(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

The second China Nanjing (International) Mineral, Gemstone and Fossil Expo (CIMGE) opened at the Nanjing International Exhibition Center on May 29, attracting hundreds of scholars, collectors and traders from around the world.

The expo showcases a variety of precious minerals, including emerald, tourmaline and malachite, and features the world's heaviest known turquoise (373 kg). Visitors can also view dinosaur fossil specimens and meteorites.

With over 200 exhibitors from tens of countries and regions, including the US, Italy and Germany, the exhibition spans 40,000 square meters and serves as a world-class natural history museum.

The opening ceremony also introduced the International Museum Cultural Exchange Conference 2024, aimed at fostering cooperation among museums and celebrating the spirit of science.

Additionally, the expo will host an auction from 14:00 to 17:00 on June 1, a highly anticipated event for enthusiasts of crystals, minerals, gems and fossils. This auction serves as an exchange platform for collectors and researchers, and some items will start with a bidding price of zero to increase public engagement and add excitement to the event.

The event offers a variety of activities free of charge within a zone of nearly 2,000 square meters, such as demonstration of traditional crafts and techniques. It also includes a seminar on mineral discovery and a special exhibition of professional testing equipment.

As one of the expo organizers, the Jiangsu Broadcasting Cable Information Network Group (JSCN) is hosting a treasure hunt in the exhibition hall, allowing more people to explore the cultural heritage of minerals and learn about Nanjing’s historical moniker, “Stone City.”