Welcome and Thank You for Visiting the South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society Website

OUR PURPOSE
Founded in 1962, The South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to stimulating interest in the Earth Sciences and Lapidary Arts by furthering the knowledge of its members and the public, by disseminating knowledge, methods, and procedures for the study, collections, and classification, of rocks, minerals and fossils, and the methods to cut, alter, fashion, and convert Earth Science for specimens for lapidary purposes.

WE ARE AN ALL-VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION
Each member steps up to do their share – We look to members for support of club activities, functions, and events. Membership is open to those with an interest in rocks, minerals, gems, Earth sciences, lapidary, jewelry making, related areas of crafts or collecting, and a general desire to spend time with other enthusiasts.

march 2024 socgems (Instagram Post (Square))

MARCH 20 / NAVAJO ARTISTS MASTER MICROMASAIC INLAYwith Patrick Benesh-Liu

Each month club and community members are treated to special guest speakers – experts in their fields!

Club meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and begin at 7:00 pm pst, and are free and open to the public.

Our club serves South Orange County, CA – including Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, and now since we are online … basically EVERYWHERE! We encourage you to JOIN US!
LEARN MORE about our meetings, our club, and membership HERE.

Meetings are free and open to the public.

We hope you attend – and bring a friend!

AT THE SAN CLEMENTE COMMUNITY CENTER
Multipurpose Room, 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente

Field Trips

Rock Lovers grab your hammers – let’s get out and EXPLORE!
Join us for single and multiple day field trips to educational events, rock hunting excursions, and more.

Lapidary Classes

Learn to cut, polish, and engrave stones and gems for jewelry making. Members have access to the equipment and the professionals!

Friendly Members

Club Members are welcoming, inclusive, and happy to share their passion for rocks and minerals and gemstones! Held at the San Clemente Community Center, Monthly Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month – They are open to all so stop by – we’d love to meet you!

Learn!

Club members have access to many learning opportunities including expert guest speakers, skills demos, an extensive lending library, and more.