A few years ago, just prior to COVID, I made the trek to the largest gem and mineral show in the world and one of the most dangerous places for my bank account.
Some of the display minerals, and yes they were for sale, are of museum quality.
Yes I know what you're thinking about that last one.... π
Some of these were made into chair, bench and table:
There were multiple sites across the city with vendors, all as large as this.
Vendors sold beads, geodes and almost anything related to minerals.
Of course what I came for was rough to facet, and there was tons of it. At some sites there were bins full of moonstone, amethyst and other facet grade stone. The best stuff was behind counters like this one.
Honestly I spent way too much, and still haven't cut all of the rough I bought. Since COVID I've heard it isn't quite as big, but is still worth the visit.
