Have you ever heard of Agate, Hematite, Ammonite, Lapis, Charoite, Peridot, Gamet, Larimar, Agate, Jasper, Amber, and Drusy? These are names of a few of the colorful gemstones that will be showcased by vendors and exhibitors at the 3rd Annual Rocks, Gem and Mineral Show at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces on February 21-22.
This annual show features some of the most unique and beautiful rocks and minerals found in the earth’s crust. Hundreds of these geological creations will be on display throughout the indoor and outdoor terraces of the museum. More than 50 collectors, wholesale and resale dealers will all be there to share their charms. Everything from raw and uncut gemstones to cut and finished products, as well as a variety of hand-crafted, finished jewelry will be on display and available for purchase.
The show will have plenty of activities for the whole family, so bring the children along. The youngsters can have fun digging for colorful gemstones in the show’s sandbox or they can learn to paint petroglyphs on rocks. They can also take home a grab bag (for $5) stuffed with an assortment of polished rocks, crystals, shark teeth, petrified wood and arrowheads.
Other activities include geology discussions, films and demonstrations. Adults and children can learn mineral and rock identifying techniques, as well as cutting and polishing skills. Learn how to make jewelry using some of the gemstones and minerals available at the show. Various artists will be teaching jewelry making techniques and showcasing their artistry skills.
Tickets for the show are available at the museum for $5 per person, age 4 and up. The show begins Saturday, February 21 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and continues Sunday, February 22 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Several hotels have special guest packages for those attending the show, visit lcmuseumrocks.com for more details or call them at (575) 522-1232.
Admission to the show also includes access to the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Museum which contains a mercantile, theatre and several interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits and demonstrations.
Visit them online at nmfarmandranchmuseum.org or call them at (575) 522-4100 for more information. The museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road.