“A Celebration of Minerals, Community & Future Collectors — Sussex Mineral & Fossil Show 2025”

2025 marked the 30th year of the Sussex Mineral & Fossil Show – the longest-running event of its kind in Sussex – and this year proved why it remains such a loved fixture in the mineral calendar. More than 1,500 visitors came through the doors, with cars queueing from opening until late afternoon. From the moment the atrium filled with excited voices, it was clear this was not just another mineral event, but a celebration of natural history, learning and community.

A showcase of top-tier specimens & UK heritage minerals - Crystal Classics drew continuous crowds with their beautiful display of British fluorite, a cornerstone of UK mineral collecting. Fluorite from classic mines such as Weardale has a unique cultural significance — it represents Britain’s mineralogical story, and remains highly sought after for its colour zoning, fluorescence and mining heritage.

Nearby, Chris Duque Smith’s original artworks brought creativity and mineralogy together in a fresh and modern way. Beside them, vibrant crocoite from the Red Lead Mine, Dundas (Australia) glowed with its fiery orange crystals — made famous by TV favourite Outback Crystal Hunters. Many visitors said it was their first time seeing high-quality crocoite in person.

New faces & fresh energy - Three new exhibitors added a refreshing dynamic this year. Salt Shack — represented by Danielle, Mike and David (standing in brilliantly for Luke, who was unwell) — drew strong interest, especially with the launch of Luke and Mike’s new book, The Mineral Manual, selling so fast that printing is struggling to keep up. Luke is widely seen as one of the most influential voices in UK mineral education space, with a remarkable ability to make complex mineral science accessible. His Facebook pages are a goldmine of free, accurate learning resources — a must-follow for collectors, beginners or anyone wanting to understand minerals properly. We strongly encourage readers to subscribe and access this brilliant material.

Also debuting was Richard Turner, specialising in microminerals. His stand, beautifully organised by colour and set almost entirely with specimens under an inch, offered something truly unique. Microminerals are perfect for collectors who value quality, completeness, and space efficiency — the crystals are often better formed, take up minimal room, and are excellent value. Richard’s carefully curated display gave collectors the chance to own top-quality pieces without needing cabinets or large budgets.

Earth Rise Crystals also joined for the first time — represented by Marc and Kev Charlesworth and their family — showcasing an exceptional selection of minerals, polished pieces and natural art forms. They brought enthusiasm, warmth and approachability, happily sharing knowledge with visitors of all ages. They generously gave away crystals to children all day, sparking joy and encouraging new hobbyists.

Societies, learning & new memberships - Visitors engaged with the Sidcup Mineral & Lapidary Society, West Sussex Geological Society, the Russell Society, and of course the Sussex Mineral & Lapidary Society (the show organisers). Many signed up on the day.

Congo Children Trust, charity partner at the show, enjoyed great success selling handmade items supporting children in Africa who often rely on the mining of minerals in dangerous conditions to survive.

The UV mineral room was one of the most consistently crowded areas of the entire show — a darkened space glowing with neon greens, reds, blues and oranges as minerals transformed under shortwave and longwave ultraviolet light. The volunteer team running the attraction worked tirelessly throughout the day, helping visitors handle UV torches safely and explaining why certain minerals fluoresce — from trace impurities to crystal structure defects and activator elements such as manganese, uranium and rare earths.

Children and adults alike were captivated by the ‘magic’ of rocks glowing in the dark, many seeing fluorescence for the first time. The gasps and excitement each time a specimen lit up made it a standout educational feature, especially for families.

UV minerals are also a specialist collecting field in their own right — highly visual, scientifically fascinating and surprisingly accessible for beginners. Many visitors left inspired to explore this niche further, proving that hands-on experiences like this are a powerful gateway into mineral science and lifelong collecting. “I’ve never seen so many children fascinated by rocks — it gives real hope for the next generation of collectors.”

Talks, exhibits & the real buzz of the day - Over 90 visitors attended Ken Brooks’ fascinating talk on Gideon Mantell and the Iguanodon. Over 40 exhibitors filled the main hall with minerals, fossils, gems, jewellery and art — with prices ranging from pocket-money fossils to museum-grade specimens, appealing to collectors, hobbyists, lapidarists, fossil hunters, gem enthusiasts, metaphysical crystal buyers and complete newcomers.

“The atmosphere was electric (if a little hot!) — knowledgeable collectors, families discovering something new, and a sense of real passion everywhere you walked.”

Lapidary – a craft we must protect - John and Cleo delivered lapidary demonstrations all day, gifting polished stones to children. Lapidary is a declining but vital skill — good cutters are rare, yet the demand (and earning potential) is high. Demonstrations like these inspire future craftspeople and show young people that stone-cutting is creative, rewarding and alive.

Powered by volunteers — driven by community - More than 40 volunteers ran the show — parking, front desk, stewarding and more. Chairman Norman Moles was interviewed live on BBC Radio during the event, sharing the Sussex Mineral & Lapidary Society's story with the wider public.

Why this show is unique

• A community-built show, powered by passion not profit

• Education and heritage at its heart

• Multi‑disciplinary — scientific, lapidary, collecting & metaphysical

• A friendly place to talk minerals, ask questions and learn

• Family‑friendly — inspiring tomorrow’s collectors today

After 30 years, the Sussex Mineral & Fossil Show remains a beating heart of UK mineral collecting — thriving, growing and deeply loved.

Next year’s show: Saturday 14th November 2026 — save the date.

Call to Action — Join the Sussex Mineral & Lapidary Society. Membership is for adults with monthly talks, field trips and a friendly community. If you love minerals, fossils, lapidary or gemmology — this is the society for you.