Growing up in a small Indiana town with a nearby creek, I spent a lot of time catching crawdads, which also meant I had to pick up a fair number of rocks.
Over time, I developed an interest in the rocks themselves. From crinoid fossils in Sugar Creek, to geodes in backcountry streams, I spent a lot of time fascinated by rocks.
Unknown to many residents, Indiana is a hotbed of rock discovery. The Wabash Valley Crinoid Bed is world renown for it's fossil deposits, as featured in the Indiana State Museum. So, our state and specifically Hendricks County, Indiana, provides the perfect setting for a massive, three-day rock and mineral event.
Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
If you, like me, are interested in the rocks of the earth, look no further than the Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show Oct. 20-22 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex.
This three-day event aims to bring rock hounds across the Midwest together. You will see gems, minerals, jewelry, fossils, beads and meteorites from around the world.
The show is an ideal place to buy hand-crafted jewelry, rare fossils or crafted rock specimens. With more than 30 vendors, there will be a little something for everybody.
What To Expect
Among the included vendors, Earths Creations, Garden of Crystals, Momma's Rocks and Bradley Prospecting will have booths boasting a wide variety of goods.
If you like customer carvings, Earth's Creations has some unique items, and if you have an interest in geodes, you will want to peruse Momma's Rocks booth.
As a bonus for attendees, anyone who purchases a ticket can win door prizes that will include some amazing gems and minerals.
Tickets & More Info
For a complete list of dealers or other information on the show, visit the American Gem, Mineral Jewelry Show website. All tickets will be sold at the door, and only cash will be accepted.
The show opens to the public from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
Ticket prices for 18 years or older are $7; ages 11-17 are $2 and 10 and under are free.
Most dealers will accept credit cards, but it won't hurt to bring cash.
If you are interested in future shows, the show will return next spring to the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds on April 19-21, 2024.
