On the Ground at the Tucson Gem Show, Planet Earth’s Vibiest Convention

By Samuel Hine

Photography by Jay Carroll

If you’re in the business of buying and selling crystals, all roads lead to Tucson, Arizona. That's because, since 1955, the Tucson Gem Show comes to town for a few weeks at the beginning of each year, 60,000 attendees in tow. The main power-dealing goes down at the convention center, where extra-rare fossils and towering crystalline structures disappear into private collections. But the real scene is outside. That's where the wandering artisans, gun-toting hippies, vibration traffickers, gem tourists, and geology enthusiasts can be found spreading the crystal gospel and making deals of their own. It's also where we spent a day checking out the gem show's idiosyncratic style and out-of-this-world energy—and overhearing priceless tidbits of showside crystal karma. To wit: "People just know that you don't steal crystals," one showgoer said. "Even the hippies on the street steal from Wal-Mart—cool, whatever—but people know for the most part you just don't steal crystals." Amen.

An annual Gem Show attendee from Southern Arizona.

Merlin DeShaw from Livingston, MT.

Lauren and Akasha, from Hawaii, travel to uniquely spiritual places to do photo shoots.

"Grape agate is the hot item this year—talk of the town," remarked a passer-by.

Jacob, a seller from Quebec City, with a hematite amethyst from Thunder Bay, Ontario.

A dancer about to perform at the American Indian Arts exposition.

Karisma from New York, who's been practicing sound therapy for 13 years.

Lupito, from Salt Lake City, UT, produces and deals crystal bowls.

A dealer at the African Village show carving an incense burner.

A tie-dye vendor from Vermont.

Cedar, a traveler and ceramic pipe-maker from Spokane, WA.

By Noah Johnson