Gathering of Crystal Splendors, Minerals Enriching Jinling 2023 China Nanjing (International) Mineral Expo Opens
On May 4th, the 2023 China Nanjing (International) Mineral Gemstone & Fossil Expo commenced at Nanjing International Exhibition Center. Thousands of global experts, scholars, mineral dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts gathered to witness the resonance of stones, appreciate their enduring spirit, and embrace their timeless allure.
Centered on the theme "Red Minerals" and guided by the vision "Gathering of Crystal Splendors, Minerals Enriching Jinling", this year's expo adopts a hybrid online-offline format with "1 main pavilion + N satellite venues".
The 20,000㎡ main exhibition hall features five specialized zones including International Mineral Crystals, Mineral Specimens, Fossils & Meteorites, Jewelry and Ornamental Stones. With 300+ exhibitors from 12 countries/regions, the event showcases hundreds of thousands of premium mineral, gem and fossil specimens - making it one of Asia's most comprehensive geological exhibitions.
As one of the organizers of this Mineral Expo, Shou Jiahua, former Vice Minister of Land and Resources and founding President of the Viewstone Association of China, stated in her address: "After years of preparation, the successful hosting of the Nanjing Mineral Expo owes much to the support and assistance from all sectors of society. In recent years, China's ornamental stone industry has achieved remarkable progress."
"As an important member of the ornamental stone family, mineral crystals (and gemstones) are increasingly cherished by collectors and enthusiasts for their dazzling colors, diverse formations, and unique scarcity as natural resources. More importantly, their universal appeal in the international community has built a bridge for deeper exchanges and cooperation between China and the global mineral and gemstone exhibition industry - this is precisely the purpose of hosting this Mineral Expo."
"She expressed hope that the expo would fully leverage Nanjing's rich historical, cultural and resource advantages. Through collective efforts, the Nanjing Mineral Expo should become a permanent event, evolving into 'China's Tucson and the world's Nanjing'."
Zhou Jilin, Standing Committee Member of the CPC Nanjing University Committee, stated in his address: "As one of the six major thematic activities of this Mineral Expo, the science popularization event serves as an excellent platform for the general public to learn about mineral crystals, gemstones, fossils, and meteorites. It provides college students with valuable opportunities to broaden their horizons, while offering geologists and mineral enthusiasts a forum for professional exchange and learning. This initiative plays a positive role in enhancing scientific literacy and advancing the public understanding of science."
At the event site, Song Ruixiang, former Minister of Geology and Mineral Resources, officially announced the opening of the 2023 China Nanjing (International) Mineral Gemstone & Fossil Expo. This year's expo is jointly organized by the Viewstone Association of China(VSAC), Nanjing University, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), and China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), with support from the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Natural Resources and the Nanjing Municipal People's Government. The expo is undertaken by the Mineral Crystal Committee of the VSAC, Jiangsu Cable Network, the Geological Society of Jiangsu, and Jiangsu Jiangwen Exhibition Co., Ltd., and co-organized by the Jiangsu Geological Bureau and the School of Earth and Space Sciences of Peking University. The event aims to further promote in-depth exchanges and cooperation between China and the international mineral, gem, and fossil industries, serving as a bridge to leverage advanced global development concepts and vigorously drive the advance of China's mineral, gem, and fossil industry.
Mineral crystals, with their rich varieties, elegant forms, vibrant colors, and noble character, have become a standout component of ornamental stones. Compared to other types, they possess unparalleled scientific, resource, aesthetic, and artistic value. At the event, Li Zhijian, Secretary-General of the VSAC, unveiled the evaluation standards for mineral crystal ornamental stones (group standard). Additionally, the revamped inaugural issue of Treasures magazine, supervised and sponsored by VSAC, made its official debut on the same day.
This year's expo is truly a "crystalline extravaganza," with the dazzling "Chinese Empress" undoubtedly being the most eye-catching exhibit. Measuring 33cm in height and 39cm in width, the "Chinese Empress" resembles a blooming rose in its resplendent red hue. Its first appearance at the 55th Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in 2011 stunned the global audience, making it one of the world's most renowned and exquisite rhodochrosite specimens. In 2014, the "Chinese Empress" was acquired by a Chinese collector and brought back to China, eventually finding its home in Nanjing. This exhibition marks its first public display in Nanjing. Other highlights include the "Flower of Life" tourmaline, the globally celebrated Chinese red fluorite, and an aquamarine specimen composed of five paragenetic minerals, all making their debut in Nanjing. Additionally, over ten national treasure-level fossil specimens of great significance in the history of Earth's life evolution—such as "the world's earliest mammal fossil," "the first flower on Earth," and "the first feathered dinosaur discovered by humans"—will also make a grand appearance, narrating the fascinating journey of life's evolution on our planet
The Museum Innovation and Development Forum also opened on the same day. Distinguished experts and scholars delivered keynote speeches and engaged with the audience, including: Zhao Shaohua, former Deputy Minister of Culture and former Vice Party Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; Gong Liang, Honorary Director of Nanjing Museum; Wang Yamin, former Executive Vice Director of the Palace Museum; Wang Xiaoming, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Society of Natural Science Museums, former Director of Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, and Vice President of East China Normal University; Liu Shuchen, former Deputy Director of the China Geological Museum; He Mingyue, former Party Secretary of the School of Gemology at China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Director of the National Rock, Mineral, and Fossil Specimen Resource Bank. Their insightful discussions contributed to advancing the innovative development of museums.
As a large-scale professional exhibition for minerals, gems, and fossils, the Mineral, Gem & Fossil Expo serves not only as a grand showcase but also as a high-level platform for communication and exchange. At the same time, it acts as a window for mineral enthusiasts and the general public, providing a broad stage to disseminate the scientific, cultural, and artistic value behind minerals, gems, and fossils while promoting the essence of geoscientific culture. It plays a significant role in continuously driving the thriving development of the mineral, gem, and fossil industry as well as geoscience.
During this year's expo, the organizers have prepared a variety of activities, aiming to create an international-level mineral, gem, and fossil event for Nanjing and offer enthusiasts a rare opportunity for learning and exchanging.
A mineral and gem auction will be held on the 5th, featuring highly aesthetic Jurassic-era Asteroceras fossils and exceptionally well-preserved Platanus leaf fossils, with some lots starting as low as 0 yuan. Additionally, the organizers have set up an innovative and engaging science education and cultural creativity zone on-site. Activities include: "Panning for Treasures", "Fossil Excavation", "Hunting for Riverstones", "Live Fossil Restoration", "Cracking Crystal Ball", "Periodic Table Display Cabinet", "Science-popularization Products Zone". These interactive experiences allow participants to learn about mineral science while having fun and immerse themselves in mineral culture through hands-on activities.