Richmond Gem & Mineral Society

06/20/2026

This month's field trip was to areas near Sprouses Corner in Buckingham County. At one site, we looked for limonite crystals. Gold panning at another site and garnets as well. Many thanks to the Central Virginia Gold Prospectors (CVGP) for allowing us to collect on their claims.

06/10/2026

Highlights from this week's June 2026 meeting. This month's presentation: "Tennessee River Pearls" by RGMS member Mary Loose DeViney.

06/05/2026

Join us Tuesday evening for a fascinating presentation on the freshwater pearls of the Tennessee River! Our guest speaker, Mary Loose Dinevney of Tuel Jewelers, will share the history, science, and beauty of cultured pearls grown from indigenous washboard mussels found in the Tennessee River. Whether you're interested in gemstones, jewelry, mineralogy, or local natural resources, this promises to be an informative and engaging program you won't want to miss.

Tuesday, June 9 at 7:30 PM
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mechanicsville, VA

Come early, bring a friend, and enjoy an evening of learning with fellow rock and gem enthusiasts!

05/14/2026

Highlights from this week's May 2026 meeting. This month's presentation: "Tools, Equipment & Safety Gear for Collecting Gems & Minerals" by RGMS member Timothy Raney.

05/11/2026

Presentation uploaded for tomorrow night's RGMS meeting: "Tools, Equipment & Safety Gear for Collecting Gems & Minerals". Tim Raney will display the actual collecting tools and safety equipment. Hope to see you there!
Meeting starts: 7:30pm. Members can show-up between 6:30 and 7:00 for social time and activity sign-ups. Meeting location: Saint Paul Lutheran Church: 8100 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Guests are always welcome!

04/29/2026

Tim Raney will give a presentation on tools and equipment for collecting gems and minerals. He will also cover the mandatory safety equipment required for many field trips – especially the trips to active quarries. Tim will have a display with the actual collecting tools and safety equipment. Hope to see you there!

The meeting starts promptly at 7:30pm. Members start showing up between 6:30 and 7:00 for social time and activity sign-ups. Meeting location: Saint Paul Lutheran Church: 8100 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Guests are always welcome!

04/27/2026

Richmond Gem & Mineral Society (RGMS) members manning the displays at the April 2026 Treasures of the Earth Show (TOTES) at Richmond International Raceway (RIR). RGMS displays generated a lot of interest. Many thanks to all who helped with set-up and take down tasks!!

04/23/2026

Richmond Gem & Mineral Society (RGMS) members setting-up for the Treasures of the Earth Show (TOTES). Starts Friday (24 April) at Richmond International Raceway (RIR). See you there!

04/13/2026

Back by popular demand—our Spring Auction returns! We’ve added a new Category C: sellers may retain 100% of their item’s proceeds by donating a comparable item, with 100% of that item’s proceeds going to the club.

IMPORTANT: This auction is open to the public for anyone wishing to buy and/or donate. If you are wishing to sell / donate an item in the auction, please get to the meeting by 6:15, but no later than 6:30, to register your items. The auction will start promptly at 7 p.m.

Members and guests, bring some friends to learn more about club, hang out with good company, and come out to support the club!

The Richmond Gem & Mineral Society (RGMS) is a non-profit organization located in Richmond Virginia. RGMS serves the Richmond Metro and surrounding counties and is open to anyone with an interest in rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, lapidary, geology and other related fields

03/30/2026

Lora Robbins Gallery field trip, March 2026. We had a great turnout and everyone enjoyed visiting the completely renovated Lora Robbins Gallery: rocks, minerals, fossils, shells and coins. Very educational!