Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show & Swap in Lincoln celebrates 50th anniversary

The 50th annual Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show & Swap sponsored by the Mozarkite Society of Lincoln began Friday, drawing in first-time rock buyers and experienced rockhounds.

Dave Mertell and his wife, Ruby, of Independence, spent most of their time Friday digging through a trailer truck load of rocks searching for Montana agate.

“It’s my favorite stone to work with,” Dave said.

The two have been hunting and working with the rocks since 1974 after a trip to Ruby Mountain in Colorado. This is their sixth year attending the show.

Mertell cuts the agate and Ruby uses the pieces to create jewelry and other items to give to family members.
With dirt-covered hands, the two picked out a bucket full of rocks to take home.

“She’s got the better eye,” Dave said.

Bob and Wanda Rainey, of Knob Noster, attended the show for the first time and got some advice from the Mertells about their rocks.

“We don’t know one rock from another and we just pick up what’s pretty,” Wanda said.

The Raineys purchased an elephant made from onyx and another piece with a bird’s-eye design.

“It’s gorgeous,” Bob said.

They also shuffled through the trailer bed of rocks with the Mertells and purchased a bucketful which may be placed in Wanda’s rock garden.

“I’d say ‘What’s this?’ and he helped me out a lot,” Wanda said of Dave.

The couple ran out of money early and had to walk back to their vehicle to get some more cash in the early afternoon.

“We’re having a blast. If I would have known this is so nice I would have been out here years ago,” Wanda said.

About 25 vendors are selling fossils, rocks, gems, minerals and jewelry at the show.

Linville Harms, of Sedalia, helps organize the event each year and sells mozarkite.

“We’ve got a pretty good crowd for a Friday,” Harms said.

Harms owns land between Cole Camp and Lincoln and said he was the first to dig out a piece of mozarkite, Missouri’s state rock, more than 40 years ago.

Harms lets people go and dig for mozarkite on his land. Digs usually begin at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
“Bring a hammer and a bucket and old shoes,” Harms said.

The show continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday at the Lincoln City Park.