Geology show at OMSI is rock hound’s delight

Take a look and see what attracted hundreds of amateur geology enthusiasts to the 74th Annual Agate and Mineral Show in East Portland …

As seen in this composed panoramic image, rock enthusiasts are at every table, during this year’s Annual Agate and Mineral Show, put on in the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry Auditorium.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Proudly put on by the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society (OAMS) was the 74th Annual Agate and Mineral Show on March 8, hosted again this year by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI).

This isn’t a “vendors market” where sellers rent tables to sell their lapidary wares – it’s put on by members of the OAMS. That’s what we learned from OAMS President Jim Urbaniak.

This year’s main show organizer, Rose Cohen, spends a moment with Jim Urbaniak, President of the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society.

“This show continues to be put on entirely by the Society,” Urbaniak said. “We have 22 exhibit cases here today displaying all kinds of rocks and mineral samples.

“And, in addition to the exhibits, We offer lots of material for sale,” Urbaniak told East Portland News. “Guests can buy lapidary products – like cut and polished rocks, such as thunder eggs.”

Families are attracted to the “slab tables” where they can purchase unfinished rocks from which they can create their own lapidary art.

Of particular interest to many visitors were their “slab tables”, at which they could examine and purchase raw materials to create their own finished “cabochon” (a gem polished but not faceted) pieces.

“In addition to rocks and minerals, there are also fossils,” Urbaniak pointed out. “And, we offer live demonstrations that range from fastening to ‘cabochon’ work.

“One of our most popular exhibits is ‘Donna Ernst’s Rock Dinner Table’ – unfortunately, she passed away last year – the exhibit shows rock and mineral items that resemble food and dinnerware items that she spent decades collecting across North America.”

>> See our 2019 East Portland News article about Donna Ernst and
that year’s rock show: CLICK HERE.

Admiring one of the exhibits in the show are visitors Betel Ruchmeyer and Joshua Hodges.

The exhibit’s “Kid’s Corner” was called “Minecraft” – based on the popular video game – where youngsters were invited to go on a “scavenger hunt” to find a dozen items on display around the show.

Throughout the show, lecturers such as Alice Kitchin – seen here giving a talk entitled “Minerals and Minecraft” – are providing in-depth education.

“We’re grateful for the about 30 volunteers who work so hard to put the show on,” commended Urbaniak. “For me, it’s easy to put in the time and effort, because this is something I love!”

Find out more about the events by the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

Comments are closed.