The First China (Changsha) Mineral & Gem Show (CMGS) kicked off at the Hunan International Conference and Exhibition Center in Changsha on May 16.

CMGS aims to create a national-level exhibition platform for the cultural communication and trade of international minerals and gemstones, and to boost the communication of mineral- and gem-related museums and the implementation of science education.

The event is the first international mineral and gem show ever held in China, and the first international exhibition held in Hunan province with the approval of the State Council.

The first CMGS brings together 1,200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions and about 200,000 visitors including about 5,000 overseas visitors.

The event will gather powerful buyers such as the world top mineral and gem traders, collectors, professionals and museum procurement groups. The CMGS is expected to see over 1 billion yuan ($163 billion) worth of floor trading.

The industry driving effect is expected to put CMGS among the world's three major mineral and gem shows, making Changsha a mineral and gem distribution center in Asia. Organizers hope the CMGS will be a resounding international business draw for China.

Overseas exhibitors have more than 800 booths, accounting for more than half of the total number, including the world's top mineral exhibitors. Many resource-rich countries and regions organized exhibitions in groups.

The first CMGS will last for five days. It's open for professional visitors on May 16 to 17 and for the public on May 18 to 20.

Among the exhibits are the world's last remaining complete archaeopteryx fossil; opal known as the "gem of the gems"; the original piece of the "Heart of Ocean" tanzanite; and the world's largest natural gold specimen.