The Gem, Lapidary, and Mineral Society of Montgomery County MD ( http://www.glmsmc.com/ ) holds its yearly show in March. While it is certainly not a major show, I thought a few things made it worth writing up for mindat. First is that it is one of the most kid friendly shows I have seen, with demonstrations of cabbing, faceting, flint knapping, micromounting, beading, jewelry making and a kids table where minerals are given away. There are aisles of display cases - often 8-10 by kids. Even the Smithsonian gets in the act and creates a display case for the show. And, of course, there is also a separate dealer area.

One of the display cases is actually a model of an aisle of display cases at a mineral show.




Also on display were a number of cases dedicated to locally collected minerals. While this wouldn't compare to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society's Arizona celebration this past year we do have our local mineral aficionados.

Jon Ertman showed some grossular garnets from the Hunting Hill Quarry, which unfortunately closed to collectors just a few years ago. There are a large number of different species to be found there, if we could only get back in.




Jonathan Harris also has an impressive collection of local minerals.




There was also a nice selection of minerals from the Franklin Mining area, New Jersey. This is still somewhat local, so is included here. Shown is a small selection of what was on display in George Durland's Franklin, New Jersey case.




As I mentioned, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History always puts up an impressive display case. This year, they features new acquisitions. this is always great, since many never get to see the new pieces.














It is also nice to see the kids getting involved. At this club, there are enough kids that each club meeting is divided into two areas. The adult is where the business meeting is held and talk of the evening is presented. The kids area hosts discussion or lectures aimed at kids. For example, Mike Wise, from the Smithsonian has spoken in the kids area about everyday uses of minerals, while a different speaker was talking to the adults. With so many kids, the club decided long ago to encourage kids to create display cases for the show. Here are a few:




There are many demonstrations and things for visitors to try. This sets this club event apart from any other I have gone to. Here are two of the areas mentioned earlier.




Since there are so many large mineral shows with world class minerals, I decided not to show the world wide minerals we all know and love which were for sale at this event. Instead, here is a small selection of local minerals available at the show.




I know it is a small town show. I know the Mid-Atlantic region is not known for world class minerals. But I hope you enjoyed a small view into one of our local club shows.

Thanks for looking,
Bob

---

In order to leave comments to this article, you must be registered