Welcome to The Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.
The Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (RGMS) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation, organized for the purpose of creating, developing, and encouraging interest in earth sciences, as well as gem and mineral hobbies.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. is to create, develop, and encourage interest in the Earth Sciences and to locate and identify various material through field trips. As a 501(C)(3) corporation RGMS qualifies for donation
write-offs of cash and materials. Donation receipts are available at the society's headquarters.
Welcome to Reno Gem and Mineral Society Website
We will be expanding our building and adding new classrooms, new equipment, and opportunities. Our Mission statement is above. Our goal is to advance education in geology, earth sciences, rock and gem hobbies, and jewelry making. We offer a children’s program one Saturday each month where they can learn and earn badges. We love to share finds with new members, where to go, and what to do with those finds. You need only have an interest in rocks, not be an expert or a geologist. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 PM on the second floor of Baldini’s Casino in Sparks.
GENERAL MEETING
The Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.'s objective is to share the enjoyment and education of all earth science-related activities. One Saturday a month we offer a “Junior Rockhounds” children’s program (usually 2nd Saturday) where children can learn and earn achievement badges. We offer Field Trips to collect and learn about rocks and minerals. We offer Classes to teach many of the disciplines necessary to turn those rocks into handmade works of art. You need only have an interest in rocks or jewelry. You do not need to be an expert jeweler or geologist
What We Offer
The Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.'s objective is sharing the enjoyment and education of all earth science related activities.
Junior Rockhounds
480 S. Rock Blvd, 2 nd Saturday every month, 3 PM - 4:30 PM
(Any date differences will be announced via eBlasts to RGMS members and Junior Rockhound students)
ARTISAN CRAFT FAIR
May 30,2025 Friday 10am-6pm
May 31, 2025 Saturday 10am-5pm
June 1, 2925 Sunday 10am-3pm
Location: Reno Town Mall, 4001 South Virginia St
(corner of Peckham & S. Virginia)
EDUCATION
Steve Norman
Education Outreach
A major element of the Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc.’s mission is to create, develop and encourage interest in Earth Science.
CLASSES
Julie Hilsabeck
School Director
Our well-qualified instructors, some with master’s level credentials, teach many of the disciplines necessary to create beautiful, handmade works of art, using minerals, gems and fossils found right here in Nevada!
FIELD TRIPS
Hilary Loupee
Field Trip Director
At least once a month between April and October, members go out in the field to collect and learn about rocks and minerals. Day trips to multi-day outings are led by an experienced member of the society, and are a great way to meet other members and gain some useful knowledge!
CALENDAR of activities
In addition to our many field trips, we also offer a variety of fun social events! There’s usually a raffle, and if food is involved it’s advised to add a few notches to your belt beforehand.
CONGLOMERATE
Karen Boldi
Bulletin Editor
RGMS provides a monthly bulletin (The Conglomerate) to all its members. The Conglomerate is an award-winning newsletter that has been produced by Sue Webb for several years. The Conglomerate provides information and articles of interest to Society members. Past copies of the Conglomerate are available from this site.
MEMBERSHIP
Mary Bellisimo
Membership Director
Membership in the Reno Gem and Mineral Society (RGMS) is to be a member of a Society that was started in Reno over 50 years ago. RGMS membership offers many benefits including a fully equipped Lapidary Shop, numerous Classes (Classes require advance registration), and Field Trips. Members also provide educational outreach programs to schools and other organizations..