The Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society was formed in 1958 by a group of rock hounds that wanted to bring about a closer association of those persons interested in the Earth Sciences and Lapidary Arts; to increase and disseminate knowledge about rocks, minerals, fossils and other geological materials; to encourage the study of rocks, minerals, fossils, artifacts, collecting and lapidary work and to conduct meetings, lectures, displays and field trips. The Lubbock Gem and Mineral Society is a member of the South Central Federation of Mineral Societies. The SCFMS is geographically contained by the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas and is made up of some 40 clubs with around 3800 members.
The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies is composed of the following seven similar regional organizations of gem, mineral, and lapidary societies in which there are over 700 clubs, and over 50,000 individuals represented.
California Federation of Mineralogical Societies
Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies
Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Societies
Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies
Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies
South Central Federation of Mineral Societies
Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies
As a member of the LGMS, you are by default a member of the SCFMS and the AFMS, because the LGMS pays dues to both organizations based on membership numbers. While club membership in these organizations is not mandatory, most clubs in the United States choose to participate. The AFMS awards 12 scholarships to graduate students in the Earth Sciences every year and the LGMS has an endowment fund that awards scholarships at Texas Tech as well. More information on the SCFMS and AFMS can be found online at www.scfms.net & at www.amfed.org
Our annual show and sale is held every year and features dealers with products related to our hobby. We put out display cases that show what the members are working on, and to educate the general public about our hobby. While this is not mandatory, everyone is encouraged to participate. We also take displays to several nearby shows to help them and to enjoy the camaraderie of the extended club atmosphere. The SCFMS has an annual meeting at one of the local club shows, and every seven years a club in the SCFMS hosts a combined AFMS/SCFMS show and convention.
We have a (temporary) workshop for members located in a club members building that is open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday’s between 2 and 5 pm. It is a very limited space at this time, but come by and have a conversation if there is not a machine available. We have several saws, a 24”, 12”, & (3) 6” trim saws, and 3 all diamond wheel genie grinders. Each new member that is interested will be instructed in the proper use of the equipment and must be able to demonstrate their proficiency before being turned loose on their own. Everyone that uses club equipment must sign a release form before using said equipment.
The LGMS website is a dynamic source for the club and makes communication with other club members very easy. First off, the Membership Directory (which is for members only) is a place to find contact information for every member of the club (unless they have opted out). You can go to the committees menu to see what committees there are and who is on them and you can go to the Interests menu to see who is into the same things that you are. Additionally, you can click a button and send an email to a certain Committee or Interest group, right from the website. Another great feature of the website is our Forums. When you post to a forum, every member of the club gets an email about your post and can reply as well. Have a question about a stone identification? Ask on the Stone Identification Forum, someone will probably know what it is and reply.
The club has a newsletter – ‘The Rockytier’ that is emailed to club members monthly. The editor is always eager for things to publish, lapidary tips, field trip reports, rock hound jokes or poetry… If you have anything to contribute, please do.
The club has an extensive library located at one of the member’s home. After making an appointment, members can sign out a book or two, just be responsible to return them when you have read them.
Field trips are encouraged as often as possible, if you have knowledge of places to go, inform the field trip chairman and let’s go!
Board meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month (except Dec.) at the Red Zone Café, eat at 6pm, meeting at 7pm. Everyone is invited, but voting is limited to the Officers and Directors.
Often a new member is a little intimidated or overwhelmed because they think they don’t know much about rocks and minerals or other aspects of the hobby, but many have been surprised to find that they knew more than some longtime members of the club.
This is a club for everyone, some members only collect, some are accomplished silversmiths, and some only come to be with a family member that has an interest. We want you to feel welcome and encourage you to get involved quickly. This is a great club, here is hoping your participation will make it even better!
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