Gem and Mineral Show rolls through the Hat
Event showcases all things in the gem and mineral industry
All things gems and minerals were on display this weekend at the Clarion Hotel during the Hat’s sixth annual Gem and Mineral Show.
“There’s so much on display here — it would be a long list to list them all out,” said organizer Chris Robak. “Everything under the sun gem related is out there on a table to look at and there’s lots for people to buy as well.”
The show was packed with people of all ages — from small children with their parents and classmates to longtime gem collectors with decades under their belts.
“A lot of people are surprised, but there’s a lot of people that are really into this,” said Robak. “We’ve had a lot of classes coming through here from schools — probably 600 or 700 kids total.”
Robak says there’s lots of reasons to be a gem or mineral enthusiast.
“There’s so many different ways and avenues to get into this,” he said. “People love the jewelry side of it — lots of people make their own stuff.
“People are into this for home decor, investors area big part of this industry and some people love buying the jewelry that is already made.”
Robak says a lot of the minerals and gems are mined all over the world.
“People don’t realize it, but these beautiful stones come from all over the world,” he said. “It’s really neat.”