Britain's What's On Event Guide
The London Gem & Mineral Show: Find Ancient Fossils and Rare Gems
The London Gem & Mineral Show returns on November 23-24, offering an exciting lineup for geology enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about Earth’s treasures. Held at Sandown Park Racecourse, the event promises an immersive experience with ancient fossils, stunning gemstones, hands-on demos, and expert-led talks.
Among the standout attractions is the WOW Rocks: Live Cracking Station, where attendees can witness experts reveal Jurassic fossils and dazzling geodes from rocks untouched for 180 million years. This rare glimpse into geological wonders brings history alive in front of visitors.
For those eager to craft, the Demo Hub offers a unique opportunity to create gemstone and silver jewelry, learning techniques directly from skilled artisans. The Learning Lab complements this with educational workshops on rock and mineral identification, led by geologist Luisa Hendry. Attendees can handle mineral samples, test hardness, and learn classification techniques for a deeper understanding of the science behind minerals.
The event’s WOW Talks series features industry leaders sharing insights on minerals and gemstones. Highlights include Isaac and Sofia Andreou from Outback Opal Hunters, who will present on opal mining and display rare opals, while Jolyon Ralph of Mindat.org will guide attendees through global mineral identification with insights from his extensive database. Sarah Caldwell Steele will explore the history and allure of Whitby Jet in her talk, Vampires, Mummies, and that Old Black Magic, while gem cutter Justin Prim will discuss the artistry of transforming raw stones into gems. Finally, GeologyVibes will highlight the technological progress in Pakistan’s gem market.
This year’s show also has a charitable mission, partnering with the Kimbilio Congo Children Trust to raise funds supporting children previously working in dangerous cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Among the standout attractions is the WOW Rocks: Live Cracking Station, where attendees can witness experts reveal Jurassic fossils and dazzling geodes from rocks untouched for 180 million years. This rare glimpse into geological wonders brings history alive in front of visitors.
For those eager to craft, the Demo Hub offers a unique opportunity to create gemstone and silver jewelry, learning techniques directly from skilled artisans. The Learning Lab complements this with educational workshops on rock and mineral identification, led by geologist Luisa Hendry. Attendees can handle mineral samples, test hardness, and learn classification techniques for a deeper understanding of the science behind minerals.
The event’s WOW Talks series features industry leaders sharing insights on minerals and gemstones. Highlights include Isaac and Sofia Andreou from Outback Opal Hunters, who will present on opal mining and display rare opals, while Jolyon Ralph of Mindat.org will guide attendees through global mineral identification with insights from his extensive database. Sarah Caldwell Steele will explore the history and allure of Whitby Jet in her talk, Vampires, Mummies, and that Old Black Magic, while gem cutter Justin Prim will discuss the artistry of transforming raw stones into gems. Finally, GeologyVibes will highlight the technological progress in Pakistan’s gem market.
This year’s show also has a charitable mission, partnering with the Kimbilio Congo Children Trust to raise funds supporting children previously working in dangerous cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tickets between £10-£15, with options for workshop add-ons.
Saturday 23rd November, 2024: 10 am - 6:30 pm
Sunday 24th November, 2024: 10 am - 4:30 pm
Tickets are £10, with options for workshop add-ons. Join this unique journey through the earth’s geological wonders, and meet experts ready to share their knowledge and passion. For details and tickets, visit www.thegemandmineralshow.com.
Saturday 23rd November, 2024: 10 am - 6:30 pm
Sunday 24th November, 2024: 10 am - 4:30 pm
Tickets are £10, with options for workshop add-ons. Join this unique journey through the earth’s geological wonders, and meet experts ready to share their knowledge and passion. For details and tickets, visit www.thegemandmineralshow.com.
SANDOWN RACECOURSE Surrey KT10 9AJ
Sat 23 November and Sun 24 November