About the Indian Wells Gem and Mineral Society
In 1945 our club was formed on the local US Navy base, known as the Naval Ordnance Test Station then. The Navy base predated the town of Ridgecrest, and the base personnel (civil service and military) lived on base. For people to have something to do, the Navy donated a Quonset hut for the club to use, and members purchased equipment and met to enjoy and learn about geology and the local gems and minerals. In the 1970’s the club became a non profit charitable organization 501(c)3, dedicated to pursuing the Lapidary Arts and teaching/learning Geology. The IWGMS is a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies
The club meets at our clubhouse on the fourth Monday of each month at 6pm. The clubhouse is at 527 West Upjohn, Ridgecrest CA.
The clubhouse is open for new member signups and current members to use currently every Tuesday at 9 am, and Flex Sundays (every other Sunday) at noon (12 o’clock). Please be prompt, as we close up after 30 minutes or so if no one shows. Please also enter the clubhouse by the back door, not via Upjohn.
Our dues are $35 a year which includes access to the clubhouse tools (16 years and older) and field trips. If interested in joining, please stop by and meet us and hear about what the club can offer. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our love for rockhounding!