We had our first First Monday Rock Swap at the lapidary in August and again this month (October), and everyone had fun looking over and trading rocks at the HGMS Education Center (7801 Bailey Cove Road SE, Huntsville, AL 35802) from 6 to 9 pm. The next meeting is Monday, November 3rd, 6 to 9pm. Bring rocks to trade or just come down to see a lot of interesting rocks. Have yours identified! –Anthony Zwilling
Did You Know? A unique two-colored diamond weighing 37.41 carats was unearthed by the Lucara Diamond Corporation in Botswana. The diamond is half pink and half colorless. Experts say it likely formed in two stages with the pink half forming first. The discovery was announced this month (October 2025). Source: Live Science
November: Topaz-Colorless topaz that’s been treated to blue is a mass-market gem, but fine pink-to-red, purple, or orange gems are one-of-a-kind. Top sources include Ouro Prêto, Brazil, and Russia’s Ural Mountains. Citrine-This gemstone’s color comes from traces of iron. Citrine is perhaps the most popular and frequently purchased yellow gemstone and an attractive alternative for topaz and yellow sapphire. Source: Gemological Institute of America.
Our Affiliates
