TUCSON, Ariz. — The theme of this year's show was "World Class Minerals," but it was another world issue that was on most people's minds at the start of the 2020 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.
"We were concerned from the beginning about travel restrictions because of the coronavirus," said Peter Megaw, an official with the show.
"It did affect us in the sense that the Beijing Museum was not able to come and a number of dealers and collectors and friends that we're used to seeing here from China every year couldn't make it."
Megaw said there were some visitors from China, vendors and buyers who made it before the travel ban.
Figures for attendance and economic output won't be available for a few weeks, according to Megaw.
"This year it's hard to tell but it's probably about the same as it was last year."
That's $130-million-dollars, according to Megaw.
Next year's show, Megaw said, will be highlighted by the opening of a University of Arizona mineral museum.
"We will have a year round place for people to go who are interested in gems and minerals right in the middle of downtown."
"This is my first time coming to Tucson for the gem and mineral show," Danielle Hernandez said.
She told KGUN9 she owns a gem shop in New York City.
"It's called the Oracle Shop in Brooklyn, New York."
Hernandez said she was aware of the health concern before the show.
"I came armed and ready with 'Purell' on my bag."
