Unveiling Treasures of the Earth, Encountering Reborn Ancient Creatures: Press Conference for the 2023 Nanjing Mineral Expo Held in Nanjing

"Bond by stone, Sharing Opportunities." On April 12, the press conference for the "2023 China (Nanjing) International Mineral Gemstone and Fossil Expo" was held at the Nanjing Museum. During the event, relevant officials from the organizing committee introduced the details of this year's expo and addressed questions from the media.

The 2023 Mineral Expo is co-hosted by the View Stone Association of China, Nanjing University, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), and China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing). Organized by the Mineral crystal Special Committee of the View Stone Association of China(hereafter referred to as VSAC) and co-organized by the Jiangsu Geological Bureau, the event will take place at the Nanjing International Exhibition Center from May 4th - 7th.

The 'Chinese Empress' Debuts in the 'City of Stone'"
Igniting Sparks in the Development of the Mineral industry

The press conference officially began with Li Shuanke, President and Chief Editor of <Chinese National Geography>, guiding the audience through the unique charm of geography. Li Shuanke remarked that the glamour of geography lies within its ability to inspire boundless imagination and exploration. The Mineral Expo transforms these beautiful visions into tangible reality, expanding the horizons of discovery. He expressed the hope that all parties would pool their strengths, integrate technologies, and innovate methods of expression to sound off the voice of the Nanjing Mineral Expo's development.

This exhibition, themed with "Red Minerals," is being held through a combination of online and offline events. The main exhibition area spans over 20,000 square meters, featuring more than 300 international standard booths, including over 30 special exhibition booths. Li Zhijian, Secretary-General of VSAC, introduced that the event will showcase hundreds of thousands of top-tier mineral, gemstone, and fossil specimens from around the world. Among them, several national treasure level fossil specimens of great significance in the history of Earth's life evolution will make their debut in Nanjing. These include one of the world's most famous rhodochrosite specimens, "Chinese Empress," tourmaline known as the "Flower of Life," Chinese red fluorite that has taken the global mineral community by storm, an aquamarine specimen resembling "Salzburg" composed of five paragenetic minerals, as well as "the world's earliest mammal fossil," "the first flower on Earth," and "the first feathered dinosaur discovered by humans."

Additionally, the exhibition will display exquisite gemstones and ornamental rocks from across the country. A series of exciting concurrent events, such as a museum summit forum, auctions, and a science popularization week, will also take place.

As a large-scale professional exhibition for minerals, gemstones, and fossils, this Mineral Expo will gather experts, scholars, mineral dealers, collectors, and buyers from around the world. It will serve not only as a grand display platform but also as a high-level communication platform, bridging deeper communication and cooperation between China and the international mineral, gemstone, and fossil industries. By drawing on advanced global development ideas, it will further promote the growth of China's mineral, gemstone, and fossil endeavors.

Meanwhile, the Mineral Expo is also a window for mineral enthusiasts and the general public, providing a broad stage to disseminate the scientific, cultural, and artistic value behind minerals, gemstones, and fossils, as well as to promote the cultural significance of geoscience. Holding great importance in the development of the mineral, gemstone, fossil industry and geoscience.

Carrying Forward the Geological Spirit
Radiating the Light of Endeavor

On the vast landscape of China's geological endeavors, a host of prestigious universities—including Nanjing University, China University of Mining and Technology, and China University of Geosciences—have actively integrated themselves into the forefront of natural resources research. They provide a continuous supply of talent and intellectual support, driving the advancement of natural resource initiatives.

As one of the organizers of this Mineral Expo, Lu Xiancai, Dean of the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering at Nanjing University, stated in an interview during the press conference: "Historical development has laid the foundation for today's century-long continuity and flourishing of mineralogy, petrology, and paleontological stratigraphy at our school. As a key institution in geological education, Nanjing University has always adhered to the principle that 'research must engage with society, and culture must reach every individual.' We have a responsibility to share knowledge about minerals, gemstones, and fossils with the public."

Through the platform of this Mineral Expo, Nanjing University will fully showcase its achievements and strengths in talent cultivation, scientific research, and public engagement. The university will collaborate in advancing geoscience education, promoting the sustained development of science outreach, and serving society through popular science initiatives—bringing scientific understanding to a broader audience. This effort will lay the groundwork for Nanjing to potentially host the International Mineralogical Congress (IMC) in the future.

In 2026, Nanjing will host the 24th General Meeting of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA 2026)—the largest and most significant academic conference in the field of mineralogy. Centered on the theme "Mineralogy of the Future," the conference will feature sessions on "Four Frontiers of Mineralogy" (deep Earth, deep space, deep sea, and deep-time mineralogy), critical metal mineralogy, carbon-neutral mineralogy, planetary mineralogy, and cutting-edge mineralogy research. This marks China’s second opportunity to host the event since the 15th IMA was held in Beijing in 1990, underscoring the country’s growing international academic influence in mineralogical research.

Professor He Mingyue, former Dean of the School of Gemology at China University of Geosciences (Beijing), current Distinguished Professor (Level II) at the university, and Director of the National Rock, Mineral, and Fossil Specimen Resource Bank, provided an overview of their contributions in several key areas:

In terms of public engagement, many national-level museums and higher education institutions across China serve as pioneers and practitioners in promoting the value of science outreach. For students, visiting and interning at these venues is akin to standing on an expansive platform for learning.

On the cultural front, the design program at the School of Gemology at China University of Geosciences (Beijing) integrates geology with art and culture. From a humanities perspective, it drives the creative transformation and innovative development of outstanding cultural heritage, ensuring the continuity of civilization and strengthening cultural confidence.

Regarding scientific research, the university has mobilized over a thousand scientists to establish descriptive standards for rocks, minerals, and fossils. To date, 54 descriptive standards have been completed, along with 40 technical guidelines covering collection, organization, and preservation—totaling 94 finalized projects. These published standards now guide the nationwide utilization of specimen resources.

Exploring Exhibitions and Science Popularization Hand in Hand
Breathing Life into Natural Heritage

China, with its abundant mineral resources, vast population, and profound cultural heritage, has witnessed rapid growth in the mineral crystal industry. Frequent exhibitions across the country and the gradual rise of private mineral museums reflect an optimistic development outlook.

To better integrate high-quality resources and assist governments, schools, and private entities in establishing museums, Peng Zhaoyuan, Director of the Mineral Crystal Committee of the VSAC, stated that the committee has long been dedicated to consolidating domestic and international resources, staying abreast of global trends, and regularly organizing mineral crystal seminars and expos. Additionally, it has established authoritative institutions for mineral crystal appraisal, evaluation, restoration, and training.

As of now, over 90% of the exhibition booths for this Mineral Expo have been booked, with an expected attendance of hundreds of thousands of visitors. Adhering to the principle of "gathering global mineral, gemstone, and fossil resources to build an international professional exhibition brand," the organizing committee aims to create a diversified event integrating exhibitions, forums, and science education—with a focus on public outreach, free appraisal services, and global perspectives.

Zhang Wei, Director of the Exhibition Office at the Nanjing Council for the Promotion of International Trade, introduced that Nanjing is not only the only megacity in the Yangtze River Delta and East China region but also a city abundant in mineral resources. It boasts over 40 types of minerals, including 23 with proven reserves, 20 of industrial mining value, and more than 10 currently being extracted.

This Mineral Expo is committed to establishing Nanjing's international brand for mineral, gemstone, and fossil exhibitions, fully showcasing the city's unique charm as the "City of Stone" and a "historically and culturally renowned city." It also explores how to deeply integrate natural geoscience education with cultural tourism. The Nanjing Exhibition Office will collaborate with all stakeholders to elevate this event into an international exhibition brand, creating a new highlight for Nanjing's convention and exhibition industry.

This Mineral Expo features numerous highlights. Wang Yingjun, Secretary-General of the Mineral Crystal Committee of VSAC, introduced several special exhibitions worth noting: a curated display of premium mineral crystal specimens from domestic and international collectors, a thematic exhibition of paleontological fossil type specimens jointly organized by the Fossil Committee of VSAC and the Nanjing Paleontology Museum, and a special exhibition of Nanjing riverstones collections.

During the event, the Museum Innovation and Development Summit Forum will also be held concurrently, bringing together renowned experts and industry leaders such as Fan Jinshi, Wang Xiaoming, and Liu Shuchen. In addition to conventional exhibitions, a dedicated science education and cultural innovation zone will allow visitors to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences like "fossil excavation" and "crystal geode cracking," enabling the public to appreciate the beauty of science.

Centered on the theme "Gathering of Crystal Splendors, Minerals Enriching Jinling," the expo will adopt a "1 main venue + N satellite venues" format. The main venue will feature five exhibition and sales zones—International Mineral Crystals, Mineral Specimens, Fossils & Meteorites, Jewelry, and Ornamental Stones—alongside a science popularization area. Satellite venues include Nanjing University, Nanjing Geological Museum, and the Jiangsu Mineral Culture Exchange Center, among others.

This Mineral Expo is expected to attract over 150 exhibitors from more than 10 countries and regions including the United States, Germany, France, Italy, South Africa, and India. With its distinctive features of science popularization, free appraisal services, and global perspectives, the event aims to perfectly present hundreds of thousands of world-class mineral and fossil specimens to both Nanjing residents and visitors from afar.

By creating a international-level gathering for the mineral, gemstone, and fossil industry, the expo will provide enthusiasts with a rare learning and exchanging opportunity. As a multifaceted event integrating exhibitions, forums, and science education, it strives to establish itself as a premier exhibition brand that will be held annually in Nanjing.