Fascinating one-offs, beautiful jewels, million-year-old fossils – at the 40th Mineralien Hamburg some 400 exhibitors with unique objects and exhibits from the most diverse nations are expected. 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 every year before Christmas. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary there is a very special surprise: if you turn 40 this year, you get in for free.

How everything started
Everything started in 1978 with the Hamburger Mineralientage, a small but beautiful event at the fairground. The first time, the doors opened to give mineral fans an insight in the uniqueness of the stones. The exhibition was enhanced from the start with spectacular and educational special viewings with valuable findings and selected objects that were generated in co-operation with partners and museums from the four corners of Europe. A concept that is very appreciated and popular with visitors to this day.

Unique special viewings
“Over the years, we have hosted special exhibitions of impressive diversity and fascination. One was, for example, “Ural - the guest of Europe” in the year 1993. At the time, unique gems and semi-precious stones from the Russian mountains could be admired. A five ton chunk of jade, that made a stop in the Hanse city on its long journey to China, in the year 2004”, recounts Michael Arfmann, project manager of Mineralien Hamburg on past highlights. He also remembers a wedding that took place in 2010 at the Mineralien Messe well, and the visit of a real African king one year later. “With thanks to all the partners who have contributed considerably to the long success of the fair with creative ideas and much organisational talent.”

Just one more thing: This year too, visitors can look forward to fantastic special exhibitions. “Scandinavia - of the magic of gems, glaciers and dinosaurs” and “Witnesses of primeval times” are announced for the jubilee event.

Première of the “Discovery Hall”
From the start, the extensive family and children programme has been a trademark of the Minerals fair. The organisers have come up with something special for the little ones at the jubilee event too. There will be an action hall, the “Discovery Hall”, for the young mineral fans. Experts will fuel the fascination for stones with exciting activities here. The diverse programme covers “washing gold”, “experiencing fossils” to “digs”.

Service and information
A permanent element of Mineralien Hamburg is also the advice and information on offer. The talks forum with its diverse contributions has been a real public magnet for many years. This is a popular addition to the programme at the Mineralien Hamburg fair and is used by many people as a source of valuable expert information and education. Another lasting hit: a valuation service for people who want to have a piece of jewellery valued that they have brought with them or that they have just purchased at the fair.