RULES :

I'm thinking about going to the Denver gem & mineral show in September. It'll be my first time attending a show in, erm, many decades... (As a kid, I used to go to other shows with my mom in the 1970s.) I'm a collector, not a wholesaler or re-seller, looking for cool items for my collection. I'm located on the East Coast (US), so I'm also wondering if it is worth the trip.

Does anyone have any experience with this show in particular? Any tips as an attendee? (Should I just wait for Tucson 2025 so I can be COMPLETELY overwhelmed? 😜). Feel free to DM me!

Hello! I just discovered this subreddit. And I'm gonna have a field day posting up my collection, once I dust them off and organize my display cases! I've been collecting since I was 8 (and I'm in my late 20's). I still very much enjoy the hobby, once in while I'll add to the collection if I can afford to.

Lately I've been really curious about the value of some of my pieces. Now don't get me wrong, I ain't selling any of them. They all hold significant sentimental value to me. Many acquired at different points in my childhood, ect. But some are from an old collection that my dad bright home from work. Elderly lady was clearing stuff out and didn't want them anymore.

I am wondering what is the proper way to appraise a specimine or collection. I am not an expert, I've just guessed based on what I've seen similar pieces sell for on ebay. Are there experts out there that offer such a service? Cause if I have a valuable collection, maybe I need to consider upping the homeowners insurance 😅.

I attached one of my pieces that I know has some value to it. Old label came with it.

Amethyst - 2021 find - Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, India

I wanna put it on display since I finally got a shelf for it but idk what the best way to clean it would be. A toothbrush and any of various cleaning solutions...?

(Also hope you enjoy my shelf of trinkets and baubles :) )

Hessonite garnet on blue calcite - Lake Amboseli Area, Kajiado County, Kenya

Sharing one piece that’s bringing me joy today — Blue Fluorite from Illinois, ex-Ross Lillie.

Where do you prefer to get your specimens? Mineral shows, instagram live sales, etsy, ebay, websites?

I feel that i dont quite fit into the r/rockhounds community.

Hi all! Just trying to make sense of the market since I come across a lot of garbage online trying to pass as high end minerals and got a little frustrated, obviously would love every specimen in my collection to be self collected but that would be really limiting 😅 wanted to read if you guys had any thoughts on the matter!