During the months of January and February, the massive gathering of swap meets and shows in modern-day Quartzsite, Arizona, has resulted in the making of the most incredible "market town" in America.

From 750,000 to 1 million people, mostly traveling in RVs and fondly known as "snowbirds," flock to Quartzsite in the winter months for camaraderie and commerce.

There are roughly a dozen ongoing events – a large percentage centered around gems, minerals and precious metals – and this flat little desert town of population 2,000 (officially) swells into a great metropolis.

Quartzsite history
It was in the 1850s that Quartzsite was settled by prospectors who mined gold in the nearby hills, although not officially named until 1867. Some of the elements and minerals mined in Quartzsite over the years include gold, lead, silver, copper minerals, scheelite and manganese.

In between shopping sprees, be sure to pay a visit to the Tyson Wells Museum, where there are historical exhibits about the area's mines, as well as an assay office for the Mariquita Mine.

For those interested in gold, Quartzsite is surrounded by the stuff. One of the places it can be found is at the Copperstone Gold Mine, which is east of town along Gold Nugget Road.

Gem and mineral shows
While some shows and swap meets begin as early as November, most are going full steam by mid-January, including Cloud’s Jamboree (Rocks/Gems/Minerals/Fossils), the Prospector’s Panorama’s Gold Show, and the Tyson Wells Rock/Gem/Mineral Show.