Northwest Arkansas Gem and Mineral Society

05/25/2026

You are invited to our May Meeting on Tuesday, May 26 at 7 pm. David Schwirian will talk about various mines he visited before he retired. The meeting starts at 7pm.

05/09/2026

05/07/2026

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05/07/2026

For thousands of years, Lapis Lazuli traveled ancient trade routes from the mountains of Afghanistan to the civilizations of the Indus Valley and Egypt .
Prized for its intense royal-blue color, this legendary stone was used in jewelry, carvings, pigments, and the treasures of pharaohs.
One of humanity’s oldest and most valuable trade gemstones.

05/03/2026

Natural Gold Crystal from Serra Do Caldeirão gleam like captured starlight, their sharp geometric perfection a frozen echo of hydrothermal fire—each face a mirror of ancient pressure and time, nature's own sacred geometry cast in immortal sun. 🌞



🪨 RocknLaser ⚡️

05/01/2026

The Pierson crinoid jasper produced for us. Great time at the $2 hole War Eagle. Ken and Lynette not shown

04/24/2026

The Northwest Gem and Mineral Society believes in being good Stewarts of the land.

Rockhound rules emphasize obtaining permission for private land, respecting closures (National Parks/Tribal lands), and limiting collection. Essential etiquette includes filling holes, leaving no trace, and not collecting in designated archaeological sites.

Key Regulations and Laws
• Private Land: Never collect without explicit permission from the landowner.
• Public Lands (BLM): Generally allowed, but restricted in developed recreation sites, active mining claims, and archaeological sites.
• National Forests: Allowed for personal use, though sometimes a free-use permit is required.
• National Parks/Monuments: Collecting is strictly prohibited.
• Mining Claims: Do not collect from active mining claims without the claimant's permission.

Ethical Guidelines (Code of Ethics)
• Leave No Trace: Always fill in any holes you dig to prevent injury to people or livestock.
• Respect Property: Never destroy, remove, or deface signs, benches, or buildings.
• Respect the Environment: Avoid contaminating water sources and do not start fires in dangerous areas.
• Collect Responsibly: Take only what you can use and keep the area free of litter.

Safety and Best Practices
• Inform Others: Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Gear Up: Wear proper footwear and carry safety equipment (first aid kit).
• Identify Claims: Check for signs or check county records to avoid trespassing on active mining claims.
• Know Your Location: Always ensure you are on land where collecting is permitted, such as BLM or specifically designated US Forest Service lands

04/17/2026

We are here. The show starts tomorrow

04/14/2026

Rob and Cathy Feather in production mode for the NWA Gem and Mineral Society Spring Show, April 18 and 19