The Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to promoting Earth sciences, rock and mineral collecting, fossils, and the lapidary and jewelry arts.

Our members share knowledge, learn new skills, explore collecting locations, participate in educational programs, and enjoy the fellowship of people with similar interests.

LGMS was founded in 1958 by a group of rockhounds who wanted to bring together people interested in Earth sciences and lapidary arts. We continue that tradition by encouraging education, collecting, creativity, and friendship.

Anyone interested in rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones, geology, collecting, or lapidary work is welcome!

Our members include beginners, experienced collectors, geology enthusiasts, students, jewelry makers, silversmiths, and people who simply enjoy learning about the natural world.

You don't need to be an expert, own a collection, or have previous experience. Curiosity is all you need!

Absolutely not! One of the best reasons to join is to learn from other members. Ask questions, bring in interesting finds, attend educational programs, and explore new interests. Everyone has something to learn, and everyone has something to share.

Our regular monthly meeting is held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting location:

Forrest Heights United Methodist Church

3007 33rd Street

Lubbock, Texas 79413

Visitors are always welcome! Check the event calendar for any schedule changes.

Meetings offer opportunities to learn, share, and socialize. Activities can include:

• Educational programs about rocks, minerals, fossils, geology, and related subjects.
• Show and Tell, where members share specimens and projects.
• Rock raffles and creative competitions.
• Door prizes and fellowship with other members.
• Club announcements and information about upcoming activities.

It's a great way to meet fellow rockhounds and discover what the club has to offer.

Membership provides opportunities to participate in club activities and access member resources, including:

• Use of the club's lapidary workshop, subject to its rules and fees.
• Educational meetings and programs.
• Field trips and collecting adventures.
• Access to the club library.
• The Rockytier newsletter and archived newsletters.
• Member forums, interest groups, and the membership directory.
• Buy, Sell & Trade discussions.
• Opportunities to display your work and volunteer at the annual Gem and Mineral Show.

Membership is about more than benefits—it's about becoming part of a community that shares your interests.

On the website, look for the Membership section and membership application.

You can also attend a monthly meeting to meet members and learn more before joining.

Yes! Visitors are always welcome at our regular monthly meetings. Come meet members, learn about the club, and see whether LGMS is right for you.

If you're interested in using the lapidary equipment, membership is required.

Yes! Bringing an interesting specimen is a great way to start a conversation. Members may be able to help identify it or suggest ways to learn more.

The best way to get started is to attend meetings, introduce yourself, and tell members what interests you.

You can also join field trips, visit the workshop, participate in Show and Tell, explore the club's online resources, volunteer at events, or contribute to the newsletter.

You don't have to participate in everything. Find what you enjoy and get involved at your own pace.

The LGMS workshop is a hands-on space where members can learn to cut, grind, shape, and polish rocks and gemstones. Club equipment allows members to develop lapidary skills and transform rough material into polished stones and other creations.

The workshop also provides a place to share techniques, learn from experienced members, and socialize.

The workshop equipment is for LGMS members. There is a $5 fee per session fee for members working with the equipment to help cover supplies and maintenance.

Members who visit to socialize without using the equipment do not pay this session fee.

No. Beginners are welcome!

Members interested in using the equipment will be given instruction on proper and safe operation. You can learn the process step by step, and when you demonstrate proficiency, you will be free to operate individual machines independently.

For current workshop hours, access arrangements, and instruction, consult the club's Workshop page or ask at a monthly meeting.

Yes! LGMS organizes outings to rockhounding locations, museums, nearby club shows, and other destinations related to our interests.

Field trips are an excellent way to discover specimens, learn about geology, and spend time with fellow collectors. Check the club's online event calendar for upcoming trips and participation details.

Members who know of interesting collecting locations are encouraged to share their suggestions with the field trip chairperson.

The LGMS Gem and Mineral Show and Sale is the club's largest public event. It features vendors, rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones, jewelry, educational displays, and opportunities to learn about the hobby.

Members are encouraged to volunteer, display their collections or projects, and help introduce visitors to the fascinating world of gems and minerals.

Visit the Show Information page for event announcements and the latest available details.

The Rockytier is the club's newsletter, distributed to members by email. It includes club news, activities, and other information of interest to members.

The website also provides access to archived newsletters.

Members are encouraged to submit articles, lapidary tips, field trip reports, interesting discoveries, jokes, and other contributions.

The member section of the club website includes a membership directory, committee information, and interest groups. These resources help members connect with others who enjoy similar activities.

Directory information is available to members only. You can also use the website to contact committees and interest groups.

The forums allow members to ask questions, share information, and discuss their interests. Topics include general club discussions, stone identification, member projects, meetings, and member classifieds.

Have a mystery rock? Post a question in the Stone Identification Forum. Working on a lapidary project? Share your progress and learn from other members.

Some forums and posting privileges require a member login.

Yes! LGMS maintains a library of books and educational resources related to geology, rocks, minerals, fossils, collecting, and lapidary arts.

Members can contact the club librarian to arrange access and borrow materials. Please return borrowed books so other members can enjoy them.

Yes! Activities include an annual ice cream social, a club cookout, a Christmas party, workshop gatherings, creative competitions, and other social events.

Check the club event calendar and newsletter for current activities, dates, and participation details.

LGMS is affiliated with the South Central Federation of Mineral Societies (SCFMS) and the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS).

These organizations connect local clubs with a wider community of mineral collectors, lapidary artists, and Earth science enthusiasts. They support education, fellowship, and the advancement of our shared interests.

Learn more at www.scfms.net and www.amfed.org.

Yes. LGMS maintains an endowment fund that awards scholarships at Texas Tech University.

Education has been an important part of the society's mission since its founding.