Ottawans look for treasures at the fall Rock N’ Gem Show

The Ottawa Rock N’ Gem show returned to the capital, offering people a seemingly endless selection of rare gems and stones. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

Ottawa gem enthusiasts had the chance to explore rocks, crystals, fossils, gemstones and more at The Rock N’ Gem Show taking place at the EY Centre this weekend.

The show brought together dazzling natural treasures from across Canada and the world, allowing attendees to find special trinkets and hand-pick through exclusive jewelry and minerals at 400 different tables.

For some, today’s event was about finding the exact right mineral.

“I am looking for a pink tourmaline with a cushion shape – in a ring size eight. Either cushion shape or emerald shape,” attendee Mary Lance told CTV News Ottawa.

Benjamin Rautiainen, the road show manager for the Rock N’ Gem Show, says the show brings out plenty of hobbyists looking to round out their collection.

“We get a lot of really excited mineral collectors who are looking for specimens to add to their collection. We bring a lot of variety that way,” Rautiainen said.

“A lot of stuff that people may not be able to find very easily wherever they are, so we bring it across the country.”

According to Rautiainen, many of the gems and rocks on sale were sourced in Canada.

“We’re happy to say that a lot of the Canadian minerals that we have, we’ve actually mined them in B.C. and in Alberta,” says Rautiainen.

Rock collector Eleanor Peloso says she has a collection at home and in her car.

Peloso says she’s grown her collection by attending shows and collecting while on adventures in her own personal life.

“I’m looking for some shiny rocks. Looking for maybe some tiger’s eye. It’s one of my favourite rocks. It has a nice glimmer to it, so I like to pick out those,” Peloso said.

“I like purple rocks. I’ve been looking for some fun purple and pink rocks.”

The Rock N’ Gem show returns to Ottawa in April 2026.

More information can be found at https://cangems.ca/ottawagemshow.html.

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