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Post by Bob on Jun 3, 2021 13:36:14 GMT -5
For some years I've been hearing about this event and have been told a few things about it. Recently, I learned more in a sit down talk with the owner of a large rock shop in MN. He said any tumbler like me just has to go to this at least once. He said long-timers like him agree that that Quartzite is the best show for rough material and raw rocks, and a show is Tucson is the best one for finished things made from rocks. He said the best time to show up for a rock tumbler like me to score deals on rough and especially rare rough at good prices is the "PowWow" week which is usually the 3rd week in Jan.
Whether I buy something or not doesn't matter too much, but I would love to experience seeing this event. Have any of you been there?
It seems odd that sellers of rough material would bother to haul such heavy inventory to a place like this, and then not have to sell it at a premium. He assured me that a lot of the rough there is sold for very the best prices you can find in the USA.
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scaboorocks
starting to shine!
Member since May 2021
Posts: 34
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Post by scaboorocks on Jun 3, 2021 14:09:12 GMT -5
I haven't been, but maybe they unload so much that it can be sold for cheap.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Jun 3, 2021 14:24:46 GMT -5
Q is a rockhounder's Mecca. Unless you are far, far away, betting if you go once, you will go many more times.
Don't bet prices will be cheap just because there is so much. Good quality material, which is what most people shop for, is never cheap. If you want junk, you can get that cheaper.
You get what you pay for, most of the time.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Jun 3, 2021 15:11:11 GMT -5
For some years I've been hearing about this event and have been told a few things about it. Recently, I learned more in a sit down talk with the owner of a large rock shop in MN. He said any tumbler like me just has to go to this at least once. He said long-timers like him agree that that Quartzite is the best show for rough material and raw rocks, and a show is Tucson is the best one for finished things made from rocks. He said the best time to show up for a rock tumbler like me to score deals on rough and especially rare rough at good prices is the "PowWow" week which is usually the 3rd week in Jan. Whether I buy something or not doesn't matter too much, but I would love to experience seeing this event. Have any of you been there? It seems odd that sellers of rough material would bother to haul such heavy inventory to a place like this, and then not have to sell it at a premium. He assured me that a lot of the rough there is sold for very the best prices you can find in the USA. quartzsitetourism.com/events/forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/89987/quartzsite-shows-january-2020
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Post by Rockoonz on Jun 3, 2021 18:55:09 GMT -5
I have been multiple times. Went about a week before the pow wow this year, didn't want to deal with a crowd under the circumstances, if there was one. I have always preferred desert garden, though. If you visit, you should stay a few days, theres much to see.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 3, 2021 18:58:53 GMT -5
Quartzsite is something you have to experience in person to understand exactly the amount of rock involved. We've gone a number of times, 2020 being the last, and we always have a blast. Tony catmandewe usually hosts a barbecue Pow-Wow weekend and RTHlings meet up at Tony's booth for the party.
ETA: Some of these posts just mention Quartzsite, but all the show and barbecue threads are in there.
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Post by amygdule on Jun 3, 2021 19:20:32 GMT -5
I went in 2000 To Quartzsite
That was an adventure After Tuscon I got sick Of looking at Rocks
Now I would rather collect my own Rocks
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quartzilla
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2020
Posts: 1,214
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Post by quartzilla on Jun 3, 2021 19:41:30 GMT -5
I’ve been there many times over the years...last time in 2019. Definitely worth hitting and give yourself a whole weekend there if you can. Desert Gardens gem show is awesome but great stuff at Tyson Wells too. I’ve only managed the Pow Wow a couple times as I’m not usually there to February. Bring lots of cash and if you are on the fence about getting something I say get it. Many times I kicked myself when I went back to get a particular piece and it was gone. Also on the drive home you will do the same, regretting not making that purchase. It’s easy to get overwhelmed there and it sometimes seems with the quantity of stones available clouds the fact that you will probably not see some of them again so do the getting while the getting is good.
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Post by aDave on Jun 3, 2021 21:32:18 GMT -5
It's a unique place. I've been there once, though it's relatively close for me since I'm in Southern CA. If you want a real good assessment, look for info from TheRock. He drove from Michigan (before Covid) and spent time in a trailer. I think it was a positive trip for him. I'd go again, but I'd make sure it's during Pow Wow week. When you get sick of that, you can go to Desert Gardens.
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Post by Bob on Jun 3, 2021 21:41:24 GMT -5
Thx for all the good info!
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