Two local gem and mineral groups join forces every year for a weekend event at Augusta’s Julian Smith Casino.
“The purpose of our clubs is to foster an interest in rocks, minerals and fossils and introduce people to the lapidary arts,” said Wayne Parker, treasurer of the Augusta Gem and Mineral Society. Members of the Augusta organization partner with members from the Aiken Gem and Mineral Society to host the Aiken-Augusta Gem and Mineral Show.
Typically held in March, the 33rd annual event has been pushed to Aug. 6 to 8 this year because of COVID-19. The show was last held in March 2020.
The event brings in vendors who sell a variety of items including loose gemstones, jewelry, common and rare fossils and gold and silver.
Artisans also demonstrate some of the lapidary arts as well.
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Lapidary is the “art of working in stone. However, the word usually refers to the creation of small objects from gem materials,” according to the International Gem Society’s website. “There are four basic lapidary arts: tumbling, cabbing, faceting and carving.”
The different skills will be demonstrated on the casino stage.
Parker said one goal is to generate an interest in rocks and minerals in children, so special activities cater to them.
“We want to encourage the kids,” he said. “We have a treasure box of sand they can dig in.”
Also, grab bags with miscellaneous pieces are available for $1.
Parker said between 1,500 and 2,000 people typically attend the show each year.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 6 and 7 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Julian Smith Casino on Broad Street. Admission is $4 per person per day or $6 for a weekend pass. Cash only is accepted at the door.
Parker said club members participate in other events throughout the year. They’ve been part of events at the University of South Carolina Aiken’s Ruth Patrick Science Education Center as well as the Reed Creek Interpretative Center. Members also raise money to support a scholarship in lapidary arts.
For more information, visit the Augusta organization’s website at agams.club. The Aiken club’s website is aikengmfs.org.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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