The Valley and Ridge Gem and Mineral Show returns to The Forum March 15-17 for a weekend featuring the Earth's treasures, from crystals and jewelry to meteorites and fossils. Admission is free, and everyone attending will be eligible to win a football-sized amethyst crystal cluster from Brazil.

The show is sponsored by the Rome Mineral Society, and club members will be giving out door prizes every hour. The club is also offering a grand prize of a 12 by 8 inch plate of amethyst crystals to one lucky person attending the show.

Dealers from all over the country will display and sell a wide variety of items. “You will see everything, including minerals, geodes and gems,” said show chair Jose Santamaria. “The show is for everyone, from the serious collector, to the shopper looking for unique gifts, and for the family looking for a fun outing.”

Confirmed dealers include fossil dealer David Bland, who will showcase his collection of fish fossils and fossilized shark teeth. International Gem dealer Mohammed Javed will bring cut and rough gems imported from Asia. Jewelry artist Pat Brown will offer her unique wire wrapped jewelry. Mineral enthusiast Jim Haege brings minerals from all over the world. Isa Diestler brings her suite of unique Native American art. Other vendors will have opals, carved stones, crystals, amethyst geodes, petrified wood, and much more.

The show will feature exhibits, including a display of meteorites from Tellus Science Museum and an exhibit on Georgia fossils. Many dealers will also have kid’s activities. Club members will be providing free mineral and fossil identification, so everyone is invited to bring their mystery specimens.

Hours for the Valley and Ridge Gem and Mineral Show will be Friday and Saturday, March 15-16 form 10am to 6pm and Sunday, March 17 from 11am to 5pm. The Rome Georgia Mineral Society is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promote interest and education in the Earth Sciences.