2018 April PASO Magazine

LAST WORD
Annual Rock & Gem Show Returns to Event Center April 21 & 22
By Meagan Friberg
et ready to “Discover the
Magic of Jasper” as members
of the Santa Lucia Rockhounds
host the 27th Annual Rock
& Gem Show. The event promises
hours of fun exploration and activities
for all ages at the Paso Robles
Event Center on Saturday, April 21
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday,
April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“This year’s event will call special
attention to jasper, an opaque type
of quartz found both locally and all
over the world,” said Tina Clark,
Rockhounds treasurer and co-show
organizer.
Just what is jasper? Essentially,
it’s an opaque variety of Chalcedony.
In a recent Rockhounds newsletter,
Barbara Bilyeu wrote, “the
amazing colors and the ease with
which jasper can be carved and polished
make it a true favorite with
lapidaries and artists. Here on the
Central Coast we are fortunate to
have a wealth of beautiful, colorful
Contributed photo
Kids pan for gold at Rockhounds show.
specimens of brecciated jasper.” It
can be found in the Santa Lucias
and the Coastal Ranges including
San Simeon Creek and Stone Canyon,
according to Bilyeu.
The two-day event will showcase
exhibits, dealers, and demonstrators
sharing displays and information
about rocks, minerals, fossils, artisan-crafted
jewelry, and lapidary
materials. More than 35
dealers are set to participate
this year, according
to Clark. Attendees will
delight in a variety of activities
including sphere
making, geode-cracking,
faceting, drawing, and
gold panning.
Richard Wade returns
with his Dinosaur Presentation,
happening both
days at 1 p.m. as does
the always-popular Kids’
Treasure Hunt. In addition,
all kids will receive a
free gift just for attending.
New this year – one guest per
hour will be selected to help with
rock cutting and polishing demonstrations.
Those with questions on
personal rock collections are encouraged
to bring a rock or mineral
to the show and ask the “Rock
Docs” for help with identification.
There will also be diamond testing
available for
those curious
about the authenticity
of a stone.
“This show is an
opportunity for kids
and adults to see how
something is made, from raw to
finished product,” Clark said. “Talk
with collectors, see equipment up
close, and learn what it takes to
turn rocks into beautiful pieces of
jewelry or displays. Our participants
have a true passion and they
want to pass their knowledge on to
others. We encourage everyone to
take time to come out, talk with the
presenters, and cast a vote for their
favorite display case.”
Admission cost is $5 per adult;
free admission for active military
personnel and kids under 16. For
more information about the Rock
& Mineral Show or becoming a
Santa Lucia Rockhounds member,
see slorockounds.org.
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50 PASO Magazine, April 2018