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)
SFMS Clubs and Shows
Alabama
- Alabama Mineral and Lapidary Society, Show
- Alabama Paleontological Society
- Dothan Gem and Mineral Club, Show
- Huntsville Gem and Mineral Society, Show
- Mobile Rock and Gem Society, Show
- Montgomery Gem and Mineral Society, Show
Georgia
- Athens Rock and Gem Club
- Georgia Mineral Society, Inc., Show
- Aiken Gem, Mineral and Fossil Society, Show
- Augusta Gem and Mineral Society, Show
Mississippi
North Carolina
Tennessee
- Chattanooga Geology Club
- Knoxville Gem & Mineral Society
- Memphis Archaeological & Geological Society
- Mid-Tennessee Gem and Mineral Society
- Middle Tennessee Rockhounds
Southeastern Rock Hunting Resources
- McRocks: North Carolina Rockhunting
- Western North Carolina Rockhounding
- Southeast Gem and Mineral Guide
- Paint Rock Agate
- Fossil Collecting Sites in North America
- Gator Girl Rocks rockhounding resources
- Rock&Gem Magazine
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
- 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
- Info-Mine
- The Northern Miner Home Page
Other Fun Links
- Rock Cycles
- Geology for Kids
- Online Education Resources: Geology for Kids
- U.S. Show Caves Directory
- Mindat.org – The Mineral Database
- Mineralogy Database
- Wilson’s / TCD Wax patterns for rings, charms, pendants, bracelets, alphabets, and findings
- Map identifying fossil collecting sites, clubs, and museums
- Collected Information on Rock Tumbling
- The Corunduminium
- Fossil Facts & Finds
- Minerals by Name
- Beautiful Agates
- Great South Gems & Minerals
- American Lands Access Association (ALAA)
- American Opal Society
- Casoro Jewelry Safes
- World Landforms
- Rock Collecting: An Educational Home Hobby
Discussion Boards and Classified Ads
Lapidary Equipment
- Cyber Rock Hound (lapidary equipment and supplies)
- Rocks4u
Thanks to the Houston Gem and Mineral Society for many of the links found on this page! They have a great website!
Did You Know?
June: Pearl – Produced in the bodies of marine and freshwater mollusks either naturally or cultured by people with great care. Lustrous, smooth, subtly colored pearls are jewelry staples, especially as strands. Alexandrite – The color-change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Bluish green in daylight, purplish red under incandescent light; hard and durable. Top quality examples are rare and valuable. Source: 
