LINKS and HANDY REFERENCES
General Mineral & Gem Information References
(see also Magazines/Journals below)
San Diego Mineral & Gem Society – memberships/affiliations
American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. (AFMS) Organized in 1947, AFMS is composed of seven regional organizations of gem, mineral and lapidary societies, including CFMS. Its mission is 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, and to sponsor and provide means of coordinating the work and efforts of all persons and groups interested therein; to sponsor and encourage the formation and international development of Societies and Regional Federations and by and through such means to strive toward greater international good will and fellowship. AFMS and its member federations do not condone the collecting of any type of specimens where collecting is against Federal, State or local laws, regulations, statues or ordnances. Federation Members adhere to the AFMS Land Use Polices and the AFMS Code of Ethics while engaged in collecting of rocks, minerals or fossils.
Website: www.amfed.org
California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. (CFMS) CFMS was organized in 1936 to bring about a closer association of Clubs and Societies devoted to the study of Earth Sciences and the practice of Lapidary Arts and Crafts in the Western part of the United States. (Includes approximately 110 clubs and societies in California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. The CFMS is a member of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS).
Website: www.cfmsinc.org
American Lands Access Association, Inc. (ALAA) ALAA's goal is to provide current information to the Rockhound Community on issues affecting access to existing and potential collecting sites. ALAA also provides advice and means to contact Public Land Managers and Legislators on actions affecting Recreational Collecting Activities of interest to the Rockhound Community.
Website: www.amlands.org
Atlas of Rocks and Minerals Igneous and metamorphics rocks, minerals and textures; site administered by Geology Department of the University of North Carolina.
Website: leggeo.unc.edu/Petunia/IgMetAtlas/mainmenu.html
Beyond 4Cs 23 Amazing Sites For Free Gemology Courses & Resources (online resources and references related to gemology).
Website: https://beyond4cs.com/free-gemology-courses-and-resources/
Common Minerals & Their Uses Education-oriented site that features a minerals resources database.
Website: mineralseducationcoalition.org
Mindat.org Mineral & Locality database. Jolyon Ralph has created an indispensible reference online.
Website: www.mindat.org
The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom Information guide to rocks, minerals, gemstones and jewelry.
Website: www.minerals.net
Sciencesy: Gifts & Gadgets. Merchandise for science nerds, featuring a section on Common Minerals & Their Uses
Website: sciencesy.com/pages/common-minerals-and-their-uses
Mineral & Gem Specialty References
American Geode Every geode is a mystery until it's cracked… then it is a wonder.
Website: www.americangeode.com (newswire)
Bob's Rock Shop An exhaustive reference on all things minerals and fossils.
Website: www.rockhounds.com
Deborah Wilson – jade sculptor Contemporary carvings, jade carving workshops and DVDs.
Website: www.deborahwilson.bc.ca
Pala International Superb gems and mineral specimens. Pala publishes the two best gem and mineral newsletters available online monthly. Subscribe to Pala Gem News. Subscribe to Pala Mineral News. Check out Pala's blogsite, too.
Web sites: www.palagems.com and www.palaminerals.com
Sinkankas Symposium Web site devoted to the annual one-day event honoring John Sinkankas. It features presentations by noted specialists working in diverse gem-related disciplines or occupations. A different gemstone is the featured theme of the Symposium every year. The gem for 2013 will be ruby.
Website: www.sinkankassymposium.net
Gem Mineral Show Calendars
Find out what gem and mineral shows are going on and where!
Magazines and Journals, Blogs and Newsletters
Annual Sinkankas Symposium – companion book of articles and proceedings for the annual gem-themed event.
Pala Gems Reflective Index: Gemformation 24/7 (newsletter)
Selected Museums
American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, CA
The Carnegie Gem and Mineral show, Pittsburgh, PA
The Colburn Gem & Mineral Museum, Asheville, NC
The Creetown Gem and Rock Museum (online)
The Natural History Musuem of Los Angeles County, Gem and Mineral Hall