The Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society (CSMS) was founded in 1936 by a small group of people interested in geology and mineralogy. The renowned geological expert and mineral collector, Lazard Cahn, was voted the Society’s permanent honorary president at the very first meeting. Considering that the Pike’s Peak region of Colorado is a paradise for rockhounds, geologists, and mineral collectors, their efforts in the Society were richly rewarded and the Society has thrived ever since.
CSMS meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month (check the Calendar for changes), at the Colorado Springs Christian School at 4855 Mallow Road, Colorado Springs, CO. Visitors are always welcome!
Satellite Group meetings are held on various days and at various locations throughout the month. Check the Calendar or the specific group page for more details about group leaders, locations, days, and times.
The annual Pikes Peak Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show is typically held in June and is open to the public. While the Show features gem, mineral, fossil, and jewelry dealers, the focus is family fun and education. Educational displays, an interactive kid’s area, free mineral specimens for the kids, a silent auction, door prizes, and featured exhibits are just some of the activities you’ll find at the Show!
Today, CSMS is a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies (RMFMS), the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS), the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, and the Western Museum of Mining and Industry.
You can find us on Facebook, reach out to us through the Contact form, or mail us at:
Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society
P. O. Box 2
Colorado Springs, CO 80901
CSMS Goals
CSMS is an incorporated, non-profit organization with the primary goals to:
- Promote and disseminate knowledge of the earth sciences, especially as they relate to mineralogy, lapidary, and fossils.
- Encourage the study, collection, and fashioning of minerals.
- Accomplish the above through social meetings, lectures, programs, displays, shows, and field trips.
- Publish the Pick & Pack newsletter regularly for the members of the Society.
- Sponsor special groups of specific areas of earth science study.
Please refer to our Constitution and Bylaws for more information about our goals and objectives.
Membership Benefits
The CSMS offers satellite group meetings that focus on specific areas of our members’ interests. Current satellite groups include Crystal Study, Faceting, Fossil Study, Jewelry, Lapidary, Micromount, and Pebble Pups. Check out the specific group page for details. Our Society also hosts monthly gatherings and lectures, leads regular rockhounding field trips, sends out the monthly Pick & Pack newsletter, hosts special events throughout the year, sponsors the local gem and mineral show, and provides access to our private mining claims where members can collect and prospect.