$100M of Crystals, Cartels, and Cartier

In this episode, we talk about the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, the largest event of its kind in the world. We cover its origins in Arizona’s mining past, its transformation into a global hub for collectors, jewelers, and miners, and how rare stones from places like Tanzania and Mahenge end up in luxury houses like Cartier. We dive into how crystals form, how they’re mined and judged, and how elite buyers trade them for millions. From ultraviolet-reactive Tiffany stone to museum-grade aquamarines and trillion-dollar tsavorites, Tucson is where the world’s rarest minerals meet their fate—either as fine jewelry, private collections, or museum centerpieces.

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