Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show: Discover the Hidden Wonders of the Earth

From ancient fossils and rare minerals to gemstones, crystals and lapidary demonstrations, the annual Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show in Haywards Heath offers a fascinating journey into the natural world.

For more than three decades, the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show has brought collectors, jewellery designers, geology enthusiasts, families and curious visitors together to discover some of the extraordinary natural treasures found beneath our feet.

Held annually in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, the show has developed a reputation as one of the South East's most interesting specialist mineral, crystal and fossil events. Around 40 carefully selected exhibitors come together alongside educational displays, demonstrations and talks, creating an event that is as much about discovery and learning as it is about collecting.

You certainly don't need to be a geologist to appreciate it. From the intricate geometry of naturally formed crystals to fossils preserving evidence of creatures that lived millions of years ago, the exhibits offer a glimpse into the immense history of our planet.

When is the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show?

The Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show takes place annually in Haywards Heath, traditionally bringing exhibitors, experts and visitors together for a day devoted to minerals, gemstones, fossils and lapidary arts.

Next show: 14th November 2026
Venue: Haywards Heath College, West Sussex
Opening times: 10.00 -16.30 Early - Entry 9.15
Ticket Price: Adult £5, Chidren £2, Early Entry £10
Tickets: www.smls.online

As dates, exhibitors and programmes can change each year, visitors should check the latest event information before travelling.

Minerals, Crystals, Gemstones and Fossils

At the heart of the show is a large hall filled with specialist exhibitors from across the UK and beyond.

Their displays reveal an astonishing variety of natural material, including colourful crystals, unusual mineral specimens, polished gemstones, ancient fossils and lapidary materials. Some pieces are beautiful because of their colour or structure; others are fascinating because of the geological story they tell.

For established mineral collectors, part of the attraction is the opportunity to discover interesting and unusual specimens while speaking directly with knowledgeable dealers. Fossil enthusiasts can explore remnants of prehistoric worlds, while those interested in gemstones can see both raw and beautifully finished examples of natural materials sourced from around the world.

It is this combination of science, natural beauty and human curiosity that gives the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show its distinctive appeal.

A Destination for Jewellery Designers and Makers

The annual Sussex show is also of interest to jewellery designers, silversmiths and independent makers looking for gemstones and lapidary materials.

Buying stones at a specialist mineral and gemstone show provides a very different experience from ordering online. Designers can examine colour, inclusions, texture and shape in person while learning more about the geological characteristics and origins of the material they are considering.

The opportunity to talk directly to specialist dealers can also provide a greater understanding of how stones have been sourced, cut and polished.

Unlike a conventional shopping event, conversations are an important part of the experience. Exhibitors are chosen not simply for the specimens they bring but for the knowledge and enthusiasm surrounding them, so a browse around the hall can quickly become an informal lesson in geology.

Learn About Geology Through Talks and Demonstrations

Although buying and collecting are an important part of the event, the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show is designed to offer much more than a marketplace.

Throughout the day, visitors can explore geological displays, demonstrations and educational exhibits revealing the science and craftsmanship behind the specimens they see.

A programme of talks typically explores subjects connected with minerals, fossils, gemstones, collecting and geology. These sessions offer visitors an opportunity to hear directly from knowledgeable enthusiasts and specialists and discover the stories behind particular specimens or geological phenomena.

Lapidary demonstrations provide another perspective on the natural materials around the hall. Watching a rough stone being cut, shaped and polished helps reveal the craftsmanship involved in transforming geological material into something suitable for collecting, display or jewellery.

See Fluorescent Minerals Under UV Light

One of the show's most memorable attractions is its UV mineral display.

Under normal lighting, some specimens can appear relatively unassuming. Expose them to ultraviolet light, however, and certain minerals suddenly fluoresce in striking shades of green, orange, red, blue and other vivid colours.

The phenomenon occurs when particular minerals absorb ultraviolet radiation and emit visible light. For visitors who have never seen fluorescent minerals before, it can be a dramatic demonstration of just how much can remain hidden within an apparently ordinary rock.

It is also a wonderful reminder of the complexity of the natural world: sometimes you simply need to look at something in a different light to discover what was there all along.

A Crystal and Fossil Show for Families

Children are naturally drawn to the idea of discovering crystals, gemstones and fossils, making the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show an interesting option for families looking for educational things to do in West Sussex.

A fossil can transform a subject that feels impossibly distant into something tangible. Instead of simply reading that prehistoric creatures lived millions of years ago, a child can stand in front of physical evidence of that life.

Crystals and minerals offer a similar opportunity to introduce younger visitors to geology, chemistry and the processes that have shaped the Earth.

The show therefore offers an accessible introduction to natural history for children while still providing enough specialist knowledge and material to appeal to experienced collectors.

More Than Just Crystals

Interest in crystals has grown significantly within the wider wellbeing world, where particular stones are sometimes associated with spiritual or metaphysical properties. The Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show offers an opportunity to explore another fascinating side of these objects: their geology, mineralogy, natural formation and extraordinary history.

Every crystal began with a geological process. Temperature, pressure, chemical composition and the environment in which a mineral formed can all influence the structures, colours and characteristics we see today.

Understanding that natural history does not diminish their beauty. If anything, knowing that these intricate structures were created by processes taking place deep within the Earth can make them even more remarkable.

Organised by People Who Love the Subject

Part of the show's enduring character comes from the people behind it.

Organised by volunteers from the Sussex Mineral & Lapidary Society, the annual event retains the friendly, knowledgeable atmosphere of a specialist gathering while welcoming visitors who may know very little about geology or collecting.

Dealers, collectors, craftspeople and first-time visitors mingle throughout the day, exchanging stories about unusual finds, favourite specimens and the geological history behind the objects on display.

That willingness to share knowledge is an important part of what has kept people returning year after year.

A Fascinating Day Out in West Sussex

Whether you are a dedicated mineral collector, a jewellery designer searching for unusual gemstones, a fossil enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys discovering more about the natural world, the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show in Haywards Heath offers an unusual and engaging day out.

It is a chance to hold fragments of Earth's history in your hand, meet people who have spent years studying and collecting them, and perhaps return home looking at the ground beneath your feet rather differently.

Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show FAQs

Where is the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show held?
The annual show is held in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Check the latest event information for confirmation of the current venue and visitor details.

What can you see at the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show?
Visitors can typically discover minerals, crystals, gemstones, fossils and lapidary materials alongside specialist exhibitors, educational displays, talks and demonstrations.

Can you buy crystals and fossils at the show?
Yes. Specialist exhibitors offer a wide range of minerals, gemstones, crystals, fossils and related materials for collectors, jewellery makers and visitors.

Is the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show suitable for children?
The show welcomes visitors of different ages and can be particularly interesting for children curious about fossils, rocks, crystals, natural history and geology.

Is the show suitable for beginners?
Yes. You don't need specialist knowledge to attend. One of the attractions of the show is the opportunity to talk to experienced collectors, dealers and enthusiasts and learn more about the specimens on display.

Does the Sussex Mineral, Crystal & Fossil Show happen every year?
Yes, the show is an annual event. Dates, opening times, ticket information and individual exhibitors may change from year to year, so visitors should check the latest information before attending.