There are many great online resources for rocks, gems, lapidary arts, jewelry, and associated hobbies. Here’s a list of some of them. Let us know if you’d like us to add a link!
Federations
- American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)
- Southeast Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. (SFMS) (Please check here for information on a specific club in the SFMS.)
- Rockhounding Maps
- Alabama Rockhounding Map
- McRocks: North Carolina Rockhunting
- Western North Carolina Rockhounding
- Fossil Collecting Sites in North America
- Gator Girl Rocks rockhounding resources
- Rock&Gem Magazine
- Southeastern Mineral Specimens
Museums of Interest to Rockhounds
- Alabama Museum of Natural History: The AMNH has an immense paleo research collection accumulated over the past 100 years (including what may be the largest mosasaur collection in the world). The museum also exhibits the ‘Hodges Meteorite’ – the first documented meteorite to hit and injure a human being.
- Anniston Museum of Natural History: Museum includes the Dynamic Earth exhibition hall with a prehistoric diorama featuring life-size Pteranodon and Albertosaurus models and a realistic construction of an Alabama cave environment. Also featured are rocks and mineral specimens from the collection of the Smithsonian Institution.
- McWane Science Center: The McWane Center has a spectacular fossil exhibit. The Alabama Dinosaurs exhibit displays actual dinosaur fossils discovered around the state.
Classes and Training
- William Holland School of Lapidary Arts
- John C. Campbell Folk School
- Wildacres Retreat Center
- Free Gemology Courses & Resources
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- GIA Gemology Articles
Government and Mining Sites
- Geological Survey of Alabama
- US Geological Survey
- US Office of Surface Mining
- USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS)
- USGS Mineral Resources Program
Other Fun Links
- Geology for Kids
- Huntsville Speleological Society
- U.S. Show Caves Directory
- Mindat.org – The Mineral Database
- Mineralogy Database
- American Opal Society
- Fossil Facts & Finds
- Beautiful Agates
- Great South Gems & Minerals
- Land Trust of North Alabama
- American Lands Access Association (ALAA)
- Wilson’s / TCD Wax patterns for rings, charms, pendants, bracelets, alphabets, and findings
- Casoro Jewelry Safes
- World Landforms
Did You Know?
February: Amethyst-The purple variety of the mineral quartz, amethyst often forms large, six-sided crystals. Fine velvety-colored gems come from African and South American mines. Amethyst is beautiful enough for crown jewels yet affordable enough for class rings and mineral specimens. Source: