|
|
|
|
Next Meeting: Monday, March 1, 2010 7:00 pm Lowell Presnell - A History of Mining and Commercial Minerals in Western North Carolina |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
| Photos from S.A.M.S. 2008 Picnic at Grovestone Quarry | ||
| Nantahala Field Trip Photos | ||
| Check out the Carolina Geology site or download as a pdf file (last revised 12/11/05). |
Welcome to the online home of the Southern Appalachian Mineral
Society. We are organized to promote popular interest and education in the various
earth sciences, in particular, mineralogy; to foster exchange of knowledge of lapidary
techniques; and to promote good fellowship.
Founded in 1931, we are one of the oldest mineral societies in the nation, with membership extending into many states. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, it is in the center of an area which has the largest variety of gems and minerals in the country. S.A.M.S., sponsored in part by the Asheville Park and Recreation Department, is a nonprofit organization whose membership is open to all interested applicants. New members, young and old, from near or far are welcome to join our club and will benefit from the following:
Monthly Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month except January and September at the Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC at 7:00 p.m. Free parking is in a lighted lot at the Center. The meetings include all facets of information about gems, minerals and related subjects. Guest speakers include professional geologists, mineralogists, gemologists, mining specialists, and knowledgeable "rockhounds". Visitors and guests of all ages are always welcome. Here is a Map of the meeting site.
Field Trips to limited access and historic collecting sites take place most months for members.
 |
A Newsletter, the Mountain Mineral Monthly, published monthly, provides information about upcoming meetings and events, including detailed information about field trips, original articles by members and news of the Society's activities are featured. The newsletter is available via regular mail or e-mail.
S.A.M.S. members support various civic activities and celebrations throughout the year. A "mini" mine is provided for children at the Special Olympics Track and Field Day at T.C. Roberson High School; at the Nature Center's "Hey Day"; and at Community Day at the Murphy-Oakley Community Center. At these "Pee Wee" mines, children mine for mineral specimens which are identified and bagged, and they often form the nucleus of a collection.
Membership is available at the following annual dues levels:
| Individual | $15.00 |
| Family (adults and children 12 and under) | $20.00 |
| Junior (ages 13-18) | $ 5.00 |
| Contributing | $25.00 or more |
Print out this Application Form and mail to:
|
Southern Appalachian Mineral Society |
|
P.O. Box 15461 |
|
Asheville, NC 28813 |
For further information call: (828) 285-9470
 |
Illustrations with text from LIVING FOSSILS by Anne L. Parker. Used by permission
of Dr. James P. Parker.
Quartz image Copyright 
