The Southern Maryland Rock & Mineral Club

Background -  Established in 1982, the Southern Maryland Rock and Mineral Club promotes the interest, enjoyment, and appreciation of rocks, minerals, fossils, and the lapidary arts.  We are sponsored by the Maryland National-Capital Park and Planning Commission, Clearwater Nature Center.  There are about 60 members in the club.

Meetings-  The club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the Clearwater Nature Center, 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton, MD. (301) 297-4575.  Guests are always welcome. 

Meeting activities include guest speakers with interesting and informative programs, displays of recent finds or craft projects by club members, field trip planning, and refreshments. 

Field Trips - are a major part of the club.  At least one trip per month is usually planned from March to December.  Most are within 150 miles of the DC area.  However, longer trips lasting for a week or more seem to be taking place more frequently.  Trips to places such as Mt.Ida, Arkansas and Herkimer New York for quartz crystals, North Carolina for garnet, sapphire, ruby, and aquamarine.  A group of club members also traveled to Nevada and Utah for opal, sunstone, topaz, geodes, and trilobites.  

Craft Classes - are another important activity.  Lorna and Mel Larson teach several jewelry making classes including wire wrapping and precious metal clay.  Bob Davidson teaches a monthly cabochon cutting class.  These classes are available through the Clearwater Nature Center (301 297-4575) for a fee. Pre-registration is required. 

The Lapidary Workshop - at the Clearwater Nature Center has a complete has a complete lapidary center that is available to club members.  Equipment includes a 24" and 18" slab saw, a 10" trim saw and two 8" diamond wheel grinders.  In order to use the equipment, a person must (1) be at least 18 years old, (2) be a Clearwater Nature Center Associate, automatic with Club membership, (3) take the above mentioned cabochon cutting class, and (4) demonstrate proficiency in using the equipment.