Welcome to the AGMS

 

 

 

Motto: Each one – Teach one
Spinel twinned fluorite on muscovite, Pakistan.

Gems

 

 

 

Mineral crystal or organic materials that are not minerals, which, when cut and polished, are used to make jewelry or other adornments.


Minerals

 

 

 

Naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, with an ordered internal structure, and a definite chemical composition.

Rock Hounding

 

 

 

The study and hobby of collecting rocks, minerals, or fossil specimens from the natural environment.

 

Lapidary

 

 

 

Cutting, polishing or engraving stones and gems.

 

Metal Smithing – Jewelry Making

 

 

 

The use of materials such as metal, clay, wire, beads, and glass for crafting necklaces, pendants, bracelets or rings.

 

Gem Capers 2026

October 23 – 25 / Palmer Events Center

In 2026, the Austin Gem & Mineral Society (AGMS) celebrates its 75th Gem Capers show by turning its focus to the American Southwest with Four Corners, a theme honoring the shared geology of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.

Where these four states meet lies a remarkable concentration of landscapes, minerals, and geologic history shaped over millions of years. Four Corners invites attendees to explore the gems, minerals, and stories that connect this iconic region.

General Meeting 4th Thursday each month

The general public is invited to visit AGMS General Meetings in person or on ZOOM.  Meetings are held at our clubhouse at 6719 Burnet Lane, Austin beginning at 7:pm on the 4th Thursday of each month. If you have a question regarding an upcoming meeting, click here.

Our monthly meetings are available via Zoom video conferencing. All are welcome to attend our meetings.

Join Zoom Meeting
NOTICE: Currently,  we meet in-person with mask wearing as a personal option. We will continue to offer Zoom video conferencing to members and guests.

Upcoming Classes

13
Sep
Date
September 13, 2026
Time
9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Ticket
$60.00 Sold Out

Basics on using slab and trim saws. This is a basic introduction. Students will receive 1 year of hands-on instruction and guidance from AGMS experts at no additional charge.

19
Sep
Date
September 19, 2026
Time
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ticket
$200.00 Sold Out

Introduction to working with silver including cutting, soldering, and forming. Students will make 2 projects – ring and pendant.

19
Sep
Date
September 19, 2026
Time
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Ticket
$60.00 Purchase Now – 2 Places Left

Introduction to making wire-wrapped jewelry

26
Sep
Date
September 26, 2026
Time
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Ticket
Free Purchase Now – Unlimited

Practice making wire-wrapped jewelry

AGMS on Facebook

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Austin Gem and Mineral Society

Austin Gem and Mineral Society

"Each One, Teach One." Est. 1950. AGMS is a nonprofit dedicated to geology & lapidary arts. We offer classes, field trips & an annual show for all ages. Meetings: 4th Thurs, 7pm @ 6719 Burnet Ln, Austin.

Have you always wanted to craft your own stunning silver jewelry? Join Paul Rabago Sept. 19-20 for an immersive, 2-day silversmithing workshop!

You will get hands-on experience and learn the essential techniques of working with silver, including cutting, soldering, and forming. By the end of the weekend, you'll walk away with TWO completed projects handmade by you: a custom bezel-set ring and a pendant! 💍✨

📍 Where: AGMS HQ | 6719 Burnet Lane, 78757
📅 When: Sept. 19-20
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Regisgter here: www.agms-tx.org/event/agms-401-introduction-to-silversmithing-09-19-26/
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Have you always want

Don't miss your chance to join this weekend's Introduction to Wire Wrapping class!

Learn the beautiful art of wire wrapping directly from seasoned artisan and expert, Dee Fly. Whether you're looking for a new creative outlet or wanting to craft your own unique jewelry from scratch, this is the perfect hands-on experience to get you started. ✨💍

Grab that final ticket before it's gone! 🏃‍♀️💨
Register here: 👉 www.agms-tx.org/event/agms-501-introduction-to-wire-wrapping-08-29-26/.

Location: AGMS HQ, 6719 Burnet Lane, 78757
Time: 10 am – 2 pm

#WireWrapping #JewelryMaking #DeeFly #CraftClass #DIYJewelry #HandmadeJewelry #CreativeWeekend #ArtisanCrafts
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Dont miss your chanc

REMINDER: Tonight's General Membership meeting is cancelled due to a broken AC for the main meeting room. See you next month! See MoreSee Less

REMINDER:  Tonights
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Gem & Mineral News

AGMS Calendar

Board Meetings

First Tuesday, 7:00 PM, Jan – Nov.
No meeting in Dec. Nov meeting is budget planning.

Club Meetings (Open to the Public)

4th Thursdays, 7:00 PM, Jan – Oct.

Open Workshop

Every Wednesday, 6pm – 8:30pm.
3rd Saturday 10 am – 2 pm (times subject to change)

Min SIG

2nd Tuesdays, 7-9 pm.

Lap SIG

3rd Thursdays, 7-9pm.

Show Committee

2nd Thursdays, 7-9pm.

Paleo Club

3rd Tuesdays, 7:00 PM.

Congratulations to the 2026 Officers and Board Members

Officers

President
VP1
VP2
Secretary
Treasurer
Jan Marie Ozias
Michael Egger
Mark Barber
Laura Dow
Frances Michele Burns

Directors

Jeff Greinert
Richard Dorsey
Robert King
Paul Rabago
John Connors
Carol Acurso

LEADS for Standing Committees & Special Interest Groups

Auction (noisy)
Audit
Building, grounds
Building expansion options
Bylaws, policy, OPs
Community Relations
Curator
Education
Facility Manager
Field Trips
Financial: planned giving; investments
Historian
Hospitality
Library
Membership
Stone Chipper Editor
Nominating
Patron, Rockhound Award
Program, events
Scholarship
SIG: Lapidary
SIG: Mineral
Show Comm Chair
Show Treasurer
SCFMS/AFMS Liaison
Social Media (FB, web)
Webmaster
Workshop
Workshop Support
Youth Activities
Laird Fowler
Michele Burns
VP1 Mike Egger
John Connors
Rob King
Doretta Conrad
Barbara Liebman
John Connors
Earnest Carter
Ron Carman, Alan C, Westerman
John Connors
Vacant
Ginger Batson
Laird Fowler
Raechel Moose
Jeff Greinert
(Aug appt)
Gilbreath, Heimlich
VP2 Mark Barber
Robert King
Ron Patillo
Laird Fowler
Laird Fowler
Cindy Hernandez
Ron Carman
Paul Rabago
James Michener
Gef Fisher
Earnest Carter
Lorraine Chammah

The Austin Gem and Mineral Society welcomes you to join us!

Membership Benefits

  • Connection and networking with other rock hounds, mineral collectors, geological experts, jewelry artists, gem and mineral professionals and experts, gem and mineral vendors, educators, and a plethora of rock related subject matter experts in a wide variety of gem and mineral related topics.
  • General club meetings offer speakers and presentations on a wide variety of gem and mineral topics.
  • Access to our website membership portal includes access to member blogs, member specific announcements, posts on member boards, SIG meetings/topics and online discussions (Special Interest Groups: Min Sig, Paleo SIG, Silversmithing SIG, Jewelry SIG, Lapidary Sig, Faceting SIG)
  • Access to clubhouse resources includes: large meeting room, lapidary/cabbing workshop, faceting workshop, slab shack saws, extensive resource library, and display exhibits of gems and minerals
  • Annual events and activities include: Gem Capers (annual gem and mineral show held at the Austin Palmer Event Center), Swap Meet, Club Auction, Holiday Party
  • Classes: Cabbing, Faceting, Silversmithing, Slab Saw, other classes are offered as needs and instructors are identified
  • Field trips and rock hunts for members only

Advertise with us

AGMS welcomes advertisements to help off-set the cost of our website. Advertisement levels and benefits are currently being discussed by the Board of Directors and will be posted here when finalized.

Federation and Club Resources

Visit these other websites for related information on gems and minerals, activities, learning opportunities, and more.

Federation of Mineral Societies

The Austin Gem and Mineral Society is part of SCFMS (The South Central Federation of Mineral Societies). SCFMS is one of seven different regional federations in the US that are members of the AFMS (American Federation of Mineralogical Societies).

Please note that these links are third party websites that are not maintained by AGMS. AGMS is not responsible for materials found on these sites. Please use caution when visiting an unfamiliar site.