Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club

We're setting up for tomorrow's big fundraiser garage sale. Here are some photos of what we have so far, and we're adding more. The sale is inside so rain or shine, we'll be here from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 10207 Fisher Avenue, Tampa. Parking is on the street (please watch out for deep ditches) or the parking lot directly across the street. We'll also have a members' tailgate. So bring a friend, come check it out!

Miners in Myanmar have discovered a rare ruby of enormous size, considered to be the second-largest by weight ever found in the conflict-battered Southeast Asian nation, state media reported.

The ruby, measuring 11,000 carats, was unearthed near the town of Mogok, in the upper Mandalay region, the heartland of the lucrative gem-mining industry that has recently experienced intense fighting in the country’s wide-ranging civil war.

Read more: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/r9601e

That's a wrap! We had a wonderful time at our 6th annual Spring Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show over the Easter weekend. Many thanks to all who came out. We saw some amazing materials and jewelry. Looking forward to our next show on November 7-8 for our Fall Show!

Wow!

This is an exceptionally preserved gecko trapped inside 50-million-year-old baltic amber. 🦎

Shall we let it out? 😅

Called Yantarogekko balticus, this gecko is around 50 million years old and comes from north-western Russia. It was described in 2005. The close-up shows part of the hand.

From Bauer et al. 2005. Published in the Journal of Zoology.

Happy Friday! Our Spring Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show is in full swing! Rocks, fossils, stunning jewelry, kids activities, slabs and cabochons, and so much more! Stop by after work, so you can wait out the rush hour. We’re open until 7pm tonight. Or visit Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm at the Florida State Fairgrounds Special Events Center.

Happy April Fool’s Day! 💛
Ever been emotionally betrayed by a rock that swore it was gold… but turned out to be pyrite? You’re not alone—we’ve all been there. 😄 📸: Uros Petrovic

Don't miss next week's 6th annual Spring Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds Special Events Center on April 3-4. We have lots of our favorite vendors returning, as well as some new: Tickets are $8 adults, $7 seniors/military, and free for kids under 12. There is a parking fee for the venue. $12 at the gate. Get a $2 discount by prepurchasing parking at https://tickets.floridastatefairgrounds.com/f/157.

A Gem Source
Amber Room / Artistic Silver
Artechaski Handmade
BC Trees & Trade
Bead-N-Sisters
Beads in Vogue
Blue line gems
Bulkstones
Cascade Gems
Colorado Gemstones
Copper Me Nancy
Crystalline Dimensions
Dancing Phoenix Jewelry
Dubba Rocka
Ethiopian Opal
Excellence America
Fantasy Fluorescents
Gavish Minerals
Gem Box
Icon Gems
Import Managers
Inner Mountain Stones and Woods
Jantar Trading
Jarki llc
Jewelry By Mirla
Kelly Johnson
Ken Blount Master cutter
KORIOLIS
Lexcel Minerals
Lorin Damon Designs
Metaphysical Direct — Amplified Gems
Natural Energy llc
Natures Goodz
New Century International Wholesale
Oceanstone Collections
OM my Goodness
Oriental Secret Garden
Perfect Stones
Planetary Parts
Pretty Little Things
Rahman Gems, Jewelry & Merchandise
Rare Earth Minerals
Ray's Rocks & Gems
Real Mineral
Red Shield Reserve
Robbins Jewelry
Sever Gemstones
Spigg Island
Steamy Antiquities
Talis Minerals
The Crystal Stargate
Turtle Moon Arts
Unique Russian Mineral
Violet's Mystical Cove
We Rock Rocks

🥌 CURLING STONE FAQ: Olympic curling stones are made from two rare types of granite—Common Green and Blue Hone—quarried on Ailsa Craig, a small island off the coast of Scotland. Each granite type serves a specific purpose, balancing durability with smooth performance on ice. (📸 by diy13)
👉 https://www.rockngem.com/curling-stones-olympic-granite/

✨ GET READY, TAMPA BAY! ✨

The **Tampa Bay Mineral & Science Club** is thrilled to host the **6th Annual Spring Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show** at the Florida State Fairgrounds Special Events Center!

📅 **Friday, April 3 | 10 AM – 7 PM**
📅 **Saturday, April 4 | 9 AM – 6 PM**
🚨 *Please note: The fairgrounds are closed Sunday for Easter.*

💎 **Over 50 vendors** featuring incredible slabs, cabochons, beads, gemstones, handcrafted jewelry & more! Whether you're a serious collector, a creative maker, or just love the beauty of natural treasures — this show is for YOU.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 **Family-Friendly Fun Includes:**
• Kids’ sluice
• Touch table with rock identification
• Scavenger hunt
• Mineral ID booth
• Bean bag toss with prizes for kids & adults

🎟 **Admission:**
• $8 Adults
• $7 Seniors & Military (with ID)
• Kids 12 & under FREE

🚗 Enter through the **MLK entrance**
Parking: $12 at the gate (discounted passes available online via the fairgrounds website)

❄️ Indoor & air-conditioned
🍔 Concessions available
💵 ATM on site

Don’t miss the premier gem, mineral & jewelry event in Tampa Bay! Tag your rock-loving friends and make plans to join us! 💎✨