CSMS GROUPS ARE ACTIVE!

The Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society (CSMS) has a number of active subgroups that meet on a regular schedule.  Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Kerry Burroughs leads the Crystal Study Group whose members are dedicated to the discovery, identification and study of crystalline minerals of all types.  The Group specializes in the recovery and preparation of numerous local minerals for which the Pikes Peak region is world renown, especially Amazonite, Smokey Quartz, Topaz and Fluorite.  The Crystal Study Group meets every 4th Thursday at 7:00 PM in the Senior Center.  Additional information: info@csms.us

The Faceting Group, led by Paul Berry, meets in the Senior Center on the 4th Thursday at 7:00 PM.  The group has use of faceting machines housed in the Center and members turn out a variety of spectacular gem and semi-precious specimens. Additional information: info@csms.us

The Fossil Study Group organizes meetings around the interests of the members. Programs are scheduled, fossils identified, paleontological discussions held, and collecting techniques discussed. Members are encouraged to lead field trips to prospective collecting localities. In addition, each member brings to the meetings fossils for "Show and Tell".  Jack Null coordinates the “case” entered into the annual CSMS Show.  Although Mike Nelson is listed as leader, many other members offer presentations and identification skills.

Meetings are generally scheduled for the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Senior Center. However, the Group does not meet during June, July and August unless a field trip is scheduled.  It is best to contact Mike at www.csrockguy.yahoo with questions.

The following presentations are scheduled:

March 1 Presiding and presentation (Glen Eyrie fossils): Jack Null

April 5 Presiding and presentation: Jerry Suchan

May 3: Presentation (History of Florissant): Steven Veatch

The CSMS Micromount Group is interested in the collection and preparation of very small mineral specimens best viewed under a microscope.  The Group specializes in looking at tiny specimens of quite rare minerals, and displaying fantastic sprays of very delicate crystals that could not even exist on a larger scale.

The Micromounters, led by Phil McCollum, meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Senior Center.  Additional information: info@csms.us

The Lapidary Group meets on a regular/irregular schedule on the 1^st Saturday of the month, noon, at a member’s home; therefore, interested participants should contact info@csms.us for additional information.  The members learn to perfect the art of cutting and polishing minerals and then mounting the finished products into jewelry settings.  The most common products resulting from this work are the cabochons, either free form or standard.  Sharon Holte leads the Lapidary Group.

Whereas the Lapidary Group works with minerals, the Jewelry Group constructs or builds the settings.  Members become proficient in silver smithing, silver soldering, wire wrapping, and lost wax casting.  This group is led by Bill Arnson and meets on a regular/irregular schedule at noon on the 3^rd Saturday of the month.  It is always best to contact Bill at ritaarnson@msn.com

CSMS has two quite active youth groups, both led by Steven Veatch and his associates.  The Pebble Pups includes children of all ages and meets the third Thursday of the month, 6:10 to 7:15 PM at the Senior Center.  The Juniors, mostly of junior high age, meet the same evening, same location, 5:15 to 6:30 PM.  The study periods include lectures, explanations and hands-on laboratories; participants often receive actual specimens for their personal collections.  The leaders also sponsor some individuals via the internet so check with Steven Veatch at info@csms.us