The Houston Gem and Mineral Society is a non-profit organization for those interested in Gems, Miner A major focus of the HGMS is education.
The Houston Gem and Mineral Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to study in the areas of earth science and the related fields and arts of Gemstones, Minerals, Fossils, Lapidary, Beading and Jewelry, and Archaeology. Through classes offered at the clubhouse and through our scholarship fund, the HGMS encourages its individuals and groups to better their knowledge and understanding in
06/10/2026
HGMS MEMBERS ONLY!
The Paleo Section's June 16th meeting is just around the corner! It starts at 7:30 and this month's meeting will have Ray Kizer present an introduction to foraminifera fossils, detailing what they are, how to find them in the geologic environment, and how they are useful to geoscience and exploration!
06/08/2026
Have you ever wanted to make your own jewelry? We have that class!
On July 26, starting at noon, you can take a class at HGMS to learn to make and texture a 6mm wide band ring from scratch. The class will cover creating rings and the fundamentals of finishing a piece (the key to making it look professional).
This is an ADULTS ONLY class but it is open to members and non-members alike. So click on the below link, get the details, and sign up!
Wide Band Textured Rings Class (Jul 26, 2026) - HGMS - Houston Gem & Mineral Society Learn to make and texture a 6mm wide band ring from scratch. The class will cover creating rings and the fundamentals of finishing a piece (the key to making it…
Julius talks about his flat lap polisher!
06/06/2026
Sneak peek of a great article published in the HGMS monthly newsletter, the Backbender's Gazette.
MORE ABOUT COLLECTING NEAR ALPINE - by JULY OLSON
"“You’ll know you’re serious about rockhounding when you get a 4 wheel drive.“
I laughed when Teri Smith, our incredible guide to rockhounding the private ranches of the once volcanic landscape of west Texas, told me that. Yet, on the way home my wife Jen and I were already seriously contemplating the cost of trading in our current vehicle for one, and pricing places to stay when the rockhounding season opens back up in the fall.
The area around Big Bend has always been my happy place, and now there’s a whole new strata to that deep love. Agates. Boy do I adore agates! And let me tell you, Texas goes big when it comes to those beautiful little biscuits of calcedony!"
The rest of July's article can be found on our website at https://hgms.org/june-2026-backbenders-gazette/
06/04/2026
HGMS ACTIVE MEMBERS ONLY!
FIELD TRIP (Note the new date!)
Saturday June 13, 2026 @ 9 AM. HGMS will be hosting a field trip in Llano TX.
15 spots are available for 2026 current members and their immediate families.
See your current member's eBlast for details on signing up and more!
Not a member but want to go on great fieldtrips? Sign up for HGMS membership now at https://hgms.org/membership/.
06/04/2026
HGMS MEMBERS ONLY!!
The HGMS Beading Section will be continuing their work on the USA Flag bracelet they started last month.
Didn't attend last month's meeting? That's no problem, bring any beading project you'd like to work on and enjoy the great company!
The meeting is Saturday June 13 at 10 AM and is for MEMBERS ONLY so if you want to participate, but you aren't a member, you MUST enroll in membership first (https://hgms.org/membership/) 🤩
Tuesday May 26th - 7:30PM to 9PM at the Clubhouse
Colin Diggins will be speaking about the Pleistocene strata that is right under our feet in Houston. Our area holds a menagerie of unusual ice-age species and Colin's presentation will explore the extraordinary local fossil specimens in HMNS’s collection and the geologic context they’re coming from.
About Colin: Colin has been passionate about the Pleistocene since he was young and went on his first excavation at the age of 13. He completed an undergraduate degree in Archaeology at Agustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2013. Before that he spent several years learning Geology and Paleontology while working as a Discovery Guide at HMNS. He now manages the Paleontology Laboratory at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
05/14/2026
Members only!
Refractometer. Say that 3 times fast!
Or, better yet, come to this month's Faceting Section meeting at 6 PM on Thursday May 21 and learn to use a refractometer in gem ID!! There will also be a drawing for a gemstone giveaway as well as sharing hits and tips in the faceting process!
You must be a member to attend this meeting, but you can easily enroll in HGMS membership here: https://hgms.org/membership/ 🥰
05/10/2026
HGMS Members Only!
This month's Lapidary Section will cover how to slab rocks on the big saws. Get the right cut on that gorgeous rock!
Sandcasting will also be covered. Bring small items that you would like to cast into sterling (preferably the size of a silver dollar coin or small chess piece) and bring your scrap silver to cast! (Email [email protected] with questions).
The fun starts at 7 PM on Monday May 18 at the Clubhouse.
Want to attend but you aren't a member? You can enroll at this link https://hgms.org/membership/ and membership is required to participate in this meeting.
05/10/2026
Can you ever have too many rings? We say NO!
Learn how to make your own in Susan Burch's Cabochon Wire-Wrapped Ring class on Monday May 18. Follow this link for more information and to register! https://hgms.org/event/cabochon-wire-wrapped-ring-may-18-2026/
You do not have to be a member to take this class, but membership has its privileges. And its discounts! Enroll for membership here: https://hgms.org/membership/
