This month Mary Pat Weber will provide us with a visual treat of the highlights of this recent event and why this show rocks! The Tucson Gem and Mineral Society knows how to put on a great show. This society was the first to bring together the curator/professionals, the hobby enthusiast, and the general public for this annual four day event. After 68 years, it is the largest, oldest and most prestigious gem and mineral show in the world. This year the theme was “Silica, Agates & Opal & Quartz, Oh My!”

Located at the Tucson Convention Center, attendees will find approximately 250 dealers selling a variety of minerals, fossils, jewelry, and lapidary. Throughout the show there are lectures and symposiums. Jaw-dropping world class exhibits from private collections, major universities and museums are on display. Other exhibit cases, (both competitive and non-competitive) round out this mix.

Mary Pat Weber studied geology at Macalester College in MN and worked as an exploration geologist in Denver for Dames & Moore, an environmental consulting firm, and later in the petroleum industry. After moving to California, she completed an MBA at Pepperdine University and became president of a property management company. The Webers take every opportunity to see as much geology as possible wherever they go. As part of what they refer to as their “Rocks & Crocs” tour of 2007-08 they spent a month exploring New Zealand before going on to seek out the geologic highlights of Australia. Upon their return they developed a series of programs based on these travel experiences.

Dick & Mary Pat are active, long-time members of the Conejo Gem and Mineral Club and have been the recipients of the CFMS & AMFS “Rockhound of the Year” award. For the past few years Mary Pat has been the “pandemic president” of the club.

She enjoys designing display cases and has won several blue ribbons and awards, including the Director’s Choice Award at the Ventura County Fair. This year she designed her second exhibit case for an Australian opal company that was shown at the TGMS show.