fostering interest in geology. The society’s Pebble Pups program introduces children to the science of stones, nurturing a new generation of geology enthusiasts. Members can collect specimens, learn lapidary skills, and participate in monthly field trips, offering endless learning opportunities.
Exciting Prizes and Giveaways
The excitement doesn’t stop there, with door prizes awarded every 30 minutes to both adults and children. Special admissions include free entry for Scouts in uniform and First Responders with ID. Adults can attend the show for $7, or opt for a 2-day pass at $10, while children 12 and under enjoy free admission with a paid adult.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature, explore Earth’s treasures, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Mark your calendar for an educational and fun-filled weekend at the Annual Rock, Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show. We look forward to seeing you there!
