Arizona Lapidary & Gem Rough, known as Tucson’s year-round gem show, will be representing Arizona as a vendor at the 2016 world’s annual largest Gem and Mineral Show, which has been held annually over the first two weeks of February, across Tucson hotel rooms, lobbies, tents, lawns and more since 1990.

The Arizona Lapidary will feature local gems and minerals at the Days Inn Tucson Convention Center. They are the exclusive source for Breccia de Oro, coming out of the Bradshaw Mountains. This stone is brought to the market by Arizona Lapidary’s owner, geologist Linus Keating.

“All Tucsonans should know the history and happenings of the Gem Show, and the origins of lapidary arts, as it is such a huge part of our city’s revenue,” says Kadee Kotter, manager of Arizona Lapidary.

Humans have been hunting for gems, minerals and precious metals since time began. They have used rocks as trade, and lapidary art skills for almost 1 million years, according to the International Gem Society. The first local gem show was held at an elementary school in 1955, and now occupies between 40 and 50 locations. The show brings in over $110 million to the Tucson economy.

Those interested can also join Tucson’s Lapidary Club (LapidaryClub.org) with over 500 members, where they can learn how to cut, polish and facet stones, as well as silversmith work and related areas. There are extensive shops, all of the equipment one could need, classes, meetings, programs and field trips.

Location: 222 S. Freeway, Tucson. For more information, call 520-399-6641, email [email protected] or visit ArizonaLapidary.com. See ad, page 4.