Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Society

About Us

history

The Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Society of Barstow, California was founded in 1940. We are a nonprofit organization for people interested in collecting and learning about gems, minerals, rocks, fossils, lapidary artsand the earth sciences.
The club holds monthly meetings and sponsors a variety of special events including field trips, lapidary classes, and an annual gem and mineral show.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this Society are:
•To collect and study minerals and rocks.
•To disseminate a general knowledge of the science of mineralogy and allied subjects.
•To provide opportunity for the exhibition and exchange of specimens.

AFFILIATES: Our Society is a member of:
•AFMS - American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (a non-profit educational Federation of seven similar regional organizations of gem, mineral and lapidary societies).
•CFMS - California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. (includes approximately 137 clubs and societies mostly in California).

history

The Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Society owes its origin to Mr. Nelson W. Whittemore of Santa Barbara, Mr. Frank Miratti, Jr. of the Beacon Tavern and to Mr. Walter Lauterbauch of Barstow.

These three, often meeting to discuss rocks and the cutting and polishing of semi-precious stones, conceived the idea of starting a rock club for all those interested in this particular hobby. The first meeting was held at the Beacon Tavern, forming the club on January 20, 1940 with a membership of 4 persons. Mr. Walter Lauterbauch was the first President. Then during 1941 was Mr. Robert Greer of Yermo, with Mr. Walter Rienhart serving during 1942.

The club was inactive during the war and reactivated on March 30, 1945 with Mr. Greer as its President. In 1946 Mr. George Fink of Yermo was elected President with Mr. Bill Gabriel of Barstow following in 1947.

The Society was incorporated February 6, 1946 and is a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

The Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Society sponsored a rock show which was held at the Beacon Tavern in 1941. There were over 1700 visitors from 16 states who saw the displays. It also sponsored its first hobby show in 1947 at Barstow High School. Each year thereafter the hobby show was an annual event until 1954, when it was discontinued because of lack of interest by the public.

Our club also organizes an annual Gem and Mineral show the first weekend in December of each year. It is always a big hit with local residents and rockhounds alike.

MDGMS Scholarships

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. The applicant must reside in San Bernardino County.

2. Must be a graduating high school senior or college, university, or graduate school student.

3. Must be pursuing a degree and/or career in earth sciences, lapidary arts, or other related fields at an accredited college or university.

4. Must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.

5. Enroll in one class of Earth Science of their choice.

6. Scholarship recipients must reapply each year.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Society has a program to provide scholarships to residents of the Barstow community. The society was established in 1940 to encourage interest in the earth sciences and lapidary arts and hopes that this program will aid in continuing these interests in future generations. Funds for the Scholarship Program are obtained from proceeds received from our annual Gem and Mineral Show.

scholarship application (pdf)Download

CLUB ACTIVITIESTitle

up coming shows

TAILGATE/ YARD SALE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY APRIL 29th and 30th from 9:00AM to 4:00PM At the Hinkley Community/ Senior Center 22562 Aquarius RD Hinkley CA

December 2 & 3 2023

Club meetings

Business Meetings are the 1st SATURDAY of the month at 2:00pm workshops - 2nd Saturday Kids Group from 9:00AM to 12:00PM 3rd Friday Workshop at 5:00PM 3rd Saturday Field trip- Time/Place TBA - 4th & 5th Saturday Workshops are at 12:00PM to 3:00PM

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are new work shop is at 22562 Aqua rius Rd Hinkley CA 92347

Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Society

About Us

history

history

history

history

history

Welcome

Society Objectives

MDGMS Scholarships

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

GEM&MINERAL SHOW PHOTOS

cfms news

CLUB ACTIVITIESTitle

up coming shows

December 2 & 3 2023

Club meetings

Share the big news

MEMBERSHIP

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

Better yet, see us in person!

Mojave Desert Gem and Mineral Society

dealer space contract

Display case applicaion for the show

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