Vista Gem and Mineral Society

Fossilized Tree resin will always fascinate me. Carved since ancient times these lightweight gems are still highly coveted. Pyrite in the resin material can make it blue. Black Amber we’ve already talked about- it’s jet! Not many trees have resin strong enough to last the fossilization process those fun bugs we look for in amber will actually degrade most resin. Soo it takes the right bug on the right tree to make it happen. Certainly makes me appreciate the Jurassic park inspired pieces all the more. . . . #amber #resin #fun #mineral #mineraloid #vista #vgms

Things are changing around here. We’ve got a whole new look. Check out all out on our website https://vistarocks.org/ link in bio. #lookingood #newimage #lapidaryschool #gemandmineralsociety #checkusout #newthingsonthehorizon #silversmithing #metalsmithing

Have you ever seen dragon breath Opal? It was really popular a year or two ago and remains in high demand. This eye catching iridescent stone isn’t stone at all. It’s painstakingly man made Czech glass with stunning iridescence. its a less expensive option for those who want the look of rare black Opal without the price. There are quite a few of these circulating in vintage settings where the Opals weren’t taken care of and they’re gorgeous! But of course there are some unsc...rupulous folks out there selling these as real Opal- please don’t be fooled! But if you love that red flash and blue to purple sparkle this might be the glass for you. . . . . #opal #glass #dragonbreath #jewelry #fun #manmade #vintage #pretty #vista #vgms See more

Let’s talk about Shungite- found mostly in Russia this sediment/metamorphic mineraloid mix has baffled us for quite some time. We now believe that shungite forms either from meteoric impact in shallow waterbody areas and/or the result of seismic shifts where metamorphic activity meets freshwater sources. The elite shungite can be up to 99% carbon! It can also contain some pretty complex and rare structures (look up fullerene) but it’s been used for everything from water filt...ration to emf reduction. It’s in the last few years it’s gained popularity as jewelry, something about the matte black version of this stone that separates it from other black minerals. The elite shungite has more of these complex carbon formations. It’s usually metallic and silvery vs the usual black or grey versions common on the market. Stories tell of the Russian army using shungite to purify water before better filters were invented and indeed today many filters contain shungite crystals. Which version of this stone do you like best? . . . . #shungite #crystal #mineraloids #minerals #facts #research #themoreyouknow #vista #vgms #vistarocks See more

Every instructor has a distinct style. The stones may vary but when you know you know. Btw that carved aqua is just everything. Pal lovers unite! Lol . . . #opal #silver #instructor #fun #schoolvista #vgms #dofunstuff #maker #creater #artist

That’s a wrap! Thank you to everybody who came out and supported. Thank you to everybody who braved the heat! Thank you to all the volunteers! Thank you to the vendors old and new! Navigating 2020 is rough, thank you for all your help in making it successful. Cheers! See you all soon! . . . #gemshow #vistagemandmineralshow #vgms #crystals #rocks #specimens #friends #club #vista #rocks #minerals #fossils #cabs

Last day of the show means raffle winners will be announced! Did you buy your tickets yet? Tomorrow we’re opening up at 9am. Hope to see you there! Somebody is going home with an amethyst cathedral. Best of luck to all! #raffle #prize #giveaway #nonprofit #gemshow #vistacalifornia #vgms #vistarocks #local #shoplocal #shopsmall #handmade

We are getting excited about seeing you all at the show next weekend! Lots of vendors, great raffle prizes. See you there!

Our friends at South Orange County Gem & Mineral Society have invited us to their free zoom meeting next Wednesday, Sept 16th. There will be a presentation on Sapphires. See the link for more info and to register for the zoom session: https://www.socgems.com/events-and-programs/

We are open again for open shop tomorrow, 9/5/2020. Note fees have increased to $20 for 4 hours, $10 for 2 hours. You must be a current paid member (but you can pay membership on site). See you there! more details:... https://mailchi.mp/60c04deb23f7/open-shop-reopening-5162846 #vgms #vistarocks #openshop #welcomeback #reopening #lapidary #saturday #rock #crystals #sandiego #vista #nonprofit #jewelry #maker #silver #silverjewelry

Hi guys! We’re welcoming you back to open shop this Saturday. Shop is available for current members from 9-1 with limited machines (were still putting the new place back together.) We’ll also be open if you need to pay dues or want to make a donation. Don’t forget your mask and be sure to sanitize when you’re done. See you soon! . .... . . #vgms #vistarocks #openshop #welcomeback #reopening #lapidary #saturday #rock #crystals #sandiego #vista #nonprofit #jewelry #maker #silver #silverjewelry See more

Exciting news guys! We’re moving!!! Woohoo! We found a new place (still in Vista) that we think will fit our growing club. We’re still in the midst of making this place our official home and we’ll send updates to all the members as we finalize details. In the meantime- we’re incredibly grateful to the museum for making us at home all these years and continuing to provide space for our shows! And yes! We’re still planning on hosting a show in October - fingers crossed everything goes as planned. Stay tuned for more! #moving #vgms #excited #newbeginning #vista #cityofvista #local #lapidary #rocks #crystals #breakingnews #club #gemandmineralshow

UPDATE: NO OPEN SHOP FOR 3 WEEKS As expected, a new county health order went into effect Monday at midnight barring indoor activities at museums for the next three weeks, which means our classroom is closed again for Open Shop until at least the beginning of August. We hope to reopen again on August 1st. We will continue to post updates on social media and by email to our members as we can with further information. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Ready for tomorrow! Excited to see your faces! 10am-2pm (first 6 people) If the room fills up you can try again at noon. . . .... #membersonly #openshop #covid #reopening #vgms #welcomeback #masksrequired See more

Our first open shop is on Saturday !! We can safely accommodate 7 people at a time. That means the genies will be spaced out, tables rearranged for silver work and sanitizing stations for shared tools. We’re also changing our hours to -10am to 2pm every Saturday except holidays. Don’t forget to check the members newsletter this afternoon for all the details. No word on classes yet, but this is a big step forward. Of course we’re closely following county guidelines so as the...y change we’ll keep you updated. Thanks for your patience, see you soon! . . . #vgms #vistarocks #openshop #lapidary #reopening #covid #vista #welcomeback See more