Rock hounds from across Eastern Canada are gathering at the Lion’s arena in Parrsoboro, N.S., for the 51st Annual Rock and Mineral Show.
The event draws 2,000 to 3,000 to the small town every year.
“Every kind of gem, mineral, beads for jewelry making, fossils, rocks – anything you could want that is connected to the earth, you can find here," said show co-ordinator Karen Dickinson.
Jewelry makers, health practitioners, and collectors who always searching for another interesting piece are all on hand.
“I love rocks and the stories they tell,” said rock collector Isabel Jones. “I've always collected rocks all my life. I have, my house, instead of having pretty things in it, has rocks in it.”
If the rocks could talk, they would share stories from faraway lands.
“These are stuff we've collected from all over the world,” said mineral seller Ken Dardano. “We just got back from a trip in Morocco. We're in the Sahara collecting something called vanadinite crystals, red crystals, which are kind of cool.”
Local rocks from the Minas Basin, rich with zeolites, are just as popular.
“They're all related because they have this kind of property that they can absorb water and release it without changing their chemical structure. So they're used in things like water purifiers and water hardeners and stuff,” said rock seller Martin Corbett.
Some people swear by the healing power of crystal and other minerals.
“Stones are in nature and all that kind of nature, really, is a process,” said crystal collector Marjoline Paulin. “A process of healing, a process of rejuvenation and everything.”
Bill Boudreau has been prospecting for 70 years. He says there's only one thing that might cause him to give up the hobby.
“All i'm looking for is a two pound gold nugget. That's it. Sit on my mantelpiece and say that's it. I'm still looking,” said Boudreau.
With growing attendance numbers after 51 years, it appears one thing is crystal clear – the Nova Scotia Gem and Mineral Show has a rock solid future.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Dan MacIntosh.
