What is Paradise Gem & Mineral -Chico Chapter?
PGMC offers year round field trips to rock collection sites, a fully equipped lapidary workshop for the exclusive use of members, potluck socials, and education. We participate in local community events and host an annual Gem and Mineral Show.
Field Trips:
Every month we head out to collect. Most trips are day runs to sites across Northern California — a half day or a full day, home by evening. When the weather warms up, we plan overnight camping trips to farther-flung spots worth the drive.
Events:
We host and take part in community events all year, sharing rocks and earth science with anyone curious enough to stop by. Our Gem & Mineral Shows bring together vendors, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages while our potlucks and community involvement show what we do and love.
Lapidary Workshop:
Our shop is stocked with saws, lap and cabbing machines, polishing wheels, and more — everything you need to turn rough rock into something finished. Work at your own pace with the shop steward there to guide you.
Socials:
Once a month we gather over a potluck. It's the easy way in — make new friends who share the hobby, catch up with old ones, and eat well while you're at it.
Education:
We teach the craft. Monthly classes cover silversmithing, casting, wire wrapping, carving, and more, and our library holds an extensive collection of lapidary and geology books. We also run an earth-science outreach program for local elementary schools — passing the hobby to the next generation.
Come join us.