1.
GV Exhibition with people looking at exhibits (2 shots)
0.14

2.
SV Entry called "Crystal City" -- figurines of quartz crystals--car, train, church (2 shots)
0.26

3.
SV Ranch scene with carved animals and buildings (3 shots)
0.38

4.
CU Haystack made of serpentine
0.42

5.
CU Children look at ranch scene (2 shots)
0.48

6.
SV Windmill with jade base and blades made of gold (2 shots)
0.58

7.
SV Models of insects made from glass-like material (2 shots)
1.05

8.
GV People look at exhibits.
1.14



Initials BB/1614 RPM/AW/BB/1630



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In the United States, a new breed of rock collectors called "lapidarists" are making art news by turning their collections of stones, gems and minerals into eyes-catching sculptures.

To show the public what these sophisticated rock hunters are capable of creating form their geological collection, the city of phoenix, Arizona is playing host to a display of lapidarian art work.

SYNOPSIS: In the United States, the Phoenix, Arizona gem and mineral show proved more than the usual display of rocks collected by amateur geologists. In fact, it exhibited some unique displays set up by lapidarists, those who make art form their collections of rocks and gems.

This entry was called "crystal city"... various figurines of quartz had been carved into shapes of a car, train and even a small church.

Probably the most detailed display was a ranch scene, made almost entirely of rocks or minerals--the haystack from serpentine--the roofs of the buildings from nickel--the fences from petrified wood. The house is light green in colour and is made from jade as is the base of the windmill. The moving parts at the top are gold--the water tank is silver.

There are an estimated 60-thousand lapidarists in the United States. Some claim it's the fastest growing hobby in the country.