Madison Gem and Mineral Club

Madison Gem and Mineral Club Rockhounding, Lapidary, Geology, Metalsmithing..

Welcome to the Madison Gem and Mineral Club. Our purpose is to promote and encourage the study of mineralogy, lapidary arts, gemology, paleontology, and other allied fields.

The Madison Gem and Mineral Club has monthly meetings the 4th Tuesday of each month at AB20 Lecture Hall in Weeks Hall, UW Department of Geology and Geophysics. Meetings are free and open to members and non-members. (The auditorium tends to be rather cold sometimes so bring a sweater or jacket. Watch for construction on Dayton St.) Each meeting features a presentation on a topic in gemology or mineralogy, or related fields, as well as a chance to discuss past and future rock-hunting expeditions. Check the link "What's Happening" (to the left) for upcoming meetings, or contact the Club President at 608-635-2096 or email Al Vonderohe. Check the link "Downloads and Newsletters" for pictures of Club activities and recent newsletters.

At the January 2009 general meeting, the Club voted to go ahead with the Shop at the Goodman Community Center. At last, a public lapidary shop and classes return to the Madison area. The shop has open hours and classes on lapidary. The second class started May 14, and sign-ups are being accepted for a third class session to start in mid-summer. See the article at right for more details, including hours and class plans, or contact Club President Al Vonderohe (info above.)

The shop open hours for the summer are: W 5-9pm (until July 7), Thu 1-5pm, and Sat 1-5pm.

Note the Club Shop will be closed Saturday the Fourth of July.

The 46th Annual Madison Gem and Mineral Show will be held at Alliant Energy Center, usual location, on Nov 21-22. Contact Show Chairman Nevin Franke for early information at 608-251-2601.

Congratulations to longtime member and Madison High School Senior Gabriella Farfan, Intel Science Talent Search Tenth Place Winner. Gabriella's research was on the optical properties of Oregon sunstones.

Current Newsletter

Membership Application