Rockin’ Minerals
January 16-17, 2027
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pro tip
Desert Museum Members receive exclusive early access to our mineral sale on Thursday, January 14, 2027 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Join Today!
Celebrate the 33rd anniversary of our Mineral Sale with selections for novice to seasoned collectors, with proceeds benefiting the Desert Museum.
We have new additions from some local collectors this year. In addition, don't miss our special collection of micromounts and thumbnail-sized minerals, as well as old favorites like jewelry items, fossils, and beautiful polished rock sculptures. And of course, you’ll get to see our beloved fluorescent exhibit, and visit with our animal residents, too!
Please note: A Desert Museum admission ticket or membership is required to participate.
Specials at the sale this year:
- Saturday: Wire Wrapping
- Guests can buy a favorite small rock/mineral and (for a fee) a volunteer will wire wrap it for them while they wait.
- Saturday 11:00 am in the Warden Oasis Theater
- Discover the story behind our caves with our Curator Emerita Anna Domitrovic. She will share the process, planning, and work that went into bringing this unique feature to life.
- Sunday only: Ask a Geologist Rock Readings
- Curator Emerita Anna, and Expert Ore Geologist Volunteer Frank will be available to answer questions from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Guests can bring in their favorite rock/mineral and Anna and Frank will interpret the story behind their treasures.
Returning favorites:
- Rare minerals
- Gemstones & Jewelry
- Plant and Rock combos
- Lapidary Rock & Fluorescent minerals
- Mineral-mining tools
- “Decorator” Rock
You can also visit geology and fossil activity stations around the Museum grounds where children can collect free rocks, minerals and fossils in their own egg-carton collection box (receive at entrance). We have a focus this year on lapidary minerals, Thulite and Kyanite. Children will receive samples at our interpreting locations on the grounds.
