Virginia Mineral Directory 2021 - Friends of Mineralogy Virginia Chapter Publication - The Friends of Mineralogy Virginia ...
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Issue #2
Virginia Mineral Directory
2021
Friends of Mineralogy Virginia Chapter Publication
Table of Contents
01 Directory Map
02 What is Friends of Mineralogy Virginia (FMVA)?
03 Gem & Mineral Clubs in Virginia
08 Rock & Mineral Shops in Virginia
10 Natural History Museums in Virginia
12 The Virginia Mineral Project
13 Databases & Online Resources
14 Recommended Readings
15 What’s New in Virginia Minerals?
What is the 2021 Mineral Directory?
The 2021 Virginia Mineral Directory is part of the Friends
of Mineralogy Virginia Chapter’s effort to promote the state
mineral community and provide educational resources and
information to the public! This directory is an evolving
document that will add more vendors and topics over time.
Front Cover: While not comprehensive, this is the best instant resource
Hydroxyapophyllite on prehnite for any beginner and even an expert in finding vital Virginia
Fairfax Quarry, Centreville, Virginia mineral organization information. If you enjoyed this article,
Size: 7 cm then please check out our organization! More information is
Ex. Rock Currier provided on Page 2 of this report!
Alex Venzke Collection
Matt Mcgill Photograph
Directory MAP Overview
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Gem & Mineral Clubs Rock & Mineral Shops
1) Richmond Gem & Mineral Society 1) Packard’s Stamp and Rock Shop
2) The Gem & Mineral Society of Lynchburg 2) VA Rock Shop
3) Northern Virginia Mineral Club 3) Excalibur Mineral Corporation
4) Tidewater Gem & Mineral Society 4) Stones & Bones
5) Shenandoah Valley Gem & Mineral Society 5) The Valley Rock Shop
6) The Mineralogical Society of the District of Columbia
7) The Gem & Mineral Society of the Virginia Peninsula State Geology Office
Join the Virginia
Department of Mines, Minerals, and
8) Micromineralogists of the National Capitol Area
9) Roanoke Valley Mineral & Gem Society Energy (DMME)
Natural History Museums or Mineral Exhibits
1) James Madison University Mineral Museum
COMING 2022
2) Virginia Tech Museum of Geosciences Due to COVID-19, many of the annual
3) Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature gem shows are cancelled. FMVA
understands that these shows are the
4) The Museum of the Middle Appalachians
driving force behind our community.
5) Virginia Museum of Natural History
In 2022, we will be placing all of the
6) Smithsonian Museum of Natural History statewide gemshows in our
7) Radford University Museum of the Earth Sciences directory! This will be FREE
advertising and open to all stores,
clubs, and organizations across the
state! Email us for more details!
-1-
Behind the Virginia
Mineral Directory...
FRIENDS OF MINERALOGY VIRGINIA CHAPTER INC.
What is FMVA?
Friends of Mineralogy Virginia Chapter Inc. (FMVA) is a new branch of the national non-profit organization,
Friends of Mineralogy. FMVA’s non-profit mandate is to promote, support, protect, and expand the
collecting of mineral specimens, while furthering the recognition of the scientific, economic, and aesthetic
value of minerals in society. Membership includes collectors, museum curators, mineralogists, and earth
science educators from Virginia and across the United States. FMVA and our members are affiliated with
many of the top mineral organizations including Mindat.org, the Mineralogical Society of America (MSA),
the Young Mineral Collectors, etc.
Why should I join FMVA if I am a member of a local club?
FMVA provides a statewide and national perspective on the mineral community. While our initiatives and
community derives from Virginia, our membership is pooled from a vast community across the country.
Joining FMVA will enhance your local club experience by getting you involved with various clubs across the
state and introducing you to organizations and communities across the country. FMVA is proud to host a
diverse membership base. FMVA provides educational and professional development opportunities through
high-class speakers and initiatives that support Virginia education and historical preservation.
What if I live in another state or do not have a local club nearby?
FMVA provides a virtual format to the mineral community. Our organization will continue virtual initiatives
after COVID-19 and will allow members to attend speaker series from anywhere in the world. We are
dedicated to outreach and expanding our audience through virtual initiatives. A few times in the year, we will
host opportunities to meet in a central location in Virginia, where our membership can engage in person!
Virtual Meetings!
FMVA meets virtually on Zoom every last Friday of the month! Zoom meetings are OPEN to the public and
you can find meeting dates on our website and social media pages. Becoming a member of FMVA is $15 per
year ($10 students) and that includes membership in the national organization! Learn more HERE.
Follow us on Social Media! Have Questions? Reach out to us:
friendsofmineralogy.virginia@gmail.com
-2-
Gem & Mineral Clubs in Virginia
The Richmond Gem & Mineral Society
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm*
Location: Ridge Baptist Church, 1515 Eastridge Road Richmond, Virginia
2021 Officers:
President – Carl Miller 1st VP(Membership) – Richard Starr
2nd VP (Programs) – Pamm Bryant Treasurer – Dave Hutchison
Recording Secretary – Frank Toth Historian – Betsy Martin
Corresponding Secretary – Valerie Johnson
Learn more about the Club:
*Check website/social media
for COVID meeting logistics
The Gem & Mineral Society of Lynchburg
Meetings: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm*
Location: Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Building, Miller Center, 301 Grove
Street Lynchburg, VA 24501
2021 Officers:
President – James Tomlin First VP – Vacant
Second VP –Brandon Coles Treasurer –Joan Moore
Secretary – Holly Tomlin Membership – Debbie Wade
Newsletter Editor – Steve Gordon Members at Large – Eric Routon
& Michael Staton
Learn more about the Club:
*Check website/social media
for COVID meeting logistics
-3-
The Northern Virginia Mineral Club
Meetings: 4th Monday of the month, 7:45 pm until 9:30 pm*
Location: Long Branch Nature Center 625 S Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, VA 22204
2021 Officers:
President- Tom Kim Vice-President - Sue Marcus
Secretary - David MacLean Treasurer- Roger Haskins
Show Chairman- Tom Taaffe Tech Specialist: Tom Burke
Webmaster- Casper Voogt Editor- Hutch Brown
Historian- Kathy Hrechka
Learn more about the Club: (Click)
*Check website/social media
for COVID meeting logistics
The Tidewater Gem & Mineral Society
Meetings: 3rd Friday of the month, 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm*
Location: Memorial United Methodist Church, 804 Gammon Road, VA Beach
2021 Officers:
President- Robin Stoughton 1st VP (Membership)-Mike Jackson
2nd VP (Programs)- Kelley Finch Treasurer- Lloyd Schiffelbian
Secretary (Historian) Cheri Jackson Newsletter- Judy Hyszczak
Fieldtrips- Kelley Finch Librarian- Wesley Jacocks
Webmaster- Brooks Britt
Learn more about the Club: (Click)
*Check website/social media
for COVID meeting logistics
-4-
The Shenandoah Valley Gem & Mineral Society
Meetings: 2nd Monday of the month, 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm*
Location: Waynesboro Public Library - Room A 600 S. Wayne Ave Waynesboro, VA
22980
2021 Officers:
President – Michael Pabst Vice President – Leo Cloutier
Co-Treasurer – Scott Gregory Secretary/Newsletter - Deborah Grimm
Field Trip Coordinator - Scott Steele Show Chairman – Scott Gregory
Educational Outreach- Deborah Grimm Web Site Coordinator – Jack Glenn
Learn more about the Club: (Click)
*Check website/social media
for COVID meeting logistics
The Mineralogical Society of the District of Columbia
Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm*
Location: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Constitution Avenue lobby of the
museum, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC.
2021 Officers:
President - Dave Hennessey Vice President - Yury Kalish
Secretary - Andy Thompson Treasurer - John Weidner
Directors- Alex Venzke, Ken Reynolds, Dan Teich
Webmasters- Betty Thompson, Casper Voogt
Learn more about the Club: (Click)
*Check website/social media
for COVID meeting logistics
-5-
The Gem & Mineral Society of the Virginia Peninsula
Meetings: 1st Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm*
Location: Sandy Bottom Nature Park’s Nature Center Building, 1255 Big Bethel Rd,
Hampton, VA 23666
2021 Officers:
President- Vinton Feanny 1st VP Membership- Walter Priest
2nd VP Programs- Michael Griffith Secretary- Dave Scharff
Treasurer- Gary Berthold
Learn more about the Club: (Click)
*Check website/social media
for COVID meeting logistics
The Micromineralogists of the National Capital Area
Meetings: 4th Wednesday of the month, 7:30 pm until 10:00 pm*
Location: Long Branch Nature Center 625 S Carlin Springs Road, Arlington, VA 22204
2021 Officers:
President- Dave MacLean Vice President- David Fryauff
Secretary- Bob Cooke Treasurer- Michael Pabst
Conference Chair- Kathy Hrechka Editor/Historian- Kathy Hrechka
Webmaster- Julia Hrechka
Learn more about the Club: (Click)
*Check website/social media
for COVID meeting logistics
-6-
The Roanoke Valley Mineral & Gem Society
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm*
Location: O Winston Link Museum, 101 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016
2021 Officers:
President- Carol Mesimer 1st VP- Carole Dow
2nd VP- Royce Wickham Treasurer- Kathy Wickham
Show Chair- Carol Mesimer Secretary- Monique Sforza
Members at Large- Dave LeMaire
Fred Markham
*No meeting data available.
Contact FMVA if interested.
Interested in starting a new gem and mineral society in your area?
Reach out to the FMVA team at friendsofmineralogy.virginia@gmail.com
to get more information on how we can help you!
Can’t come to meetings?! No worries!
Connect to rockhounds across the state on Facebook!
-7-
Rock & Mineral Shops in Virginia
Packard’s Stamps & Rocks
Located in Midlothian Virginia, Packard’s Stamps & Rocks
has been in the area since 1962 and has been an important
spot for rockhounds in the state. The Packard family has been
heavily involved in Virginia minerals and has several unique
publications they have published. On top of their minerals and
jewelry, they have an impressive stamp collection! The shop is
now managed by sons, David and Jim, grandchildren, Mark and
Kathy, with support from the local community.
13131 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113
https://www.packardstampandrock.com/
Virginia Rock Shop
Located in the Rockfish Valley Community Center, the VA Rock
Shop, owned by David Lipscomb, has been ultimate stop for
Virginia rockhounds looking for unique mineral specimens from
the state. A wide variety of Virginia mineral specimens can be
found and Mr. Lipscomb has used many of the state stones for
beautiful jewelry. Enjoy a scenic ride in the area, hit some local
breweries and wineries and grabs some rocks! The county is also
home to the state rock, Nelsonite.
190 Rockfish School Ln, Afton, VA 22920
https://varockshop.com/
Excalibur Mineral Corporation
For over 40 years, Excalibur Mineral Corp. has been providing
private collectors, researchers, major universities and museums
throughout the world with reliably identified, rare and
unusual mineral samples for science and display. The showroom
is open with mineral specimens for sale and special appointments
to see the warehouse. The owner, Tony Nikischer, serves as the
Chairman of the Board of The Hudson Institute of Mineralogy.
He is also the publisher of Mineral News, a monthly periodical
devoted to mineral collecting.
1885 Seminole Trail, Suite 202 Charlottesville, VA
http://www.excaliburmineral.com/
-8-Stones n’ Bones
Located in Forest, Virginia near the beautiful Blue Ridge
Mountains, Stones n’ Bones offers a wonderfully eclectic mix
of the best that mother nature has to offer, including minerals,
crystals, fossils and more. The shop has operated for over 20
years and owner David Young has been an avid collector and
local rockhound. No matter what brings you to have an interest
in crystals, Stones n’ Bones has a place for you!
18013 Forest Rd, #C02, Forest, VA 24551
http://www.stonesnbones.org/index.html
The Valley Rock Shop
Located right off I-81 in Verona, the Valley Rock Shop is
located inside the “Largest Antique Mall in America!” Owner,
John Hammer and his wife have run the shop for many years
and continue to be active in the rockhound community. From
fossils to maps to minerals, Mr. Hammer has everything you
could ask for. The shop has become a staple for those traveling
up and down I-81. If you are a fan of antiques then this is the
perfect day trip!
50 Lodge Ln #106, Verona, VA 24482
Call for more information: 540-415-0972
Don’t see your favorite shop listed?
Want to add your store to the 2022 directory?
-9-Natural History & Mineral Museums
James Madison University Virginia Tech
Mineral Museum Geoscience Museum
The JMU Mineral Museum has been a classic Exhibits include the OmniGlobe, gems, minerals,
stop for mineral collectors over the years. JMU rocks, fossils, and a full-scale cast of an Allosaurus
recently aquired the Peter L. Via collection and will dinosaur skeleton. The museum also has a Virginia
have a brand new exhibit room opening up after Minerals & Fossils display!
COVID-19! Stay updated on their website!
2062 Derring Hall, 926 West Campus Drive,
Festival Conference and Student Center, 1301 Blacksburg, VA 24061
Carrier Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
https://geos.vt.edu/museum-of-geosciences.html
https://www.jmu.edu/mineralmuseum/
Richmond University Museum of The
The Lora Robins Gallery Middle Appalachians
Beautiful exhibit of 10,000 pieces ranging from The museum highlights the geology of the middle
incredible shells, Virginia minerals, fossils, ceramics, appalachians from prehistoric mammals, local salt
pottery, artifacts, and more! This gallery showcases mines, unique double terminated crystals found in
some rare and unique Virginia mineral localities local fields and native american and civil war history
across the state! that has defined the story of Saltville community.
5 Richmond Way, Richmond, VA 23226 123 Palmer Ave, Saltville, VA 24370
https://museums.richmond.edu/ http://moma.smythchamber.org/
-10-The Virginia Museum Smithsonian Museum
of Natural History of Natural History
The Virginia Museum of Natural History, affiliated
with the Smithsonian, is the state’s natural history The nation’s leading natural history museum that
museum located in Martinsville, Virginia founded garners millions of visitors every year. From fossils,
in 1984. The museum is also home to the first intact minerals, animals, etc. the Smithsonian has made a
stromatolite head ever found in Virginia, which is name for itself as one of, if not the best natural histo-
one of the largest complete ‘heads’ in the world, at ry museum in America.
over 5 feet in diameter and weighing over 2 tons.
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
21 Starling Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112 20560
https://www.vmnh.net/ https://www.si.edu/museums/natural-history-mu-
seum
Radford University
Museum of the Earth Sciences
The Radford Museum of the Earth Sciences is a
teaching exhibit using an interdisciplinary approach
to foster an appreciation of the earth. Through
beautiful exhibits covering all aspects of Earth New Exhibits Opening in Virginia?
Science, this is a great place for K-12 groups and
natural history enthusiasts! Email FMVA and let us know!
M64 - Center for the Sciences, Radford University,
Radford, VA 24142
https://www.radford.edu/content/csat/home/mes.
html
-11-State Preservation
Research Project
The Virginia Mineral Project (VMP)
Collect. Preserve. Educate.
What is the Virginia Mineral Project (VMP)?
The Virginia Mineral Project is a statewide research initiative tasked with recording and preserving the
mineral and mining heritage of the state. The VMP produces lectures, documents, and assists the public with
questions and information regarding Virginia mineral deposits. The VMP hosts regular lectures for the
community, many of which can be seen on YouTube! During COVID-19, the VMP hosted weekly events and
gave over 25 lectures for the community. If you have stories about Virginia mineral and mining history then
please reach out! The ultimate goal of the VMP is to develop a new Minerals of Virginia publication inspired
by R.V. Dietrich. Under COVID restrictions, the VMP has focused on the development of videos and
community programs.
What services does VMP provide?
The VMP provides a number of free services and deliverables to the community:
- Assisting with collection organization and preservation.
- Three yearly newsletters with project updates and Virginia mineral news.
- Museum curation and identification of specimens.
- Specialized assistance and information to aid you in personal prospecting questions.
- Community lectures and events.
- Development of educational materials and assistance with teachers.
- Photography of Virginia minerals.
The VMP is directed by Thomas Hale and is supported by a team of long-time mineral collectors across the
state. If you are interested in getting involved, reach out to our team! For questions, inquiries, joining the
VMP listserv, or additional requests, email: virginiamineralproject@gmail.com
Check out some of our recent Virginia lectures and subscribe for the latest updates!!
-12-Databases & Online Resources
Virginia Minerals Facebook mindat.org
Community Group Mindat is the largest mineral and locality
Join a thriving online community where database on the web! A must for any serious
you can learn more about Virginia minerals collector and enthusiast looking to tract
and mining history. Come share your stories down mineral deposit data.
and finds and meet a great group of fellow
mineral ethusiasts across the state!
Virginia Department of Mines
Minerals and Energy (DMME)
Virginia Rockhounding The DMME is the state geological survey.
DMME databases hosts tons of old Virginia
New to the hobby of collecting minerals?
publications free for the public and great
Want to have specimens ID’d or share your
resources for educators interested in
finds? Join Virginia Rockhounding! Friendly
Virginia minerals and geology!
to all levels of interest and background!
United States Geological Google Earth
Survey Useful for mapping and storing locality
USGS is federal geology survey of the US data and keeping track of your prospecting
government. A huge database of maps, localities. Overlay useful KMZ files
resources, and information for collectors from USGS and DMME to assist with
and educators! understanding the rocks below!
The Diggings
Macrostrat The Diggings™ lists millions of claims across
The best online interactive geology map! the United States to help identify where
Check out the Rockd app on your phone materials are being mined or were mined
and bring the data with you in the field. in the past. With interactive maps, discover
mining activity in your area.
The above resources are just a list of our top applications and databases we use to aid in
collecting and learning more about Virginia mineral and geological deposits. Do you see
something we are missing?! Email us and let us know for the 2022 directory!
-13-Recommended Books & Articles
Minerals of Virginia by R.V. Dietrich (1990): Viewed as the hegemonic text for all Virginia collectors.
This publication is the last work (including the 1991 adendum) of the popular R.V. Deitrich who published
multiple editions of the “Minerals of Virginia” books starting in the 1950’s. The book breaks down minerals
and their recorded locations across the state. While the book is outdated in many respects, it keeps its place
as the essential book in a Virginia collectors prospecting arsenal! Book Link
Virginia Minerals by the Division of Mines Minerals and Energy: These useful publications cover
some of the most important mineral deposits and geological outcrops in the state. Topics range from mineral
discoveries, landslide data, general geology reporting, and historical information. All of these publications
are online and FREE for the public. Searching a topic and adding “Virginia Minerals DMME” will aid with
browser responses. These publications are no longer produced by the state but are a valuble resource! In
addition to the “Virginia Minerals” series, DMME provides free PDF publications that have maps and
mineral data, from feldspar deposits, pegmatites, mica, quartz, etc; all free and searchable online. Link
Allen Pennick Virginia Mineral Locality Index (1987): Part of the Virginia Mineral Series, this 1987
mineral locality index is a classic tool for collectors. Most of the locations are outdated but provide valuble
knowledge for mineral deposits and their occurences by county. Link
Mineral Resources of Virginia by Thomas Watson (1907): Seen as the original publication on
Virginia mineral deposits, the 1907 Watson book is the source for many of the later studies on Virginia
mineral occurences. This book is referenced often by the above publications. Original copies are rare but they
provide data that was left out and not included in later texts. These anecdotes prove useful decades later!
Additional Publications, Magazines, and Articles for people getting into minerals:
Identification Guide to Common Minerals and Pegmatite Deposits of Virginia by Arthur
Rocks of Virginia (1961) by Gustav B. Baetcke Pegau (1932)
Roadside Geology of Virginia by Keith Frye Outline of the Mineral Resources of Virginia
by William M. McGill (1936)
Mineral Guide to Maryland and Virginia Areas
by Philip Morrill et. al (1967) Mica & Feldspar Deposits of Virginia by
William Randall Brown (1962
Rock and Gem : The Definitive Guide to Rocks,
Minerals, Gemstones, and Fossils Reach out to the VMP if you want specialized
by Ronald L. Bonewitz research for your prospecting and local area!
virginiamineralproject@gmail.com
-14-What’s New in Virginia Minerals?
What better way to begin 2021 than a celebration of 2020’s best finds, discoveries, purchases, and photographs!
All of these specimens are from Virginia and have been photographed or aquired during 2020. If you would like to
submit your photographs of your Virginia minerals for the 2022 edition, email FMVA (contact info pg 2).
We look forward to a new year with new aquisitions and rockhounding memories!!
Stilbite • Goose Creek Quarry, Leesburg, VA Aquamarine • ~5.0in crystal • Rutherford Fluorcalciomicrolite on Cleavelandite • 2.5cm •
• Spheres ~1.3cm diameter • Ex Buck Keller • Pegmatite No. 2, Amelia Co., Virginia • Rutherford No. 2 Pegmatite, Amelia Co. VA •
August Dietz Collection Ex George Reihmerr Collection Thomas Hale Collection
Calcite Clam Shell • 4.2in • Virginia Beach, Amethyst • Scufflin Acres Farm, Prospect, Turquoise • Bishop Mine, Virginia, USA • 3.0
Virginia, USA • August Dietz Collection Virginia, USA • 13.2 cm • VMP photo. • Thomas cm • Matt McGill photo • Alex Venzke Collection
Hale Collection, Collected in 2016
Calcite • 4.3 x 3.8 cm • Haymarket Quarry, Pyrite • Bargers Quarry, Lexington, Virginia Crystallized Turquoise on Mica Schist • Bishop
Prince William Co., Virginia • Ex George • 2.0 cm • Thomas Hale photo • August Dietz Mine, Lynch Station, Virginia • FOV 7mm •
Reihmerr Collection Collection, Logo for FMVA Stephan Wolfsfried Photo
-15-You can also read
