The Mineral & Gem in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines is considered, alongside the legendary Tucson Show, the world’s most important fair for fossils and minerals. In June 2026, the international collector community gathered once again in the Alsatian “Silbertal.” Fossiland was represented this year as an exhibitor in the exclusive Osmont Pavilion. In this show recap, we report on particular challenges, trends in the fossil market, and a very special fossil highlight that has found a new owner.
The world of collectors comes together in Sainte-Marie
First-time visitors to Sainte-Marie tend to underestimate the scale of the show. The show was founded in 1963 and has been held every June since then. Over the decades, what began as a local mineral show in the Val d’Argent region of Alsace has grown to become the most important event of its kind in Europe.
The numbers speak for themselves. Around 1,000 exhibitors from nearly 60 countries attend, along with some 45,000 visitors each year. The entire city is transformed into a venue for the event: two areas—the MINERAL Zone and the GEM Zone—cover a total of approximately 52,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor space. For several years now, the show has ranked second in its category worldwide—only the Tucson Show in Arizona is larger.
It’s remarkable how this is achieved. The entire event is made possible by about 850 volunteers who help out at the gates, in the parking lots, and at the booths.
Another staple of every edition is the major special exhibitions. The 2026 Prestige Show was titled “Shades of Iron” and explored the element of iron—from its origins in stars and meteorites to its role in human history. It is this blend of commerce, science, and culture that makes the trip to Silbertal worthwhile.
Record Heat: Challenges for Mineral & Gem 2026
The 61st edition of this long-standing trade show was quite a challenge for exhibitors and organizers. An extreme heat wave, with temperatures at times exceeding 40 degrees, dominated the show week throughout France; the Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed to visitors. For safety reasons, the show also had to be closed at times.
In addition, global political tensions, such as the Iran War, took their toll. While numerous trade visitors from Asia had attended in previous years, many key buyers from China were absent this year—not least because a plane ticket from Beijing to Paris cost 3,000 euros at the time.
The Trend in the Collectibles Market: “Investment Fossils” Are in Demand
Despite the adverse circumstances, the international audience of experts in attendance was eager to buy. A market trend that had already been emerging in recent years became crystal clear: The focus is on high-end collector’s items, “investment fossils.” The greatest demand was for aesthetically appealing, high-quality fossils from world-renowned, classic sites such as Holzmaden and Solnhofen. In the upper price range, there is a slowly growing awareness of the importance of excellent documentation with proof of provenance.
Since customs inspections had already been announced for the 2025 show, fossils subject to export restrictions from China, Mongolia, Brazil, and Argentina were once again rarely seen this year. Surprisingly, vertebrates from Madagascar, on the other hand, were still frequently encountered. Overall, the trend toward legalized trade is, fortunately, continuing here as well.
The Fossiland Highlight: A Rare Pterosaur from Solnhofen
As one of only 20 selected dealers in the exclusive Osmont Pavilion, Fossiland had the opportunity to present one of the absolute highlights of the entire show. We had the exclusive privilege of offering a fully preserved (long-tailed) pterosaur, Rhamphorhynchus longicaudus, from the famous Solnhofen limestone slabs. This museum-quality masterpiece attracted a great deal of attention. We are very pleased that we were able to successfully sell this rare fossil during the show.
Thank you to all the visitors who braved the heat outdoors and came to the Pavillont Osmont. Thank you also to the organizers, who once again did an outstanding job and preserved the show’s special atmosphere—we really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you again in 2027!
