Report from Tucson, 02. 04. 2001
Welcome to our second report from Tucson, Arizona. This time we will show you some outstanding species of animals - not this one we saw
coming from the desert. We mean older ones, already fossilized. Although the show is called Gems and Minerals it incorporates also the world’s largest Fossil
show. The hot spot and place to be is the Ramada Inn where both
professional collectors and amateur passerbys can marvel at the many exhibits varying from complete dinosaur skeletons to pre-cambrian (over 500 million years old) trace fossils.
The advertising shows the variety of fossils being offered. Some high valued items are being presented at this place. But everything is safe at this show. Thanks to the police. Our first stop could the "Ballroom" where several dealers are showing off their high quality dinosaur fossils, amongst them the very reputable Black Hills Institute from Rapid City, South Dakota. They offer both original and casted complete
skeletons, including this fine skull of a Saber Tooth Tiger from Peru with nearly no restoration for US$ 35,000.-. There are also other restored skulls which come with a different price tag. Down one more corridor you can find Mr Tom Lindgren, from the Green River geological laboratories, owner of one of the worlds
largest fish quarries. It seems to be that living animals are welcome too. Tom takes great pride in the preparation of the ancient marine life ranging from small Knightia Fishes. to this spectacular museum quality "Amia" which will be offered for $ 45000. A very rare complete Paddle Fish with no restoration is also available for $ 25000. People who stay at the Ramada Inn have the chance to look at fossils from the windows of their rooms. Across the garden in room 184 the Mineralien Zentrum shows off its fine display of European fossils. Most of these outstanding pieces
come from old collections like this 50 million year old sand crab from Italy for $3800. or the decorative "Holzmaden" plate from Germany, with a Fish and Baby Ichthyosaur for a mere $35,000. A very large Dapedius ($12000) also from Holzmaden with wonderful scale preservation and open mouth is any collectors dream. A fine decorative piece is this
Multiple ammonite sculpture from France. That's it for today. We thank Andrew for helping us with his knowledge of fossils.
See you tomorrow with our third report. We will show you some real gems. |