Denver Gem and Mineral Show

Denver Gem and Mineral Show basics

The Denver Gem and Mineral Show is the long-running show that anchors the city's September season, with roots in Colorado's rock and mineral clubs. Expect mineral specimens, cut gems, fossils, jewelry, beads, lapidary rough and tools. Club shows like this one also put out display cases of fine specimens and host talks, which is half the fun for collectors and a good education for beginners.

When and where the Denver gem show is held

The Denver gem show is held every September, and in 2026 it ran September 10 to 13 at the Westin Westminster, in the suburb of Westminster north of Denver. Venues in the Denver season do shift, so confirm this year's location, days and hours on the official show site before you drive. If you want to see more than one show, plan for more than one day.

The Denver show season

The Denver show season is bigger than any one hall: for much of September, dealer shows fill the Denver Coliseum, the National Western Complex, hotels and other venues around the metro. It is often called the biggest gem and mineral event in the country after the Tucson shows each winter. Most shows are retail and open to anyone, while a few are wholesale only and ask for a resale license or business ID at the door. Check before you go, and expect to drive between venues.

What to buy at the Denver mineral show

What to buy at the Denver mineral show depends on your budget, but Colorado material is the local specialty, and Colorado gemstones has the background. Look for amazonite and smoky quartz from the Pikes Peak area, aquamarine from Mount Antero, rhodochrosite from the old Colorado mines, and fluorite and pyrite from the mining districts. Ask every dealer for the locality and write it down. A specimen without a locality is worth less to a collector, and a good dealer knows where a piece came from.

Tips for the Denver gem show

Tips for the Denver gem show come down to timing, cash and a few tools:

Go early in the run for the best pieces and late for deals.
Carry cash for small dealers, plus a card.
Pack a 10x loupe, a small flashlight and a magnet.
Bring a bag or box and paper to wrap your finds.
Photograph each label with its piece so the locality stays with it.
Wear good shoes and drink water; Denver sits a mile high and the air is dry.

Spotting fakes at a gem show

Spotting fakes at a gem show is easier than online, because you can hold the piece. Check for bubbles and mold seams with your loupe, and ask whether the color is natural. Bright orange citrine clusters with white roots are heated amethyst, and jet black smoky quartz is often irradiated. Heated, irradiated, dyed and coated stones are fine to buy when they are labeled, and good dealers answer straight.

Colorado gem show calendar

Colorado gem show season does not end in September. Clubs from Golden to Colorado Springs to Boulder County hold their own shows through the year, from winter weekends to December holiday markets. For a running list, XPO Press keeps a Colorado show calendar.

Gem and mineral show near me

Finding a gem and mineral show near you is easiest through local rock clubs, which run many of the smaller shows. Rock & Gem magazine's show dates list sorts shows by state. In Denver in September, there is no need to search: the season comes to you.