Greater Indianapolis Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show

The 48th annual Greater Indianapolis Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show will take place from September 5 to September 7, 2025, at the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds, 620 N. Apple Street, Greenfield, Indiana. The event is hosted by the 500 Earth Sciences Club and features over 50 dealers specializing in gems, jewelry, minerals, fossils, and lapidary supplies.

The show environment is family-friendly with free admission and parking, and it offers a lively atmosphere combining education, shopping, and interactive experiences. It attracts vendors from across the country and worldwide, bringing a diverse and extensive selection of earth science-related items.

Activities and Highlights:

• Dealers and Vendors: Over 50 dealers with a wide array of minerals, fossils (including cephalopods, crinoids, fossilized shark teeth, coprolite, petrified wood, amber), jewelry, beads, and lapidary tools.
• Demonstrations: Ongoing silver smithing and gemstone faceting (lapidary) demonstrations that are educational and engaging.
• Scientific Society Meetings: Supporting the local earth sciences community.
• Educational Displays: Multiple exhibits for adults and children to learn about geology and paleontology.
• Children’s Activities: Hands-on activities for kids to interact with rocks, fossils, and scientific concepts.
• Geologist on Site: Identification services where visitors can bring their own specimens for expert analysis.
• Silent Auction & Door Prizes: Opportunities for visitors to bid on unique items and win prizes.
• Food Vendor: Available on-site to provide refreshments during the event.

Proceeds from the event support scholarships and awards for local universities, museums, and youth organizations involved in earth sciences, with sponsorship from Hancock County Tourism and the Visitor Center.

Typical Daily Schedule:

• Friday & Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM — Exhibition halls open, dealer booths, demonstrations, educational activities, auction, and kids' area available.
• Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM — Final day of sale with all activities available.

Event Location & Surroundings:

The event is set in Greenfield, Indiana, within Hancock County in the Central region. The fairgrounds offer accessible facilities with ample free parking, suitable for families and individuals with disabilities. Greenfield provides a welcoming small-town atmosphere, supporting a community-focused event with visitors traveling to the area for this annual occasion.

History and Founding:

The Greater Indianapolis Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show is organized by the 500 Earth Sciences Club, a group dedicated to promoting earth sciences through outreach and education. Running for nearly five decades, this show has grown to become a major regional event renowned for its quality dealers, educational programming, and community support. It takes place annually the weekend following Labor Day and has a tradition of fostering interest in geology and paleontology among all age groups.

This event is a significant meeting place for earth science enthusiasts, collectors, families, and professionals, combining commercial, educational, and social activities in a friendly environment.