My Town Rocks

The largest gem and mineral show in the world takes place right here in Tucson. With venues all over the city, and lasting 2 weeks, it's a major revenue maker. Endless miles of jewelry, bracelets and beads shimmer under white hot lights. Sold by vendors from all over the world.

I prefer the more earthy- Rocks and Minerals. White tents cluster along a highway frontage road. Part 60's revolution where tie-dye and dread-locks abound,. Part Natural History museum with valuable and unique rocks and fossils.

These are fossilized spiral shells of ammonites, a relative of the nautilus. Over the years, I've collected a number of these, although much smaller. Humbling, owning a piece of, millions-of-years-ago past.