Gypsum Rose Minerals & Fossils

I’ve never been one to collect anything, though as a child I formed this annoying habit that I would find and bring home a souvenir rock anywhere I’d go. Like an actual self found and picked up, rock. I got my stepdaughter into doing this now (which means that I still get to have all the fun but she ends up with the rock, which equals no junk in my home) and through our silly love for rocks of all kinds, we have a mutual fascination for stores that carry fossils, rocks, gems and crystals.
This little store is such a welcome and unsuspected surprise in this small mountain town. They carry a variety of very cool items and fossils at incredibly reasonable prices. As in (dare I say it?), straight up cheap! At least compared to any stores in Michigan.
My stepdaughter couldn’t come with us this time so of course I had to get her something pretty this time (I may or may not have hijacked a rugged looking rock from Zion National Park the day prior for her). A large amethyst waxine candle holder was just the thing.
I love browsing around here and it’s definitely a stop worth your time if you find yourself in Idaho Falls. If you’re not into typical souvenirs and are looking for something a little different, then you’re bound to find something cool or special at the Gypsum Rose.

We were exploring Idaho Springs before lunching at our favorite pizza joint, and we happened into this delightful little rock shop. The owner was knowledgeable, gracious, patient, and friendly. They have an incredible selection – everything from fossils to exquisite jewelry. We purchased a beautiful agate nightlight, turquoise earrings, and a Rhodonite heart pendant. Prices are fair.

This little shop is a gem. I love looking through the microscope.

I collect fossils and minerals only because I find them SO irresistible. My guidebook suggested that I drop by and no it was not my intention to make a purchase. So the story goes that one hour later, I am the owner of a fossil leaf unearthed in CO from the Eocene. My point, don’t live a live of regret because in many cases you don’t get a second chance.
As for the comment about the elder owner, I found her a well spring of information, but just a tad bit easy to get sidetracked. The owner and her daughter were a unique operating pair.

I have a confession. My name is Laura and I collect rocks.
I seriously dislike dropping dough on expensive, touristy souvenirs, so when I’m on a magnificent trip somewhere I tend to pick up a cool-​looking rock instead. The downside of this quirky habit is that I pretty much have a box full of rocks and can’t remember where they all came from.
Although I’m used to picking up freebies, when I spotted Gypsum Rose on a trip to Idaho Springs a few weeks ago, I couldn’t resist going in. This little shop is packed to the brim with all kinds of interesting stuff. You’ll find a table of what I’ll ignorantly call bulk unpolished rocks and geodes; giant slabs of fossilized rocks; display cases of crystals and what look like small meteorites; and things like books, jewelry, and bookends.
A few times I must have gazed a bit too adoringly at some pieces, because the owner came over and pulled them out of the display case. Although it was cool to see them up close, I def wasn’t planning on purchasing anything that day so I felt a wee bit awkward. That said, there is plenty here for any amateur rockhound or afficionado to get excited about, so it’s worth a stop.
Side note: It struck me that if I were a rock shop owner, I’d have a really hard time parting with all those beauties. Prices seemed high to me, but I also don’t know that much about how much those things should cost!
P. s. Did I mention that both my sister and brother-​in-​law are geologists? This rock obsession apparently runs in the family.

This is a quaint little shop filled to the bursting with minerals, gems and fossils. You can handle most of the things on display, but the rarer and more delicate pieces are under lock and key. It is like a curiosity shop, filled with eye candy. On the down side, it is dusty and tiny; there is almost no space to move around. The owner is knowledgeable, but elderly and so a tad forgetful and perhaps overwhelmed. On the plus side, there is a variety of product you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. All of the pieces are very fairly priced. Whether you are looking for your run of the mill yellow Calcite or something rare and unusual, you will most likely find it here!
I definitely recommend visitors to Idaho Springs to stop at this little shop. If you are familiar with the writer Bill Bryson, let me tell you one thing: This is the kind of shop that he would spend paragraphs romanticizing about.