How Anthem’s Mineral Show Became a Cultural Gem
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Under carefully positioned lights at the Daisy Mountain Rock & Mineral Show, a century-old piece of native copper gleams with timeless beauty — one of thousands of specimens transforming Anthem School into a geological wonderland each spring. From raw minerals to expertly crafted displays, this carefully curated collection exemplifies how a grassroots community initiative has evolved into one of Arizona’s premier mineral exhibitions, drawing enthusiasts and casual observers alike to explore Earth’s hidden treasures.
“What child doesn’t grow up with either a rock collection or a shell collection?” muses show chair Claudia Marek, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. “It’s truly remarkable how this hobby can be shared by everyone, from age 4 to 94.”
This philosophy of inclusive education combined with sophisticated collecting has transformed what began as small library gatherings into one of Arizona’s most distinctive geological exhibitions. Now entering its 10th year, the show has become a cornerstone of Anthem’s cultural landscape, drawing more than 2,000 visitors annually to explore everything from investment-grade specimens to interactive educational displays.
For Marek, whose journey into the world of mineral collecting began in childhood, the show represents the culmination of a lifelong passion.
“As a young person, I was fortunate to have an uncle who took us on rock hunting trips,” she recalls. “Not only was it thrilling to find beautiful specimens, but it was also wonderful to explore remote areas and experience the stunning landscapes of our country.”
That same spirit of discovery drove the show’s founding members, whose early efforts laid the groundwork for today’s successful exhibition.
“We started small, meeting in the county library at Boulder Creek High School,” Marek explains. “In those early days, we passed a hat after meetings just to cover the room rental!”
The founding group, which included retired geologists and educators Herb Jacobson, Robert Salter, Keith Martin and Jay Yett, along with passionate rockhounds Dan Janko, Ed Winbourne and Joan Jamtass, united in their mission to share geological expertise with the community. Their dedication would prove instrumental in shaping the organization’s future.
That mission has expanded dramatically over the years, with the organization growing to include more than 300 members from across the Phoenix metropolitan area — from Mesa to Litchfield Park and from Black Canyon City to South Phoenix. This remarkable expansion necessitated several moves, from the original library location through a brief stint at St. Rose Catholic Church, before the organization finally found its permanent home at the Anthem Civic Center.
“Today, we’re a thriving organization that occupies four meeting rooms on the first Tuesday of each month,” Marek explains. “Our evening programming includes wire wrapping classes, board meetings, our kids program, and our regular club meeting with guest speakers who present either in person or via Zoom from across the country.”
The show’s evolution from modest beginnings to cultural touchstone has enabled significant community contributions beyond its educational mission.
“The show’s proceeds fund two annual scholarships, our monthly operations, community events and various educational programs,” Marek notes.
Among the organization’s most popular initiatives are its weekly field trips throughout Arizona, which provide members with unique opportunities for discovery and exploration.
“These expeditions take us off road to remote locations that few people ever get to experience — places where valuable minerals were first discovered in the most unexpected settings,” Marek shares.
While many mineral shows focus primarily on sales and trading, the educational component of the Daisy Mountain show sets it apart from typical exhibitions. At the heart of this commitment to learning is the state’s largest Kids Corner, where young geologists participate in interactive games and leave with mineral-crafted prizes. The show’s crown jewel of education is its innovative Egg Crate Project, which provides budding collectors with approximately 50 carefully selected specimens, each accompanied by QR code-linked identification guides — a technological twist on traditional collecting that supports geological education through high school years.
“No other rock club in Arizona offers anything comparable to our ‘Egg Crate Project’ or our Kids Corner activities,” Marek proudly states. “It’s the perfect setup — children stay engaged and educated while parents enjoy a relaxed shopping experience!”
Beyond these youth-focused initiatives, the show caters to collectors of all experience levels through “Dr. Rock,” the resident geologist who provides complimentary identification services for visitors’ specimens, offering expert insights into their geological treasures.
Arizona’s rich geological heritage provides an ideal backdrop for such a comprehensive show, with the state’s diverse geological formations offering countless opportunities for discovery and collection.
“Arizona’s geological history holds fascinating surprises,” Marek explains. “For instance, the Luke Salt Body beneath part of Glendale is a massive formation measuring 9 miles long, 6 miles wide, and up to 10,000 feet thick. What many don’t realize is that Arizona once had lakefront property!”
The state’s geological timeline extends far beyond human comprehension, as Marek notes: “Arizona’s oldest rocks, the Vishnu Basement Rocks, can be found at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. These ancient formations date back 1.75 billion years, offering a window into Earth’s distant past.”
This remarkable geological diversity manifests itself in the specimens on display throughout the show.
“The large specimens are truly fascinating because of how they form,” Marek explains. “They grow within vugs — natural cavities or gaps in the rock — and the size of these spaces directly determines how large the crystals can become, provided the right conditions exist. It’s like nature’s own jewelry box, where time and perfect conditions create these magnificent formations.”
For serious collectors, this year’s show promises an exceptional selection of investment-worthy specimens, including impressive native copper formations and what many consider the world’s finest peridot from San Carlos, Arizona. Last year’s show demonstrated the caliber of specimens available and the enthusiasm they generate among collectors.
“A gentleman purchased an extraordinary piece of Arizona petrified wood — the colors were simply spectacular,” Marek shares. “I’ll never forget his expression as he left the show; he was absolutely beaming from ear to ear. That same show, we had several magnificent amethyst cathedrals find new homes as well.”
The market for such specimens has undergone significant changes in recent years, reflecting broader economic trends and increased interest in mineral collecting.
“Specimen prices have increased significantly since COVID-19,” Marek explains, “with many pieces now selling for two to three times their pre-pandemic values.”
Despite these market shifts, the show maintains its commitment to accessibility through careful vendor curation and diverse price points. The selection of more than 45 vendors represents a deliberate balance of specialties and offerings.
“As our advertising efforts expand and attendance grows, we carefully add vendors to match that growth,” Marek explains. “We want our vendors to have successful sales that encourage them to return, while ensuring our customers enjoy a diverse selection that meets their needs.”
This thoughtful approach to growth and organization has created a show that stands apart from larger exhibitions.
“While we may be smaller than some shows, we’re proud of our intimate scale and careful curation,” Marek emphasizes. “It’s truly a community effort, with 120 dedicated club members working across 18 different committees to create this special event.”
The show’s influence extends beyond traditional collecting circles, particularly in the realm of interior design, where mineral specimens increasingly are featured as sophisticated decorative elements.
“Many rock and mineral specimens possess naturally stunning colors and striking formations that make them fascinating display pieces,” Marek observes. “We’re seeing more homeowners incorporating these natural treasures into their interior design — from dramatic amethyst cathedrals as statement pieces to artfully arranged crystal clusters that complement modern decor.”
The exhibition’s diverse offerings include remarkable fossil specimens, which present their own unique appeal and challenges.
“Despite how abundant certain organisms may have been millions of years ago, it’s incredibly rare to find fully intact fossils today,” Marek explains. “The preservation process requires very specific environmental conditions — a delicate balance that makes each complete specimen we discover truly special.”
For those inspired to begin their own collections, the show provides an ideal starting point, with specimens available across all price points and sizes.
“I recommend starting with thumbnail-sized specimens before investing in larger, more expensive pieces,” Marek advises. “This approach helps new collectors develop their eye and understanding of quality.”
Looking toward the future, Marek sees the rock and mineral hobby continuing to grow, driven by its unique ability to connect people with the natural world.
“In today’s world, it offers a wonderful escape from the daily onslaught of negative news and events,” she reflects. “Rock hounding gives us a hands-on way to experience the excitement of scientific discovery.”
This sentiment resonates particularly strongly in Anthem, where the show has evolved into more than just an annual event — it stands as a celebration of scientific curiosity, community engagement and the enduring appeal of Earth’s natural treasures.
Daisy Mountain Rock & Mineral Show
March 1–2 // Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. // Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. // Anthem School // 41020 N. Freedom Way, Anthem // $5 // dmrmc.com
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