Welcome to the Searchers Gem and Mineral Society

Collecting, Creating and Promoting Lapidary Arts Since 1956

NEWS

Field trip schedule has been updated; view it (here.)

FEATURED MINERAL: SILICA

Silica is silicon dioxide (SiO2) and it can be found in a variety of habits such as crystalline quartz (left), cryptocrystalline chalcedony (center), and hydrated amorphous opal (right). It is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's crust after feldspar. All can be found in our California deserts, quite often on Searcher field trips. The above photographs were taken with a digital camera through the eyepiece of a 10x microscope.

INFO

We are one of the largest, most progressive rockhound clubs in Southern California and perhaps the whole country. We typically have 150-225 members join/rejoin every year to share in the rockhound experience. We are a 501(c)(3) organization which means we are tax exempt due to our educational status. Our members volunteer at the Long Beach VA Hospital and teach veterans new and marketable lapidary and jewelrymaking skills, teach classes at local schools, and host demonstrations available for the public to see every week of the year.

We have monthly meetings, silent auctions, door prizes, field trips, workshops, rockswaps and educational programs from guest speakers from within and outside of the club. Some of the past programs have included presentations on petrified wood, coining, cutting fire agate, casting, silversmithing, wirewrapping, gold panning, Topaz Mtn, The Oceanview Mine, pegmatite minerals, Owens Valley minerals, field trips, videos related to the hobby, geology, and much more.

Please feel free to join us at an upcoming meeting or event. Click the link to the left to get directions to our General Meetings which are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

JOIN

To become a member visit the Membership page here or download the Membership form by clicking here.

ANNUAL GEM SHOW

To download our 2012 Show Flyer click here.

CONTACT

To contact the Club President please send inquiries to president@searchersrocks.org.


Website last updated 1/21/2012.
This is one of our early club logos in motion......