Fascinating one-offs, beautiful jewels, fossils millions of years old –
at the 41st Mineralien Hamburg, you can look forward to some 400 exhibitors of unique objects
and exhibits from the most diverse nations. This, the fourth largest minerals fair in the world and
the largest jewellery fair in northern Europe, attracts numerous visitors and collectors from the
Hamburg region to admire, browse and shop at the Hamburg fairground (Messegelände) for three
days, every year before Christmas.
"More than 80 percent of the exhibition space has already been booked", rejoices Michael
Arfmann, project manager at Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH about the great popularity the
fair enjoys. "This is an excellent result". Some exhibitors will be offering their products for the first
time in Hamburg, such as the Scandinavian company Swedish blue, which presents selected
jewellery with blue stones and elegant designs. Faopalfossil is also a newcomer, an exhibitor that
will be bringing many diverse fossils such as ammonites, trilobites and even dinosaur teeth.
Meteorites – ambassadors from distant galaxies
In addition to the unique exhibits and jewels presented by the exhibitors, there will also be
spectacular and colourful special exhibitions with precious finds and selected objects to admire.
"Meteorites – ambassadors from distant galaxies" is the title of a very special exhibition that
provides insights into the infinity of the universe. Expert Rainer Bode, who is organising the special
exhibition, says: "This is a real highlight, both for professionals and the general public. Even
children and adolescents will be excited about the many different "stones" from outer space."
The moonstone is the "stone of the year"
Another special exhibition focuses on the "stone of the year", the moonstone, a fascinating and
unrivalled gem that features an extremely dazzling play of colours. Both natural stones from
remote origins such as India, Tanzania or Madagascar and outstanding jewels of this fire opal
variety will be on show here.
Saxon treasures
Precious gems from centuries ago can be marvelled at in the special exhibition "Saxon Treasures".
Saxony's rank and prestige among the European royal courts was mainly based on the rich
treasures found in the soil of the Ore Mountains. Topaz, amethyst, pyrope and agate, for example,
were already used some 300 years ago by the court jewellers in Dresden and elsewhere in
Europe.
Another highlight: The geological-palaeontological work community Kiel presents jointly with the
Urzeithof the special exhibition "Cephalopod. Of Orthoceras, Ammonites and Thunderstones."
Belemnites will be there to be admired in all their diversity" emphasises Dr. Frank Rudolph from the
Kiel work community.
Partners of Mineralien Hamburg this year are the Archäologisches Museum Hamburg, the
TU Bergakademie Freiberg, the "Senckenberg Mineralogischen Sammlungen Dresden" and the
Eiszeit-Museum (ice-age museum).
Exciting programme for young and old
There will be fantastic activities in the Discovery Hall, especially for families and children. Experts will fuel the fascination for stones with exciting activities. The diverse programme covers "panning for gold", "experiencing fossils" to "excavations". Another hit with the audience is always the lecture forum with educational contributions. This additional opportunity to gain expert information and education is very popular. A professional valuation service will also be available for people who want to have a piece of jewellery they have brought with them or have just purchased at the fair valued.