This mineral and gemstone is honestly so cool and it has been around for decades. It is right near the Sahara national Park and the old Tucson Studios. When you are in town, you must visit because there are so many cool and amazing crystals throughout the store. There are also many cool items, including skulls and skeletons. I would definitely recommend that you stop by if you're into crystals and bones and all kinds of cool things. read more

See all

Very dusty shop, selling a lot of scrap minerals for expensive prices. They have a lot of rocks but the majority of them aren't nice pieces. The back also has some ancient Egyptian artifacts that belong in a museum or archive, not a private shop for sale. The owner/worker was nice and showed me to the tumbled rocks. That selection is also not very large either with majority of tumbles being dusty or simple rocks. Overall, would not visit again based on pricing and stock quality. Your money is better spent elsewhere in shops closer to the downtown of Tucson that update their collections much more regularly. read more

We saw this place on the side of the road so we had ro check it out. There are all sorts of rocks crystals and fossils. I ended up getting some jade, chocolate citrine anda fossil. Good prices and friendly employee. Parking is in the dirt lot out front. read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

It has been a long 2 years since seeing all the wonderful minerals and gems from around the world. We ventured to Tucson for 2 days knowing things would be different than most years. Many vendors were not able to travel and many shows were cancelled. Nevertheless we did find some eye popping specimens to drool over. Masks were highly recommended during the shows, especially indoors. It was still a feast for the eyes with mineral and rock specimens and fossils. This is a seasonal show only happening typically the in later January and the first two weeks of February. Paid parking in some areas and free parking in other area. It depends who you are visiting. read more

See all

This quirky rock shop is on the west side of town, not too far from Old Tucson and the Desert Museum. Our adult son wanted to check it out because he rarely visit Tucson during the Gem Show. The exterior of Tucson Mineral and Gem World is reminiscent of an old west country store. There were tables of rocks on the porch, and two older gentlemen were working out a trade. We passed them, opened the screen door, and stepped in. Quirky! One of the first display cases near the front contained several skeletons. To the right, unboxed and unpolished rocks along with trilobites and the like. Our son went straight for the azurite because of its lovely color. He also picked up quartz and a trilobite for a friend, and a selenite stick for me. We continued our trek around the rest of the store. The back room contains a variety of artifacts. Heading back into the main room, a set of what likely i pharmaceutical drawers is alphabetically labeled with the names of the contents - small to mid-size pieces of copper, quartz, etc. Heading back to the front of the store, glass cases are filled with more 'finished' gems and minerals...necklaces, cut/polished pieces, meteorites, etc. After making a few laps to make sure we saw everything, we made our way to the front counter to make our purchases. There was a javelina (taxidermy) looking over us. Did I mention that it's quirky here? The woman and man at the counter were very friendly and wrapped my son's purchases securely since he was flying home. If you're looking for 'woo', this isn't your place. But, there is plenty to peruse if you enjoy gems/stones. read more

I absolutely love this quirky gem/crystal shop and the knowledgeable staff who are passionate about crystals. I had many questions about local places to visit during our stay and the staff was more than willing to recommend numerous places. Prices are surprisingly affordable compared to Kansas plus the selection is endless. read more

Hidden gem!!! This place is awesome. My son and i did a lil rock hunting in Tucson and found this place on yelp. The gentleman up front was very kind very knowledgable and great with kids! We found a couple specimens at a great price. This is the type place you can spend a lot of time discovering. On our way out they gave us some bags for the kid to rock hunt in the piles they have on the property. Found a couple opals agates and other awesomeness. When come back to town we're definetly coming read more

THIS was the kind of rock shop I was looking for. Not filled to the brim with wacky new-age crystal gee-gaws, but shelf after shelf of reasonably priced specimens. All accurately labeled, and all priced appropriately. My wife and I bought a number of pieces. I've been collecting well-nigh 50 years and I'm at the stage now where I'm filling in my collection with pieces that expand it in meaningful ways. This is copper country. I got a nice little native copper piece that matches up with the UP Michigan ones I have. My wife got a killer chunk of azurite/malachite (did I mention how lucky to have a rock geek for a wife??? Well, I am lucky!). We had a blast talking with the workers. Take it from an old (!) rockhound. THIS is the place you've been searching for. read more

Insanely good selection of gems and stones, all very high quality and in cases for easy viewing. Older gentleman working at the store was extremely helpful, welcoming and knowledgeable about everything. Would highly recommend to anyone who is visiting the national park and enjoys gems/stones. Don't miss this place if you're in the area! read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Great selection, willing to answer questions, and fair pricing. After stopping here first, I went to two other gem and mineral shops, and this one was by far the best. Helpful, pretty, diverse and didn't feel like a tourist trap. Highly recommended. read more

Very helpful and kind staff and a great selection of rocks, gems and more. The location is very handy, close to Old Tucson and the Desert Museum. My young children were excited to touch everything, select rocks and buy them themselves; the man who helped us was great with the kids. We will definitely be back! read more

I was expecting more to it if I were to be honest. The store is small but packed with more than minerals and gems such as artifacts that should be in a museum instead of it being sold. The decor includes stuffed (taxidermy) animals, such as a bison head, and an owl just to name a few. There's even a preserved elephant foot on display. With that being said, we did enjoy the metal dinosaur sculpture in front of the store and a teepee display located just a few feet away. The gravel parking is decent and the scenic drive towards the store is not that bad. read more

The owner and employees don't even show the most basic concern for customers' safety. Not a single employee wears a mask, much less socially distances. No exaggeration, a maskless employee literally backed me into a corner and refused to move despite my trying to squeeze past. There is no redemption because the shop doesn't carry anything you can't get at any other gem and mineral store. Do NOT support this business. There are many gem and mineral shops in Tucson that exhibit human decency. read more

Great small store near Sauaro National Park. Great selection of minerals & gems, for every budget. Very interesting proprietor too.

This store is tops! We were recommended by local vintage shop Stuf about this gem store! We drove out and wow it did not disappoint! Found many very interesting minerals and gems! Shop owners are so nice- told us about local minerals and showed us these amazing Apache Peridot minerals straight outta some lava host rocks. They took the time to chat and had a really nice time. The prices were great and the whole experience was awesome. We may be back again real soon! read more

First: yes, they do wear masks. Second: I'm visiting from out of state & wanted to look at gems & crystals while I'm in town. The customer service was outstanding. Ron at the front counter helped us find exactly what we were looking for & was very sweet! I will recommend this place to anyone- even beginners who don't know much & just want to be amazed by fossils and nature. Thank you so much Ron for the experience! read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - Amethyst crystal that Ron gave me! - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Can't say enough good things about this shop! So much to look at and reasonable prices for crystals. Very sweet man at the counter was helpful and nice to talk to. Highly recommend visiting this treasure read more

A geologist's dream. This store made me wish I knew more about geology. Mostly raw stones but there were some finished pieces. I really enjoyed browsing this store. read more

Cool store to visit when in Tucson if you're looking for rocks and minerals. The dig for rocks rock pile in the front is great for kids.

Beautiful shop and the lady that works there is so incredibly nice and knows her crystals. Great experience!!!!

My family was visiting from out of town and wanted somewhere to go to check out gems- which is how we stumbled on this place. Like other reviewers mentioned, the best part of this store is Ron, the owner. Don't get me wrong, there were a lot of beautiful minerals and gems; I even got a desert rose crystal I've been wanting since I saw one in a museum. But Ron was amazing and helped out my family find exactly what they wanted. He even went to the back to see if he had a specific mineral my cousin wanted. I will def be bringing everyone here. Thanks so much Ron! read more

I was visiting Tucson for the Wild West Steampunk Con at the Old Tucson Studios and drove by this shop to and from. I stopped three time to say hello, get my dog fix (two VERY friendly Airdales) and to explore. I bought several items on two of my stops and was treated very well. This is a rustic roadside shop and highly recommended for yoyng and old. Every inch is full of rocks, fossils and everything else that can be found in the Earth. When I return to Tucson I will stop by again. Next time I'll check out the back warehouse which I didn't know about until reading another review of this great shop. read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - The front of this rustic rock shop. Park in front and wonder inside. - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Great selection of gems and minerals for good prices. Many of the specimens are from the surrounding area.

Could not love this place more! Used to shop here decades ago and it's still pretty much the same. Yes, it's a little dirty (so what? it's a rock shop!) and off the beaten path, but it's awesome! Well worth the drive. Lots and lots to look at. I found prices more than reasonable to begin with...but the owner totally took care of us. They have amazing antiquities, as well as lots of super cool rocks and minerals. The free piles outside are filled with goodies to pick through...we spent 1/2 hour in the blazing sun and could have easily spent much longer if we weren't so sweaty...and came away with so much awesome stuff. The Owner is super nice and gave us some tips on where to go scavenge rocks. Seems very passionate and knowledgeable. Two big thumbs up for this place. We went to Dah Rock Shop afterwards...and it was a huge letdown after going here first. read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Wonderful time chattin with Ron and John. Very knowledgeable folks that used to work in one of the last remaining functional mineral mines in America. We bought a whole bunch of goodies & they gave us a military discount. Our minion had a great time as well. She was told she could fill up her little Baggie with anything they had displayed outside the store ( after they rung us up). I would agree that toward back section of the store it is a bit dusty but that did not deter us. We spent over 2.5 hours there. read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - 1/2 price minerals in case - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

My husband bought many things from this business. We had it authenticated professionally. Total scam!!!

Seriously one of the coolest places I've ever been. I'm here for work from Rhode Island but I know it's a place children would love too. There is a video all about it here: https://youtu.be/y2LNthA9nl8 It's entertainment for hours and I couldn't leave without buying sooooo many things: petrified wood, crystals, etc. Ron one of the owners was there and I had such a great time hearing his stories, learning about items in the store, and hearing all about the history of such a special place. If you come to Tucson this place cannot be missed. I CAN'T WAIT TO COME BACK! read more

See all

Filthy, dirty, junky ....... and EXPENSIVE ... well at least some stuff is. There is a massive collection here. A wide range of stuff. Good to stop in when you are going to Sonoran Desert Museum ..... but a bit of a drive otherwise........ Wear a dust mask and shower after you leave. Old dude is fun and friendly. It has not been cleaned or dusted since it was built and 2,309 dust storms ago. ACHOOOOOOOO read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Came here to check to see what stones they had. The gentleman who owns the place is very nice and the stones are very reasonably priced. Will definitely come back next time I am in town read more

this shop is great. they have a vast selection, amazing prices and the most friendly owner. i will definitely be back.

This place is AMAZING! Such a huge variety and at the best prices I've ever seen! The counter man was hilarious and so well mannered felt like I was getting gems from an expert friend! Thank you for an extremely enjoyable experience and I will be back often! read more

The brothers who run this place are the nicest people you'll ever meet. Their prices are really amazing and there is always new stuff! I take everyone visiting from out of town here. read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - Where else? - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Staff is extremely friendly. One of my favorite local shops in town. Have a HUGE selection big and little. They have stuff ranging in every price range. Left with like 5 crystals for like $25! I bought smaller pieces but still very affordable. Love love this shop. Will be back again soon! read more

What a fantastic place! An incredible selection of gems and other, unexpected items. The gentleman who runs it is extremely knowledgeable and no pressure. He let us look around for a half hour while he worked in another part of the shop. We asked him several questions and he had answers for every one. Despite what others have said, I felt completely safe there. He always kept his distance and there is the usual plastic separating the cash point and the customers. No worries at all there and certainly no basis for a one star rant. read more

OMG this place is amazing! They have so much! I found some gems I've never seen before plus some other great finds. The owner was such a sweet man. He was friendly and welcoming. I was on a cross country road trip and I can say this place was the best gem shop I stopped at the entire trip. His prices can't be beat either. Definitely go check this place out!!!!!! read more

This place is a museum of beautiful artifacts! Wonderful customer service and if you're lucky you'll get to pet a cute dog! Wonderful selection of beautiful gems and minerals. Definitely worth a stop in! read more

This is a very well stocked rock shop that looks like a geology and archaeology museum. They even sell their ancient relics from the southwest and Middle East. I was very happy that they treat families with kids with kindness. There are even large mine "dumps" of locally mined rocks. People with a truck can buy a load and pick it up in the front and back of the shop. I highly recommend this business! read more

I 100% endorse this place. To quote Han Solo, she may not look like much (on the outside), but she's got it where it counts. Briefly: Don't be deceived by the run-down looking exterior. Driving to Saguaro National Park, saw this joint was right on the road to get to the park; I figured hey, I like rocks and minerals, let's check it out. Completely the right call. Stop in, you will not be disappointed! First of all, when you walk in, it is PACKED, I mean, to the GILLS, with cool stuff. I would guess there must be a hundred thousand items in this store, mostly cool mineral specimens of every size, from cheap and tiny to huge and pricey; something solidly cool for every possible desire and every budget. There are also an interesting number of human-made artifacts (well, interesting to me, I'm an anthropologist). A lot of the place is a bit dusty, as are some of the specimens, but even just a casual glance uncovers some real gems, no pun intended. The prices are fantastic, I was really surprised. Don't know if you're getting a good deal because it's near the source, or because they labeled the prices in 1978 and haven't changed them, but either way, it's great. And then there's the proprietor - I walked up to the counter with maybe $50 worth of stuff, the guy had vaguely said he could give me a deal on items if I liked them. He glanced over the bunch, said "how about $35 for all of it?" and then started to pack it up. I said my girlfriend was outside picking a piece of turquoise from a giant pile they have in the yard, and he said "oh, she can have that - though it's not turquoise." When she came in, he said what she had was Amazonite, and then pulled a big box of actual turquoise from behind the counter, and told her to pick a piece of it out, also as a gift. When he heard we were from California, he pulled out some old Native projectile points (arrowheads), gave us a brief talk about where they came from (near Yosemite), and then also gave us a few of those as a gift! I tried to give him more $$, but he declined, saying if he took it, these things wouldn't be gifts (hard to argue with that logic). As I understand it, this man was one of two brothers, who have owned and run the joint since 1968. Anyway, if you've read this far, it's probably too much - just know that if you're going to the park (or live in Tucson), stop in here for five minutes on your way - it is ABSOLUTELY worth your time. read more

Tucson Mineral and Gem World - Gemstones & Minerals Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Ron the owner is the biggest gem in the place. His assistants are just as nice What an absolute gentleman, not only extremely knowledgable but also more than willing to share and encourage. A fascinating array of rocks, minerals and artefacts, and fair prices. I went in to look for some unusual gifts to take overseas, I could not have wished for better help. I found all that I was looking for. I definitely will be there again and will recommend to my friends. read more

The store is incredible, It is basically like visiting a museum but you can buy stuff there. Because the owner was a paleontologist and a geologist, he is the real deal and knows everything there is to know about rocks and their origins. His prices are definitely fair, anyone who claims that he charges too much are probably unfamiliar with the true value of rare gems and minerals and why they are priced the way that they are. I visited a ton of rock shops during my 10-day vacation driving through the entire state of Arizona, and no one knew even half as much about the rocks in their store as my new friend Ron did at Tucson Mineral and Gem World. It was such a treat to meet him and talk to him for as long as we did. We bought a few rocks from him in the morning, and I asked him if he knew about the origin of a turquoise pendant I was wearing that I had inherited from my grandmother. Without hesitating, he knew it was from Bisbee, Arizona, and told us a bit about the town and mentioned we should visit it while we are around. We took his advice and drove there, and it was definitely a place worth visiting that I would otherwise have no idea existed. On our way back from Bisbee, I stopped at a thrift store and acquired some more rocks that the thrift shop owners had no idea of their worth. I took them back to Ron and he was happy to talk to us about the properties of the minerals and where they were probably from. He wrote all of the information down, and I am so appreciative that he did because . We love Ron and will absolutely visit him at his rock shop next time we are in town. Long story short... VISIT THIS PLACE IT IS AWESOME. read more