From fossils that preserve clues to life in ancient days to glimmering gemstones set in jewelry worth thousands of dollars, rocks hold a fascination for many. Rocks in their many forms and those who collect and work with them are the focus of East Texas Gem and Mineral Society’s An-nual Gemstone and Jewelry Showcase this week.

The show will feature 11 dealers who specialize in gemstone, jewelry, minerals and fossils, Keith Harmon, show chairman, said.

Dealers will be selling cut and uncut precious gemstones, gold and silver jewelry, beads, mineral specimens, stone carving works of art, fossils and geodes. Others specialize in lapidary hobby tools and equipment.

Artisans will demonstrate cutting and polishing gemstones, and knapping arrowheads and knives, Harmon, a rock collector from Rusk, said.

The show will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 25 at Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive, Tyler.

Fifteen cases will display the works and collections of East Texas Gem and Mineral Society members including the Rock Food Table, a collection of rocks that resemble food products that Harmon recently acquired, organizers said.

Among special attractions will be a fluorescent mineral display, silent auction, games and a drawing for prizes.

The East Texas Gem and Mineral Society’s members are interested in the earth sciences, collecting of rocks, minerals and fossils, and they practice jewelry design.

Members have the “opportunity to collect specimens, learn about how they are formed, and perhaps how to make them into wearable art,” information on its website said. 

The club meets the first Monday of the month at Discovery Science Place in Tyler. Club members present programs on Earth science topics to hundreds of students each year.