Taos Gems and Minerals
A Gem of A Rock Shop

When I walked through the door of this Gems and minerals showroom, I reminisced about all the times I’d driven past and wondered if I should take time to stop. The only positive I could think of was that not stopping had probably saved me a lot of money because this shop is FILLED with incredible specimens so beautifully arranged that they simply compel you to choose a few to take home.

The First Time
During our first stop here, we learned that it was the oldest gem and mineral store in Taos, having been started more than 45 years ago by the parents of current owner Pamela Parker. The shop offers beautiful minerals and related items such as dishes carved from fossil-filled rocks, all sorts of jewelry-making supplies including intricate silver baubles, and lamps made of halite.

The Layout
The most stunning thing about this shop is the way it is arranged. The minerals are arranged by color on the shelves, so as a viewer, you can see the many different types of minerals and rocks that produce beautiful blues or greens, yellows or reads. There are also drawers and drawers of specimens arranged by price from 2 or 3 dollars. It is a simple system that helps one stay within a buget…something pretty challenging in this beautifully arranged store.

Functional Items
A special feature of this store is the functional items made from beautiful rocks: plates, bowls, serving platters, cups and goblets. You could literally lay an entire table of beautifully carved and polished tock ware. There are also lamps, candle holders, chimes and jewelry…literally something for everyone.

Custom Jewelry
We enjoyed visiting with the resident jewelry-maker who has worked at the shop for many years turning gems and minerals into incredible jewelry. We stopped at the shop twice during our two-day trip to Taos, and both times we heard so many helpful ideas shared with the folks in the shop. He made suggestions for complementary color beads for necklaces that were starting with a single dramatic focal piece. Or there was help in stringing, tying and adding the perfect clasp.

High On Our List
We can’t imagine a more pleasant shop for anyone who loves tocks and minerals. The arrangements’ beauty is really without compare in any shop we’ve visited. The selection is broad and there are prices to fit any pocketbook. If you are in northern New Mexico, don’t miss this one!

Taos Gems and Minerals
637 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
Taos, NM

Pamela Parker and Larry Gentile, owners

Phone# 575-758-3910

Back to Rock Shops

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