Tehachapi Valley
Gem & Mineral Society

Serving The Greater Tehachapi Valley Area Since 1986

Cartoon brown dog mascot holding a purple diamond, with “Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society” text.

Our
Mission


MISSION STATEMENT


The TVGMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote the study of earth sciences with emphasis on collection of rocks, minerals, fossils, and gems. Popular interest in geology, mineralogy, paleontology, and related subjects. We sponsor lectures, classes, demonstrations, field trips and school visits to further education and interest both within TVGMS and the community at large. Our annual gem show exhibits rock, mineral, fossil, Jewelry and lapidary arts collections in order to share our hobby with the public.


Monthly Meetings Open To The Public

Visitors Are Welcome!


Please join us the fourth Thursday of every month at the Tehachapi Senior Center.
Meetings are free and open to the public. Meetings start at 6:00 PM.
The location is 500 East "F" St. Tehachapi, Ca. 93561. 


New Members Welcome!


Membership is open to anyone interested in mineralogy,
gemology, and related educational subjects.


Community meeting in a bright room, with people seated in red chairs facing a panel at the front.
Turquoise and silver ring with two round stones and an oval black center on a white tissue.
Four people stand in a workshop, smiling near shelves and boxes.
Off-road buggy on rocky desert trail, with a person bending nearby under a cloudy sky.

Come Visit Us at The Rock Shop!
Explore. Learn. Create.

Retail Store

Explore a world of geological wonders at The Rock Shop. Our collection features everything from unique rocks and lapidary art to stunning meteorite jewelry, much of which is handcrafted by our talented members. We also invite local artisans to showcase their work through our consignment program. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, every purchase directly funds our educational projects, scholarships, and community programming—meaning your discovery helps invest in the future of gem and mineral education.

Education Center

Our education center offers a diverse range of inspiring, hands-on weekly classes tailored to every skill level. From the fundamentals of jewelry-making and lapidary techniques to the specialized craft of silver-smithing, there is something for everyone to discover. All sessions are led by experienced TVGMS members, providing expert instruction within a warm and supportive community environment. We also feature our wonderful Pebble Pups program, which is specifically designed to spark curiosity and joy in our junior rockhounds!

Workshop

At the heart of The Rock Shop is our state of the art workshop. The perfect place to transform your "field trip finds" into beautiful specimens. Members enjoy access to professional lapidary and silver-smithing equipment, including saws, grinders, and polishers. Beyond the machinery, we offer a collaborative community where experienced members provide hands-on mentorship. Once your stones are polished, you can even work alongside local silversmiths to set your finished gemstones into stunning, handcrafted jewelry pieces.