Tucson Gem and Mineral Show

[uacowboy]

Hi all,

I am in Tucson and looking to get a start in knapping. I figured with the gem show starting up soon i would ask if any of you are familiar with it and if it might be a good place to pick up some materials to start with.

Thanks,
KG

[caveman2533]

From what I know of that show it is more of a gem and mineral show. But still I think you can find some obsidian or agate.maybe some flint.   Better bet would be quartzite as

[JEB]

I went two years ago.  There were 20 locations around Tucson so you have to look  at different venues to find rock.  One location had barrels of polychrome.

[uacowboy]

Thanks. I will keep my eye out for sure and see if i come across anything.

[mullet]

My Buddy, Rick, will be there with some Georgia, Flint River "butterscotch" and coral.

[uacowboy]

Do you happen to know where he will be located?

[mullet]

No, I don't.

[Stoner]

There is a place called "Dah Rock Shop" in Tuscon. Also a rock shop in globe I have bought from. There will also be a knapping class in March at the Superstition Museum with Jon Boyd.

mullet- Would like to get some of the "Georgia, Flint River "butterscotch" and coral" Does your buddy Rick have any contact info , as far as where he will be at the show? Thanks

John

[mullet]

I don't know that either, John. He's in Ohio right now. I'll ask him when he gets back.

[Stoner]

Went to the Tuscon show yesterday for the first time. I'm on overload, too much to take in. Need at least 3-4 days. Went to buy stone for our business and didn't get to the knapping / fun stuff. John

[uacowboy]

Which location did you go to? I have been to the one at Kino Sports Complex several times and there is always a lot of interesting things to see. Haven't been yet this year but hope to go friday before my night shift and for sure will be going sometime next week.

[Stoner]

The Kino complex is where we ran out of steam and headed back to Apache Jct. There was a vendor "Porcupines Unlimited" that had a pile of antlers for knapping tools and hides for quivers & such. That was the last booth we were in. I wanted some rainbow obsidian, possibly some chert. We may head back on Monday and pick up where we left off. John

[uacowboy]

I made it to the kino location today. Lots of jasper and some obsidian to be had. Even came across some electric blue obsidian. Looked really nice but too expensive for me right now. I picked up a piece of polychrome jasper, mookite, and a few slabs if obsidian to try.

[Stoner]

uacowboy, have you tried any of the local jasper or petrified wood? I have a bunch of it and not sure what to do with it. Cut in slabs, heat treat, etc? John

[uacowboy]

Not yet. Still need to go out and find some. I think I saw somewhere that heat treatment can do the jasper some good. No Idea on the wood though