About the Santa Cruz Mineral and Gem Society

Organized May 1949, the objectives of the society are to unite and associate people interested in the study and collecting of minerals and gemstones; mutual improvement in the art of cutting and polishing gem or semi-gem material; and, for increasing the knowledge of its members about the various lapidary arts and earth sciences.

Membership: Applications for membership may be made after attending one or more meetings. Dues are $25 for single and $35 for family. Dues are due at or by the October meeting each year. Members of the Society have voting rights and have access to the club’s lapidary shop, meetings, field trips, and other sponsored events.

Meetings: the second Wednesday of each month at the Live Oak Grange Hall, 1900 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz (Live Oak). Doors open at 6:30 pm. The general meetings involve socializing to share finds and knowledge, general business, public announcements, and presentations and/or discussions. Youth participation is encouraged. Guests are always welcome.

Newsletter: our monthly newsletter, the Lapidarian, includes announcements of field trips and other club related events, shows to see, interesting and informative articles on geology, lapidary and other aspects of our hobby, upcoming presentations, committee reports and more fun than you can shake a stick of petrified wood at.

Lapidary Shop: club members and invited guests have access to a well-outfitted lapidary shop at the Senior Center at 222 Market Street in Santa Cruz. Space is limited, but we offer a good variety of saws and grinding and polishing stations. A nominal fee is charged to keep the shop in good repair with good grinding wheels and cutting saws. New users need to complete safety and equipment training prior to working on their own from one of our trained shop stewards.

Shop hours are Saturdays, 9 AM to 12 PM.

Executive Board Officers

  • President – Dale Bruce
  • Vice President – Clinton Klosinski
  • Secretary – Lindsey Freeman
  • Treasurer – Sara Cordell
  • CMFS Director & Social Media Chair – Pariesa Halterman
  • Public Relations Chair – Dave Somerton
  • Fieldtrip & Show Chair – Justin Delemus
  • Membership Chair – Tracy Tirrel
  • Director – Cori Bogle
  • Ken Schulze
  • Dave Mrus 

 

Social Media: Facebook page for the Society can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/scmgs

Mailing address: P.O Box 343, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-0343.