Not-so-hidden gems at Tauranga Gemstone, Crystal and Fossil Show

Dave Blakemore brought his wares to Tauranga Gemstone, Crystal and Mineral. Photo/George Novak

Tauranga's Gemstone, Crystal and Fossil Show was much more than a room full of rocks.

Thousands of people crammed into the Tauranga Racecourse lounge over the weekend to admire, buy and lust after the amazing array of gems, crystals and fossils on display.

Organised by the Tauranga Gem and Mineral Club, the show was a sparkling success and brought traders from all over the country.

Dealer Dave Blakemore was there with several tables full of gems and crystals he had gathered from his travels around the world.

He has been in the business of dealing gems for 30 years but started collecting as a hobby 40 years ago.

His personal collection of 6000 minerals came together after travelling to Australia, Germany, China, the USA and England.

Mr Blakemore said he loved coming to the shows because he was friends with the other dealers and showing and selling the customers his beautiful gems and minerals was satisfying.

Georgia Atkinson, 21, said the only downfall of collecting gems and crystals was she always wished she had more money to buy more.

"I love coming to shows to look at the beautiful things. My favourite is purple amethyst."

Punters at the show learnt about geology and got to see world class crystals, gems and fossils.