Welcome to the Gem, Lapidary and Mineral Society of Washington, DC
Our Society, GLMSDC, has been in existence for 65 years serving people in the National Capital Area who share a common interest in the Earth Sciences. We are a co-founder of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical & Lapidary Societies (EFMLS). Since the EFMLS is a member of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, our members realize the benefits of both federations.
The GLMSDC promotes learning and interest in:
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The Earth Sciences
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The lapidary arts
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Mineral and fossil collecting
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Touring museums and other hobby-related sites
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A fun-filled learning environment
Our Program
Lectures
Our Club offers lectures by experts in geology, minerals, gems, fossils and lapidary arts. Fascinating and timely topics are covered by university professors, museum curators, scientists, skilled artisans and authors of relevant publications. Members also present lectures about their areas of expertise and their field-trip expeditions.
Field Trips
Our Club organizes field trips, usually on weekends from March to November. Members collect at sites for beautiful crystals, minerals, fascinating fossils and lapidary cutting materials. Collecting sites are within a 200-mile radius of the Washington, D.C. area. We tour museums or view private collections.
Our SpecialtyRelated to the Earth Sciences.
What is Gemology, Fossil, Beading and Mineralogy?
Gemology: the science of gems. Fossil: preserved from a past geologic age. Beading: ornamental work in beads.
Mineralogy: a science dealing with minerals, their crystallography, properties, classification, and the ways of distinguishing them.
Check out the definition of Lapidary and Micromount:
Lapidary: the art of cutting gems; a cutter, polisher, or engraver of precious stones.
Micromount: is any crystals that requires some degree of magnification in order to view it properly and has been securely mounted in a box for protection.
Mineralogy 98%
Gemology 87%
Jewelry 93%
Collecting 93%
Fossils 93%
Lapidary 93%
Beading 93%
Metal work 93%
Mineralogy 93%
Micromount 93%
Club OfficersOur current Club Officers invite you to visit our club. Be amazed by the wonders of the Earth Sciences. Come join us!
Imelda Rocha President
Matt Charsky Immediate Past President
Al DeMilo Programs Chair
ResourcesImportant links to our hobby
