2025 NVMC Show Highlights from George Mason University

by Ken Rock, MSDC Editor

MSDC members Ed and Susan Fisher examining donated minerals for sale at MSDC's table.

The Northern Virginia Mineral Club (NVMC) hosted the 33nd annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show on November 22 and 23. The show, held at the Johnson Center at George Mason University, was very well attended and included approximately 20 dealers with gems, minerals, and fossils for sale, as well as a large area for kids that featured demonstrations, exhibits, activities, and door prizes. There was even a mini-mine for kids to dig in and get free fossils and minerals.

Show organizer Tom Taaffe and his wife Beth Smith.

Show attendees include people of all ages, geology students from George Mason, serious collectors, not-so-serious collectors, and many people simply curious about the many beautiful rocks, gems, minerals, and fossils for sale at the show.

MSDC President Dan Teich and members Sue Fisher, Bob Cooke, and Ed Fisher at MSDC's table.

Inspecting rocks and minerals for sale at MSDC's table.

A big thanks goes to to Jason Zeibel, NVMC President, and John Weidner, MSDC Treasurer, for organizing and managing such a large and well designed area for kids with many things to do and learn.

MSDC Board Member Craig Moore and NVMC President Jason Ziebel preparing minerals for the silent auction at the show.

The kids area was crowded for almost the entire weekend and, thanks to careful planning and generous volunteers, there was plenty of supervision for all of the activities.

Lots of coloring opportunities for kids at the show!

Demonstrating principles of sound to a young visitor.

MSDC members selling minerals at the show were Dave Hennessey, Kenny Reynolds, Ken Rock, and Casper Voogt.

MSDC member and former President Dave Hennessey.

MSDC Vice President for Programs Kenny Reynolds.

MSDC member Brianna Rock fielding questions from potential buyers. MSDC Co-webmaster Casper Voogt is in the gray t-shirt in the background.

MSDC was fortunate to have two tables that were filled with minerals donated to the club to support our charitable endeavors. The tables were crowded the entire weekend for an opportunity to buy some great minerals at bargain prices and learn more about MSDC. Many thanks to Bob Cooke, Laura Dwyer, Susan and Ed Fisher, Andrea Lubawy, and Dan Teich for donating their time to the worthy cause of supporting MSDC.

MSDC President Dan Teich being interviewed by George Mason University students.

MSDC members Susan Fisher (left) and Laura Dwyer engaging with potentially interested buyers at the NVMC show.

MSDC President Dan Teich and former President Dave Hennessey posing for a selfie at the show.

A very nice feature of this show is that there are drawings for door prizes every hour. This ensures that most people keep their tickets and listen carefully when the numbers are called.

Below are several photo of some very impressive minerals for sale at the show.