FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[bob kerr]

The case entitled "Some Favorites from the Irving Collection" was truly first rate and contained two specimens that really caught my eye - the pyrite on quartz cluster from the Spruce Claim in Washington State and the unique aquamarine, spessartine specimen from Pakistan.

[bob kerr]

And, finally, last but CERTAINLY not least was the case entered by Tom Campbell that won both the Desautels Trophy for "The Best Case of Rocks" and also the Lidstrom Trophy for "Best Overall Specimen" for his Beryllonite on Hydroxyl herderite from Pakistan.

[bob kerr]

OK - some final thoughts about the 2024 Tucson shows:

- There was really very little that was new for this year - some small finds of interest and some new/better specimens of older finds but nothing that was the talk of the shows. Pakistani Aquas were EVERYWHERE and HUGE specimens could be had - but I kinda wish they were bluer.

- This year Mineral City REALLY came into its own and became a CITY - it is the hub of mineral dealing and is a terrific place to hang out with friends, have a drink at The Stope, get a good quality sandwich at the various food trucks and stick around for some evening entertainment - this year was the Pink Floyd tribute band - Shine on Floyd who were excellent. Graham Sutton deserves a round of applause.

- I feel sorry for the very good dealers housed in the G Building - which has been dubbed "The G-Spot" since it's so hard to find. The building is simply too far away from the others. Not sure what the solution to this problem is.

- The TGMS Show at the convention center (aka The Main Show) has reverted back to its roots - by that I mean the large majority of mineral dealers are what I would classify as smaller and more local dealers - kinda like it was many moons ago. The "major league" dealers now either have their own buildings or rent a room annually at Min City so why should they incur the risk and cost of setting up at the TGMS Show? I can't blame them.

- From my limited and non-scientific polling of various dealers, it seems sales ranged from above-average to very good with of course a few dealers not earning their fee's/costs but that's always the case.

- This was the wettest Tuscon Show ever - well over 3 inches of rain fell during the shows and the cold/windy/wet Saturday of the Main Show resulted in a huge crowd - about double the usual crowd size.

- Change is inevitable - especially for the Tucson Shows but I think Mineral City (and its surroundings) is going to be around for a very long time. Dealers and buyers like the entire situation. There is however one big historical change occurring in the vicinity and that's the removal of an old Tucson landmark - the infamous and proverbial No-Tel Motel is being torn down - see photo.

[Don Lum]

Bob, I want to thank you very much for all the fine pictures and the reporting on the 2024 Tucson show. Your pictures and comments were excellent.

Don Lum

[James Catmur]

Thanks Bob.

I attended a great talk last week all about the use of fossils, gems and minerals in medical matters.

[James Catmur]

Thanks Bob.

I attended a great talk last week all about the use of fossils, gems and minerals in medical matters. For example, what were belemnites good for? They cured the thing they looked like. Fascinating subject.

[Tony L. Potucek]

Bob,
Thanks for your hard work of posting many dealers and their offerings during the 2024 Tucson Show. I really appreciate it, and it was good seeing you at Mineral City!

[John Cornish]

Hi Bob,

It was great seeing you at the show!

Thank you for another outstanding Tucson report! Your reports always fill in the gaps of my own experiences, allowing me a funner, fuller, take-away!

See ya next year!

John

[Bergur_E_Sigurdarson]

[Fiebre Verde]