Resources for Rockhounds
(mostly on the web)

Magazines

Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist

The Mineralogical Record - Includes table of contents plus covers of back issues 1970-present.

Rock & Gem

Documents and databases

Geologic Map of the U.S. - a poster-sized map depicting a simplified geologic map of the conterminous U.S. + Alaska and Hawaii. A description of the map is available online. Available as paper copy (USGS map product #207470) from the USGS Map Store in Building 810 in the Federal Center in Denver, CO.

Geologic Time Chart - A new and up-to-date chart of geologic time prepared by the USGS in collaboration with the International Commission on Stratigraphy. The nomenclature and exact ages of all the geologic time periods (Eons, Eras, Periods, and Epochs) are continually revised and updated as new and more precise data become available. Tthis chart gives the most current data for all of geologic time. The chart is designated as USGS Fact Sheet 2007-3015, published (online) in March 2007. Also available in PDF.

Precambrian Time--The Story of the Early Earth - a 6-page USGS brochure containing text, photos, a time chart, and references, about the early history of the earth. It is USGS Fact Sheet 2007-3004, published June, 2007. Paper copy available free from the USGS Map Store in Building 810 in the Federal Center in Denver, CO.

Table Mountain Shoshonite Porphyry Lava Flows and Their Vents, Golden, Colorado - a new geologic report about the Table Mountain lava flows by Harald Drewes, with maps. USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5242. The 28-page booklet can be viewed or downloaded online free, or printed copies may be purchased for $16 at the USGS Map Store, Building 810, Denver Federal Center, open 8-4 weekdays. Mail orders call 1-888-ASK-USGS ($5 per order postage & handling charge). Please note, only a very limited (less than 50) number of printed copies of this booklet are available.

General interest sites

AA Mineral Specimens - web-based mineral dealer in Australia, specializing in the supply of mineral and gemstone specimens, lapidary materials and fossils. Publishes a weekly newsletter. Info: Susan Lafferty and Bruce Myles.

Bob's Rock Shop

Ganoksin - information for jewelers, both professional and hobbyists

The Mineral Database

Mineral Spectroscopy Server (California Institute of Technology)

Open Rock Shop a free site where mineral collectors can trade and buy specimens from other collectors around the world. Send any feedback to openrock@openrockshop.com.

The Paleontological Society

U.S. Forest Service

Nonlocal clubs of interest

Clallam County Gem & Mineral Society - Box 2624, Sequim, WA 98382. Info: Bob Selby

Gem & Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches - P.O. Box 18095, West Palm Beach, FL 33416. Info.: 561-655-9298.

Port Townsend Rock Club - P.O. Box 1468, Port Townsend, WA 98368

Tucson Gem & Mineral Society - P.O. Box 42543, Tucson, AZ 85733. Info.: 520-322-5773, tgms@tgms.org.

Warrnambool Gem Club - P.O. Box 18, Warrnambool, Vic., Australia, 3280.

Wichita Gem & Mineral Society - Wichita, KS

Guilds & Societies

American Geological Institute - a federation of 43 geoscientific and professional associations - 4220 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302-1502, 703-379-2480.

The Fluorescent Mineral Society - an international organization of professional mineralogists, gemologists, amateur collectors, and others who study and collect fluorescent minerals - P.O.Box 572694, Tarzana, CA 91357 USA

Gemological Institute of America

Geological Society of America

Gold Prospectors Association of America

International Colored Gemstone Association

International Gem Society

International Jewelry Designers' Guild

Mineralogical Society of America

Precious Metal Clay Guild

Museums

Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals - 26385 NW Groveland Dr., Hillsboro, Oregon 97124, 503-647-2418.

Businesses

Fire Mountain Gems - Jewelry-making supplies, components, tools, and equipment, 1 Fire Mountain Way, Grants Pass, OR 97526-2373, 800-423-2319.

Minernet - Minerals from around the world available for purchase.

OpenRockShop.com – A site where members can buy, sell, or swap specimens.

Ottens Mineralien - International dealer in mineral specimens. Site contains information on locales in India and China. Berthold Ottens, Klingenbrunn-Bahnhof 24, D-94518 Spiegelau, Telefon +49 / (0)8553 / 2247

Rio Grande - Jewelry-making supplies, components, tools, and equipment, 7500 Bluewater Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121-1962, 800-545-6566.

Colorado (& regional) clubs, organizations, and links

Return to Flatirons Mineral Club Home Page

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Updated 6/9/08