Skagit Rock and Gem Club
Serving Skagit County WA Since 1961
Rockhounding Resources
Skagit Rock and Gem Club is a member of the Washington State Mineral Council and the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies and affliated with the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies
Through its Wagonmaster arm, the Washington State Mineral Council conducts field trips several times a year. These trips offer the rock hound the opportunity to collect material with experienced guides.
The WSMC is dedicated to the location and conservation of rock and mineral sites of interest to the rockhounds of Washington state.The Council is also committed to the Rockhound’s Code of Ethics and to educating the general public about the benefits of the lapidary, rock and mineral collecting, and fossil collecting.
The WSMC is made up of the representatives of over 25 rock and mineral collecting / lapidary clubs spanning the state.
The Northwest Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies, Inc. was organized in 1938 to bring about a closer association of Clubs and Societies devoted to the study of the Earth Sciences and the practice of the Lapidary Arts and related crafts in the northwest portion of the United States. The NFMS has now grown to approximately 70 affiliated clubs and societies with a combined membership of well over 5,000 individuals.
Information on Federation shows and Field Trips
The American Federation of Mineralogical Societies was founded in 1947 to promote popular interest and education in the various Earth Sciences, and in particular the subjects of Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Lapidary and other related subjects.
The Federation sponsors annual Rock and Gem Shows around the country.
Additional Resources:
Rockhounds are welcome to collect limited amounts of rocks, minerals, and gemstones from most federal lands, but there are some exceptions. Some lands are withdrawn or reserved for certain purposes such as outstanding natural areas, research natural areas, recreation sites, national historic sites, etc. Other lands are not open to collecting due to the presence of mining claims. The local BLM offices can provide you with information about available collecting areas and those areas that are closed to rockhounding including any fire or vehicle use restrictions.
The WA State Department of Natural Resources is a wealth of information on the Geology of our state. They have lots of maps and publications.
