Michigan Mineralogical Society

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Bloomfield Hills, MI
Michigan Mineralogical Society

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MMS aims to educate on, encourage, & preserve the hobby of mineral, fossils, & gem collecting.

11/06/2026

The leaves aren’t the only things worth looking down for this fall!

On your next Michigan shoreline walk, keep an eye out for quartz pebbles, patterned fossil stones and, in the right locations, agates. What you find depends on where you explore—and some treasures take a second look.

Dress for the weather, watch the waves and check local collecting rules before bringing anything home.

What’s your favorite fall find?

Photo: USDA Forest Service / Kate Salm.

11/02/2026

November’s gem spotlight brings a little golden glow to shorter days! 🍂💛

Citrine, one of November’s birthstones, is a variety of quartz with colors ranging from pale yellow to rich brownish orange. Its warm tones fit right in with Michigan’s fall scenery.

Do we have any November birthdays here? Tell us if citrine is part of your collection!

10/30/2026

Nature creates colors that are perfect for Halloween.

Black obsidian, orange carnelian, deep purple amethyst and ghostly clear quartz make a wonderfully mysterious seasonal combination. Minerals don't need costumes to show off their dramatic side!

Which one would you add to your Halloween collection?

10/26/2026

Did you know October has two recognized birthstones?

Along with opal, tourmaline is also associated with October. Tourmaline occurs in an impressive variety of colors, including pink, green, blue and striking multicolored combinations.

Some specimens even display pink centers surrounded by green, earning them the nickname watermelon tourmaline.

10/23/2026

Fall can be a wonderful time to explore Michigan's rocks and minerals.

Cooler temperatures make outdoor exploring more comfortable, and changing water levels or seasonal weather may reveal new material along shorelines and trails. Always check local collecting rules, respect private property and leave natural areas as you found them.

What is your favorite Michigan rock-hunting location?

10/19/2026

Opal may look delicate and dreamy, but its story begins with water and silica.

Over time, silica-rich water can settle into cracks and spaces within rock. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind silica deposits that may eventually form opal.

It's a beautiful reminder that some of nature's greatest treasures take time.

10/17/2026

Fall has its own gemstone color palette.

Citrine reflects the golden yellow of changing leaves, carnelian brings warm orange and red tones, smoky quartz mirrors earthy autumn neutrals, and garnet adds the deep richness of the season.

Which gemstone best captures fall for you?

10/14/2026

October's gem of the month is opal - a gemstone known for its beautiful flashes of color.

This dazzling effect is called play-of-color. As light moves across some opals, the stone may appear to glow with shifting shades of blue, green, orange, red or violet.

No two opals are exactly alike. What colors would you want to see in your perfect opal?

10/12/2026

Thank you to all of our vendors, volunteers and guests who made this year's Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show such a HUGE success!

Please share your photos with us! We'd love to see what treasures you picked up throughout the weekend!

Address

39221 Woodward Avenue
Bloomfield Hills, MI
48304

Website

https://www.michmin.org/

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