Mineral & Gem
Europe's largest mineralogy and gemology show in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines
About Mineral & Gem
Mineral & Gem is the largest mineralogy and gemology show in Europe, and the second largest in the world after Tucson (Arizona). Every year in June, the town center of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines transforms into a huge exhibition space of nearly 52,000 m² welcoming over 1,000 exhibitors from around the world.
The show is divided into two main thematic zones: the Mineral zone (minerals, fossils, meteorites, lithotherapy, crystallography, micro-mineralogy, specialized press) and the Gem zone (rough and cut stones, jewelry, gemmology, pearls, mother-of-pearl, necklace strands). Passionate enthusiasts, seasoned collectors, industry professionals, and curious visitors gather there to discover exceptional pieces and exchange with specialists from around the world.
Beyond the show, Mineral & Gem offers a prestigious exhibition each year, free conferences led by renowned experts, practical workshops (micro-mineralogy, rough stone cutting), and a visit to the historic Gabe Gottes mine, immersing visitors in the mining world of the 16th century. Activities for young audiences complete the program for families.
A World Meeting Point for Mineralogy and Gemology
Since 1962, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines has hosted what has become the benchmark show for enthusiasts of minerals, fossils, meteorites, gems, and jewelry. Ranked as the French leader, European frontrunner, and among the top 2 worldwide, Mineral & Gem annually brings together over 1,000 exhibitors selected for the quality of their collections, coming from all continents.
Two Zones, One Universe
The show is organized around two complementary poles. The Mineral zone gathers minerals, fossils, meteorites, lithotherapy, crystallography, micro-mineralogy, and prestigious exhibitions. The Gem zone brings together rough and cut stones, jewelry, gemmology, pearls, mother-of-pearl, and necklace strands. In total, nearly 52,000 m² of indoor and outdoor spaces are utilized throughout the town center.
Much More Than a Show
Each edition offers a prestigious exhibition centered on a mineralogical or gemological theme, free conferences led by international experts, as well as practical workshops accessible to all: the Micro-Labo workshop for exploring micro-minerals, the Rough Stone Cutting workshop to learn about cutting and polishing stones, and a visit to the historic Gabe Gottes mine which immerses visitors in the world of 16th-century miners. A 'Answer Hunt' quiz game allows children to discover the exhibitions in a fun way.
Practical Information
The show is held annually during the last week of June in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, in the Val d'Argent in Alsace. Wednesday to Friday are reserved for professionals, while the general public is welcomed on Saturday and Sunday. Hours: from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. Free parking for cars and motorhomes, paid private garage available. On-site catering: cafeteria, bar, restaurant, and caterer for groups. Loading zone for bulky purchases opposite entrance 1.
Mineral & Gem — edition 2026
The 61st edition of Mineral & Gem takes place from June 24 to 28, 2026, in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. Europe's largest mineralogy and gemology show welcomes over 1,000 international exhibitors across nearly 52,000 m². The general public is welcome on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. The 2026 prestige exhibition, titled « Nuances de Fer » (Shades of Iron), explores iron in all its forms: celestial, geological, organic, and human, through exceptional pieces from public and private collections.
61st Edition — Nuances de Fer
Mineral & Gem returns from June 24 to 28, 2026, in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines for its 61st edition. Europe's largest mineralogy and gemology show deploys its two zones — Mineral and Gem — throughout the city center to welcome over 1,000 exhibitors from around the world across nearly 52,000 m².
Prestige Exhibition: « Nuances de Fer »
The theme of the 2026 prestige exhibition, « Nuances de Fer », offers an exploration of iron in all its forms: celestial (meteorites), geological (ores and crystallizations), organic (iron in living organisms), and human (metallurgy, mining heritage). Exceptional specimens from public and private collections are brought together to offer an approach blending science, heritage, and aesthetics.
Access for Professionals and General Public
The days from Wednesday, June 24 to Friday, June 26 are reserved for industry professionals (Early Access or B2B pass required). The general public is welcome on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Programme Mineral & Gem 2026
Exhibitions
- Prestige Exhibition « Nuances de Fer » — Iron in all its forms: celestial, geological, organic, and human. Exceptional pieces from public and private collections.
- Osmont Pavilion — Fossil exhibition
- Piscine — Mineralogy exhibition
Workshops and Activities
- Visit to the Gabe Gottes Mine — Immersion in the 16th-century mining world
- Micro-Lab Workshop — Exploration of micro-minerals with magnifiers from the French Micromineralogy Association (AFM)
- Rough Cutting Workshop — Demonstrations of stone cutting, sanding, and polishing by Heinrich Zeitvogel
- Answer Hunt — Quiz game for children based on the exhibitions
Conferences
- Free conferences led by renowned experts (detailed program to come on the official website)
Highlights Mineral & Gem 2026
- 61st edition of Europe's largest mineralogy and gemology show
- Over 1,000 international exhibitors across 52,000 m²
- Prestige exhibition « Nuances de Fer »: celestial, geological, organic, and human iron
- Visit to the historic Gabe Gottes mine (16th century)
- Practical workshops: Micro-Lab, Rough Cutting
- Free conferences by experts
- General public: Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2026
Prices Mineral & Gem 2026
Practical information — Mineral & Gem
Access and Hours: the show is open from 9 AM to 6 PM daily. General public on Saturday and Sunday. Professionals from Wednesday to Friday (Early Access or B2B pass required). Address: 5 rue Kroeber Imlin, 68160 Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.
Parking: free car parking, free motorhome parking, paid private garage available. Shuttles from the car parks.
On-site services: cafeteria, bar, restaurant, group caterer, loading zone for bulky purchases (opposite entrance 1), restrooms, shops.
Contact: tel. 03 89 73 53 52 — [email protected] — sainte-marie-mineral.com
Languages: French, German, English, Spanish.
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Where does it take place — Mineral & Gem
Centre-ville de Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines — Zones Mineral et Gem
5 rue Kroeber Imlin, 68160 Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines