Elbaite Encounter at the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show 2026

by Kathy Hrechka, MSDC Member

Brian Swoboda of Blue Cap Productions, Honolulu, Hawaii & Kathy Hrechka, Alexandria, Virginia were admiring a great exhibit, a tribute to David P. Wilber 1937-2025. The elbaite in the background won “The Finest Overall Mineral Specimen in the Show”. The trophy was sponsored by Arkenstone and Fine Minerals International. Selfie by Brian Swoboda.

The Tucson Gem & Mineral Society of Arizona hosted its 71^st annual show on February 12-15, 2026 at the Tucson Convention Center. The theme was “Red, White & Blue, Celebrate the Spirit of Minerals.” I was glad to be able to attend this year. My focus was meeting geo friends, attending lectures, and studying geology exhibits.

I recognized Brian Swoboda from Mineral Talks Live. We happened to be viewing a special exhibit that contained a famous elbaite specimen from the Tourmaline Queen Mine in San Diego, California.

Brian explained that this “Rabbit Ear” elbaite is the sister to the “Candelabra” on display at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum. He pointed out the glass trophy to the right of the elbaite, indicating that it won “The Finest Overall Mineral Specimen in the Show”. Brian was honored that his dad owned the mine which produced the greatest elbaites in history.

“The Rabbit Ears” elbaite from the Tourmaline Queen Mine, San Diego County, California was on loan from the Houston Museum of Natural Science Collection. The trophy for “Finest Overall Mineral Specimen in Show” is featured to the right. Photo by Kathy Hrechka.

While volunteering in the Geology, Gems, & Minerals Hall at the Smithsonian, I located the famous elbaite, with albite and quartz, from the Tourmaline Queen mine, San Diego County, California. Called “the Candelabra,” it looks like three hot-pink candles in a quartz candle holder. As the elbaite crystals grew, the growth solution changed from manganese-rich to iron-rich, creating a blue top on each candle. Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Photo by Kathy Hrechka.

Ken Rock, MSDC Editor, and I attended a reception hosted by Dr. Robert Lavinsky owner of The Arkenstone (www.i.rocks.com) at his gallery. I enjoyed tagging along with Ken, as we admired his selection of minerals for sale. You never know who you may run into at Tucson. Photo by Kathy Hrechka.

In conclusion, attending the Tucson show provides opportunities to encounter new friendships while viewing the “best of the best” minerals in displays and for purchase. Next year’s Convention Center show is scheduled for February 11-14, 2027. The theme will be "The Art of Minerals."