Mineral & Gem

Mineral & Gem: Sixty Years of Mineral Passion in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines

Since 1962, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, a small town in the Val d'Argent nestled in the Alsatian Vosges, has hosted Europe's largest gathering of mineralogy and gemology every summer. What was originally just a modest mineral exchange organized by local enthusiasts has become, over six decades, a benchmark international event, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors from all continents and tens of thousands of visitors.

An Exceptional Mining Heritage

The choice of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines as the venue for this show is no coincidence. The town boasts an exceptional mining heritage dating back to the 10th century. For centuries, its silver, copper, cobalt, and arsenic mines brought wealth to the valley and to Alsace as a whole. This mining past naturally fostered the emergence of a strong mineralogical culture, which forms the historical bedrock of the event. The old galleries, some of which are now open to visitors, bear witness to this fascinating history.

Two Complementary Zones: Mineral and Gem

The show is structured around two thematic zones that take over the entire town. The Mineral zone brings together mineralogical specimens, fossils, meteorites, and collector's items, attracting geologists, collectors, and museums from around the world. The Gem zone is dedicated to precious and semi-precious stones, cut gems, artisanal jewelry, and jewelry design. This duality makes Mineral & Gem a unique event, covering the entire value chain, from raw specimen to finished jewelry.

A Scientific and Cultural Program

Beyond the commercial exhibition, Mineral & Gem offers a rich cultural and scientific program. Conferences led by international geologists, gemologists, and researchers deepen the public's knowledge. Prestigious exhibitions highlight a specific theme or mineral — the 2025 edition, titled “Nuances de Fer”, explored the diversity and beauty of iron-bearing minerals. Workshops offer introductions to stone cutting, mineral identification, and jewelry making.

An International Dimension

Mineral & Gem enjoys an international reputation that attracts exhibitors and visitors from all five continents. The world's leading mineral dealers, jewelry houses, natural history museums, and geological institutions gather annually in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. The show has become an essential hub for trade, expertise, and discovery, fostering top-level commercial and scientific exchanges. The "Gem Night," a gala evening for professionals, and auctions of exceptional pieces punctuate each edition.

An Event Accessible to All

While the first few days of the show are reserved for professionals, the weekend is open to the general public, allowing families, enthusiasts, and the curious to discover the beauty of the mineral world. A free childcare service is available for children aged 2 to 12, and the entire site is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with wheelchairs available upon request.