Assortment of meteorites! This case display gives you an idea of the many fascinating meteorites you can see and consider for purchase. Mike D. Reynolds photo
January is one of my favorite times of the year. Why, you ask? Because the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is right around the corner! This year’s show runs from January 30 through February 14. The Tucson show is a must at least once in the life of a rockhound. And for museums, meteorite collectors, dealers, and researchers, it is an opportunity to buy, sell, or trade specimens, and to learn from each other.
Where in Tucson you ask? Everywhere! About 50 sites around town host thousands of dealers, from the Tucson Convention Center (during the last weekend of the show) to Tucson Electric Park’s “Tent City” and many hotels. See my list of “meteorite” hotels at the end of this blog.
At many of the hotel locations, dealers set up in ballrooms and exhibit halls or tents in the parking lots, and each hotel room becomes a showcase. Most of the shows are free; some allow wholesale purchases only (dealer to dealer) and require a business license or tax number. In the past, a convenient shuttle ran from location to location; but not any more. The state funded the shuttle during the Interstate 10 expansion project.
However, some of the hotels and shows will run shuttle service. Check with your hotel for specifics. Shuttles are the best option. Trust me — it’s hard to find parking unless you are lucky, like my friend Mike Martinez. Mike, a longtime amateur astronomer, is a meteorite collector and dealer who always seems to find that one parking space.
Mike Farmer and his lunar meteorite find. Back from a successful expedition, Mike Farmer shows his unusual shaped lunar meteorite at the 2005 Tucson Show. Mike D. Reynolds photo
The Gem and Mineral Show is a place to bring friends. They can shop the various dealer displays for gems, beads, fossils, minerals, and other treasures. The problem I always have with Tucson is that the plane is not big enough to carry all of my heavy purchases back with me! Our home is literally a museum of petrified wood slices, minerals, crystals, fossils, cabochons, machined mineral spheres, and, of course, meteorites.
If you fly into Tucson, think about what you will take home with you — and how you will get it there. Plan on shipping purchases back if possible. Those USPS “whatever fits, ships” flat-rate boxes — if well-packed — can be lifesavers! For past shows, I’ve even brought Priority boxes, pre-typed shipping labels, and shipping tape in my suitcase.
Each dealer sets up his or her merchandise in the room differently. Some may have meteorites secured in display cabinets; others have meteorites out for you to handle. Most dealers love to tell you about their various offerings as well as their experiences collecting meteorites. You will often find good prices, especially toward the end of the show. Many dealers accept credit cards as well as checks and cash. If this is your first Gem and Mineral Show, visit several dealers before making purchases. Determine your budget ahead of time by considering what you need (want!) for your collection.
The Tucson show also features several meteorite-specific events. There are usually one or two auctions. Even if you don’t intend to buy something at an auction, you will find it interesting and educational. And you just might get a nice meteorite at a good price; I have!
There are also opportunities to dine with others who love all things meteoritic. The most famous is the annual Birthday Bash. And the Fourth Annual International Meteorite Collectors Association (IMCA) Dinner will be held Thursday, February 4, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at La Fuente Mexican Restaurant located at 1749 North Oracle Road in Tucson.
I also shop for non-meteoritic items. The Tucson Show is a great place to find unusual gifts. My wife, Debbie, has done lots of Christmas shopping there. Once, we found a beautiful set of bowls for a friend who was getting married. (Not everyone appreciates meteorites like I do.)
Another suggestion is to make hotel reservations as soon as possible. Remember that hotel rooms will be scarce. You might have to pay a premium or stay a minimum number of nights. One year I had to stay 45 minutes from Tucson. Other alternatives exist, including bed-and-breakfast places. We have stayed at bed-and-breakfasts several times while attending the show and were pleased.
There are a lot of things astronomical to see in Tucson. The Flandrau Planetarium at the University of Arizona is a must-see. And then there is Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). KPNO has a number of programs, including observing sessions. Check in advance to see what is available and the hours.
So, how much time will you need? If you stop at every dealer’s room, you will never get through the show! Then there is eating, socializing, and maybe even some time for sleeping. I usually plan on at least three nights, but four works best for me.
Can’t make it to Tucson this year? Here are the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show dates for the next 3 years:
January 29 – February 13, 2011
January 28 – February 12, 2012
February 2–17, 2013
See you in Tucson!
A short list of “meteorite” hotels:
Inn Suites Hotel
Suite 230
475 North Granada
Days Inn
222 S. Freeway Ave.
Howard Johnson
1010 S Freeway Rd.
Cross Streets: I-10 & Farmington Rd
La Quinta
750 W Star Pass Blvd
Cross Streets: Starr Pass Blvd & Farmington Rd
Riverpark Inn
350 S Freeway (Congress St, South Frontage Rd)
Cross Streets: Congress St. & Frontage Rd.
Quality Inn
Benson Hwy
1025 E. Benson Hwy (between Park & Ajo Way)
Cross Streets: I-10 between Park & Ajo
Executive Inn
345 W Speedway Blvd
Cross Streets: Speedway Blvd. & Main Ave.
Tucson Electric Park
2500 E. Ajo Way
Cross Streets: Ajo Way/Kino Parkway
For more details, visit the Tucson official web site:
http://www.visittucson.org/Do you have a meteorite question? How or where to buy meteorites? Collecting tales? Successful meteorite hunts? A favorite meteorite? Favorite books and publications? A must-see meteorite exhibit? Please email me at
mreynold@fscj.edu. We will explore your meteorite questions and more each month!
Keep looking up!
Dr. Mike Reynolds
Previous "Falling Stars" blogs: