Rob and Kristal Murphy have been selling and showcasing rocks in Lincoln since 2020. Back home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Rob works as an engineer and Kristal is a court reporter. Rock and Gem Shows is their fun and Lincoln’s annual Mozarkite Show is the closest to home as most of them they attend are out of state.
The couple had a wide range of different boulders but perhaps the largest is the Drusy Quartz they find around Viburnam, Missouri in what is referred to as the Iron Belt or the Lead Belt. It is in southeast Missouri that includes the counties of Saint Francois, Crawford, Dent, Iron, Madison, Reynolds and Washington. This area is the most important lead producer in the United States.
Another unusual mineral they were offering was Obsidian which is a dark colored agate or volcanic glass formed from Volcanic eruptions. Collectors locate it in several areas of the Black Rock Desert in Utah where it is found.
One table displayed Rose Quartz that is the State mineral of South Dakota. What a delightful rock! It is a beautiful pink to rose red crystal and is valued as a collectible gem in jewelry or lapidary rock which the Murphy’s had for sale in their jewelry cases. The pink color comes from the presence of Titanium. The gems are commonly found in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Permission to collect must be obtained and is not allowed on State or Federal lands.
The Murphy's had stones from around the world from such exotic locations as Morocco and several pieces of Mexican Calcite and Mexican Fluorite.
The 2024 Gem and Mineral Show marked 65 years the group have been meeting in Lincoln, considered home of the Missouri State Rock, Mozarkite. Despite the prediction of possible strong storms, the three-day event stayed fairly dry and allowed rock collectors to browse the booths and ask many questions about the stones displayed.
No matter how many times you attend the annual show and sale you will always find something new and discover interesting individuals. One of the great highlights of the three days is going out on actual digs and finding your own special treasure. And for those who return year after year, it has become a large reunion of fellow rock lovers.
