Downey, CA: 2011 Delvers Gem & Mineral Show

by Robyn Hawk on September 12, 2011

Delvers Gem & Mineral Society has been a constant in the Downey community for decades and the annual show has grown by leaps and bounds!  

I was especially excited to see a cool spot with my friend
the Plant Lady – Nancy Bird
This year the club added vendors outside providing
so many more opportunities for shopping & learning

This shows offers a wide range from flats of minerals…

to new and rare stones, rough, slabs and cabs fromvendors
like Distinctions of Nature
Have you seen this Velvet Obsidian?
It has been showing up everywhere!
Distinctions of Nature calls it Royal Velvet Obsidian,
the colors are truly amazng…

Tom Wolfe Minerals had a great assortment of Jasper slabs
outside and their cabs and pet wood inside!

Orbicular Jaspers from Tom Wolfe Minerals

One of the things that differentiate a Gem & Mineral Society show from a commercial show is the people – they work to get you excited and involved in some aspect of their passion.  It is hard to walk away from interesting Demonstrations…haven’t you ever wondered how they make those gemstone orbs or crystal balls?  Check out the guy demonstrating his Sphere Maker…

Ariana Gems offers an assortment of gems from Afghanistan
Lapis Lazuli – Kunzite – Tourmaline – Aquamarine

Are you looking for something to get the kids interested in the Earth Sciences?   Most Gem & Mineral Societies have a Jr. Rockhound Program.  Here are a couple of the Juniors from the Downey program demonstrating how to cut a gemstone cabochon.

 ….and then there are the cases.  Cases are not there to sell to you, Cases are a proud collector showing off a collection they are passionate about and while they are beautiful they are also a learning experience…

 The case above is jewelry made from Fire Agate….the case to the right is sliced Geodes…..and the case below is Rhodocrosite an explosion of PINK!!!

Wild specimen from Cam’s Crystals 

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Robyn Hawk October 27, 2011 at 8:46 am

Lynda – coming up next is the largest Opal show in the country – the American Opal Society show in Anaheim Nov 5th & 6th – link: http://www.opalsociety.org/Opal_Show_2011/opal_show_current.htm

Lynda Eyler October 27, 2011 at 2:55 am

My son and I attened the show this year. He is 10 years old and has great interest in gems and rocks. New to the area and was wondering if there are any kid age friendly events he can attend or go to.
Please if you may let us know where the next local gem and mineral show will be
Thank you,
Lynda

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