Butte Mineral And Gem Club Schedule Their Annual Show

Rockhounds unite.

The Butte Mineral and Gem Club Gem Show will be held at the Butte Civic Center May 20th & 21st. The show will be packed with displays representing all aspects of rockhounding. From gem faceting, making jewelry, fossil collecting, and polishing cabochons (a gem or bead cut in a convex form and highly polished but not faceted). There will also be information on where to find minerals and fossils.

This year’s show will display a special guest/feature by the ‘Agate King’ Tom Harmon, of Harmon Agate and Silver. Tom Harmon started Harmon Wholesale Agates in 1971, after working as a full-time mechanic for several years, and rockhounding part-time. After a time it became clear, he was making more of a living off of rocks than he was turning wrenches.

He started selling his agates at small Montana shows and grew quickly over time, selling his stones at some of the largest shows across the country, and around the world. He has written and self-published 5 books on the agate business. Tom will be in Butte for the show, and will be signing his books during the event.

The event will feature 38 member displays, a silent auction, and demonstrations from master knapper Ed Guillen. (Knap- to break or chip stone with sharp blows) There will be a garget table, coconut geode cracking, and grab bags available.

This year there will be a new and improved kid’s area as well. There will be fun games for the kids, a mineral collection starting booth, and geode crushing for the kids.

The event will run from 9am to 5pm Saturday, May 20; and 10am to 4pm Sunday May 21. Admission is $3 for adults and children over 12. Children under the age of 12 get in free with a paying adult.

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