The Reno Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
480 S. Rock Blvd. Sparks, NV 89431
The Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (RGMS) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation, the Reno Gem and Mineral Society, Inc. is a gathering place for those who share a passion for collecting and learning about Nevada's wide variety of minerals, fossils, and gemstones, and want to be part of an organization that gives back to the local community. We provide classes and use of our facilities at-cost, and have a YOUTH OUTREACH team that visits local schools and libraries to teach groups about rocks and earth sciences. In 2019, they presented “World of Minerals” to over 1500 students!
We offer a full LAPIDARY SHOP and teach a variety of jewelry making and mineralogy related CLASSES. We go on fun FIELD TRIPS. We put on great events in our CALENDAR, such as our annual Jackpot of Gems show, Used Equipment Sale, and Christmas party . We also have a library with a great selection of books!
Open to the public, our monthly General Meeting is held the first Wednesday of each month at Baldini's Casino in Sparks, NV at 7pm in the Sierra Room (2nd floor, turn right after escalator). After briefly going over routine business, an educational program covers some aspect of the hobby or a related topic. A great place to share rockhounding info and learn from those with extensive experience, meetings often have a raffle with prizes of various mineral specimens that have been collected by our very own members! MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS are available online, with paper copies also available at meetings.
The Society would not be possible without our staff of hard-working, dedicated volunteers. If you would like to donate your time, please take a look at our CURRENT OPENINGS. Open positions will be listed at the top, and announced at meetings as well. If there is something that you think would be a good fit, CONTACT US!
RGMS History
In the 1950’s there were two gem and mineral societies in the Reno area, the Washoe Gem and Mineral Society and the Pyramid Gem and Mineral Society. The mid 1960’s saw the two societies merge and become the Reno Gem and Mineral Society, Incorporated. Initially the Society held their meetings, classes and social events in members’ homes and garages. Then in 1976 the Society rented the space at 480 S. Rock Blvd., Sparks, Nevada. Nonprofit status was granted by the IRS in 1984 under code 501 (c)(7); this was changed in March 2012 to code 501 (c)(3), and the RGMS was classified as a public charity. Most recently, after years of dreaming, planning and hard work, on October 18, 2017, the RGMS became the owner of the 19,320 sq. ft. building that housed the space rented by the Society for over 30 years! Once the building is fully restored and leased, RGMS will begin to remodel the existing space plus another 2,500 sq. ft. (total of about 5,000 sq. ft.!) to create new, separate lapidary and metal fabrication shops as well as multiple classrooms and meeting rooms.
Our Headquarters and Lapidary Shop
Our building located at 480 South Rock Blvd in Sparks houses our lapidary shop and is the meeting place for other classes as well.
Lapidary Shop
Our shop has all the equipment and tools necessary to turn boulders into beautiful pieces of jewelry and art. We have slab saws to cut down large rocks, trim saws to further cut those slabs, diamond grinding wheels to shape, carbide belts on rubber drums to sand, and felt wheels used with cerium oxide powder to polish.
Lapidary classes are usually on Tuesdays, and Mondays from 6-9 pm the shop is open to all qualified members during our open house. To qualify you must complete 2 months of our weekly lapidary class and receive approval from the instructor.
Friendly Faces
Amongst the crowd of our monthly membership meetings, you may want to keep an eye out for these particular volunteers. Usually sitting at one of the tables along the wall, they are here to help and always more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
