Rock and mineral enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest have descended on Madras this week for the annual Madras Rock, Gem & Mineral Show — a four-day event running through Sunday, September 20, at the Bart Platt Event Complex at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
The show, a fixture on the regional gem and mineral calendar, features dealers, collectors, and clubs displaying and selling a wide variety of specimens — from Oregon thundereggs and obsidian to agates, crystals, fossils, and jewelry-grade gemstones. Jefferson County's high-desert terrain has long made the area a destination for rockhounds, and the annual event draws exhibitors and buyers from throughout Oregon and beyond.
A Rockhound's Corner of the State
Oregon is one of the premier rockhounding states in the country, and Central Oregon is especially well-regarded for its geological diversity. Jefferson County sits within easy reach of some of the region's most celebrated collecting sites — including the Glass Buttes obsidian fields in Lake County, thunderegg beds near Prineville, and fossil-bearing formations in Wheeler County to the north along Highway 207.
For visitors who prefer to do their prospecting indoors, the Madras show brings that culture right into town — offering a curated selection of quality pieces from established dealers without requiring a backcountry drive.
What to Expect at the Show
- Gem and mineral specimens for sale, from raw finds to finished pieces
- Lapidary supplies and jewelry vendors
- Clubs and organizations sharing collecting knowledge
- Family-friendly exhibits for young rockhounds
- Information on legal collecting sites throughout Central Oregon
The show runs through Sunday, September 20, at the Bart Platt Event Complex on Fairgrounds Road in Madras. For more information, contact the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at (541) 325-5050, or find the event on Facebook at facebook.com/madrasrocksandgems.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a curious first-timer, or just looking for a unique way to spend a September weekend, it's worth stopping by before the show closes Sunday afternoon.