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Rockin' Minerals at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

January 18, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Free With Paid Admission

Celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Mineral Sale with selections for novice to seasoned collectors, with proceeds benefiting the Desert Museum. The focus this year is on zinc minerals.

Don't miss the special new collection of micromounts and thumbnail-sized minerals, as well as old favorites like jewelry items, fossils, and beautiful polished rock sculptures. Enjoy hands-on geology activities for kids and families, including a free starter mineral collection for kids. And of course, you’ll get to see the new fluorescent exhibit and visit with the animals as well.

Please note: A Desert Museum admission ticket or membership is required to participate.

Specials at the sale this year:

  • Saturday only: Wire Wrapping
    Guests can buy a favorite small rock/mineral and (for a fee) a volunteer will wire wrap it for them while they wait.
  • Sunday only 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Ask a Geologist Rock Readings — Curator Emeritas Anna, and Expert Ore Geologist Volunteer Frank will be available to answer questions. Guests can bring in their favorite rock/mineral and Anna and Frank will interpret the story behind their treasures.

Returning favorites:
- Rare minerals
- Gemstones & Jewelry
- Plant and Rock combos
- Lapidary Rock & Fluorescent minerals
- Mineral-mining tools
- “Decorator” Rock

You can also visit geology and fossil activity stations around the Museum grounds where children can collect free rocks, minerals, and fossils in their own egg-carton collection box.

Details

Venue

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