Richmond Gem & Mineral Society

The RGMS Logo depicts some specimens, for which Virginia is well-known:
Virginia vivianite, faceted spessartine garnet, a Carcharodon auriculatas tooth, and star quartz. These elements represent the sciences of rocks/minerals, fossils, and the lapidary arts.

Our Goal

The Richmond Gem & Mineral Society is a non-profit organization, whose goal is to foster knowledge and education in geology, mineralogy, paleontology, archeology, gemology, and the lapidary arts.

Formed in 1956, RGMS has continued to offer monthly meetings, speakers, field trips, mineral identification and community outreach. Award-winning “The Collecting Bag” is the Society’s monthly newsletter.

Our Activities

RGMS has an educational exhibit that is displayed in metro area libraries.

Lapidary Classes

Classes for members are held monthly.

Rock Rappers

An informal gathering is held at the home of a member, to examine specimens, and enjoy each other’s company.

Annual Rock Swap

Held the second Saturday of November each year, this Swap is reportedly the best on the East Coast.

EFMLS Region IV Picnic & Swap

This annual picnic and swap are sponsored by the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Society.

Field Trips

Specimen collecting field trips are available to members at a variety of locations, both near and far.

Shows

RGMS participates in several local shows (sponsored by others), such as the Treasures of the Earth Show held at RIR; and the Science Museum Earth Day festivities.

Affiliates

The Richmond Gem & Mineral Society is an affiliate of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies and the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

EFMLS

Eastern Federation of Mineralogical
and Lapidary Societies (EFMLS)

AFMS

American Federation of
Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)

Contact Us

Getting in touch with the RGMS is now easier than ever!
Send us a letter:
RGMS
P.O. Box 26052
Richmond, VA 23260
We look forward to hearing from you!

Links

Related sites, resources, and organizations.

Affiliates

• American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)
• Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies (EFMLS)

Other Virginia Societies

• The Gem & Mineral Society of Lynchburg
• The Gem & Mineral Society of the Virginia Peninsula
• The Northern Virginia Mineral Club
• Shenandoah Valley Gem and Mineral Society
• Tidewater Gem & Mineral Society

Resources

• The Mineral and Locality Database – An online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all.
• The Gemstone and Gemology Information Website – The Mineral and Locality Database’s sister site.
• Virginia Rockhound – Collected treasures and information for others.
• prix-du-cuivre.fr - pour connaitre le prix du cuivre en temps réel ainsi que les prix au gramme de l’or, de l’argent et d’autres métaux précieux ou non. Le cuivre et le laiton sont 2 métaux très en demande sur le marché et sont utiles en électricité et en électronique. L’économie et le développement mondial en dépendent fortement, c’est pourquoi il est important de connaître le cours du cuivre facilement et à tout instant. Cela est aussi intéressant pour le prix de revente du cuivre chez les ferailleurs puisque le cours du cuivre est directement lié au prix du cuivre des fils élecrtique ou autre cuivre usagé.
  
  
• Mineral Resources On-Line Spacial Data – Interactive maps and downloadable data for regional and global geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and mineral resources.
• News and Information About Geology – News and Information About Geology and Earth Science.
• Gold Rush Nuggets – Gold prospecting information, including how and where to find gold.
• Mineralogy Resource Guide for Kids – Article explaining gems and minerals, with many more resources to explore.
• Semi Precious Stones Guide – A great resource on gemstones of all kinds, colors, and varieties, various Gemstone Phenomena, as well as a great chart of a comprehensive range of gemstones that includes information about mineral type, mohs scale hardness and other good stuff.

Meetings

This month’s meeting will be held on the second Tuesday of the month. Doors open at around 6:30 for some social time and rock displays; meeting starts at 7:30. There is a speaker, break time with snacks, and a short business program. Non-members are welcome. Meetings feature educational programs, exhibits, fellowship and refreshments.

Meetings are held at:

Ridge Baptist Church
1515 Eastridge Road
Richmond, VA 23229

Membership

Welcome to anyone interested in rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, lapidary arts and earth sciences at any experience level.

Yearly membership dues are:

Adult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12
Family (includes children under 18). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18
Junior (14 – 17). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5
Mini Miner (under 14 with adult sponsor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3
Our Membership Application Form can be found here: