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Jade nephrite, China

Jade nephrite, China
Photograph courtesty of
The Smithsonian Institution

Some Ways to Contact a Local
Rock, Mineral, or Gem Club

Talk to a member of the geology or earth science department of your local college or university.

Talk to a member of the science department of your local high school.

Contact the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies.

Check the phone book for your nearest rock and mineral shop and talk to the owners.


Role of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

The USGS reports deposits that seem likely to contain gemstones. It is not a function of the USGS to exploit such resources.

USGS geologists perform continuing research on kimberlites, the initial source of diamonds. Not all kimberlites are diamond bearing, and some of the research is directed to learning what indications you look for during exploration to distinguish fertile from barren kimberlite.

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This page is URL:https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gemstones/contacts.html

Last modified 12-11-08 (jmw)