Ever since I was in a stroller, I’ve been going to the Roxy Ann Gem & Mineral Society‘s annual rock show in Medford, Oregon. (My dad pointed this fact out to me, at this year’s show.) Based in Central Point, Oregon, the Society operates the Crater Rock Museum with a terrific collection of minerals, lapidary arts, Oregon thundereggs, arrowheads and more. They also have a large workshop and offer classes in cabochon-making (“cabbing”) and silversmithing, both of which I’m interested in exploring. Right now I’m in love with all aspects of the gemstone and jewelry industry, and my interest could carry me in several directions. I’m trying to explore as many different avenues as I can, while I’m still “in school” and at leisure to weigh my options.

I joined the Roxy Anns yesterday, my first “rockhound club” — I’m happy to support their activities, and I get access to their workshop and other benefits out of the deal. I was given a tour of the facilities and museum by a volunteer named Jack, who teaches knapping (arrowhead-making, etc); some of this work was on display, all of it lovely. The museum has some gorgeous mineral specimens, most notably (to me) the one seen to your left. Rhodochrosite is a beautiful red/pink mineral that is quite rare in large, crystalline form. The largest and best specimens come from the Sweet Home Mine in Alma, Colorado, and are treasured by the finest museums in the world. Needless to say, I was surprised to see that, not only does Crater Rock Museum have one, it is the third largest rhodochrosite crystal IN THE WORLD. Yes. Third-largest. Right here in southern Oregon! Go see it, you’ll pay no more than $4. Seriously.

I had a great time at the museum yesterday, and made some new rockhound friends. Speaking of rockhounds, below is what was stapled to the front of my membership packet. My question is, are there higher rankings for how fast you lose them? Because if not, there should be!