Field Trips

Probably one of the biggest benefits of being a member are the monthly guided field trips. Field trips are typically on the third weekend of every month except for March. (March's trip is either on the second or fourth weekend due to the Treasures of the Earth Show falling on the third weekend.) Most trips are day trips, gathering about 9:00 am and leaving the site around 2:00 pm so you can be home for dinner. On long trips some travel to the area on Friday camping or staying in hotels, spend all day Saturday in the field, and on Sunday they may visit another location in the area before heading home. The bulk of the areas we go to are unpublished or access by permission areas not available to most of the public. We do mostly surface collecting or if owners permit, light digging. Most trips are kid friendly unless otherwise noted. We try not to hike more than a 1/2 mile on field trips, only up hill for half the round trip.  Details on the trip as to where and when to meet, what we are looking for, road conditions, and what tools you'll need are published in the newsletter before the trip.

The requirements for attending field trips were changed at the December 6, 2021 Board meeting.

If you are joining or inviting family and friends to join the AGMC and they are planning on going on a field trip, their dues and membership application MUST be in by the 1st of that month.

If their membership application and dues are not in by the 1st or before, they will not be permitted to attend that month’s trip. Dues WILL NOT be accepted at the field trip.

Basic Rockhounding Equipment:

  • Tools: Rock hammer, chisel, screwdriver, file, whistle, hand rake, small sifter, small shovel, back pack, squeeze bottle of water*, and newspaper to wrap your specimens in.
  • Other necessities: WATER, sunscreen, lunch, jacket, toilet paper; your med's, sunglasses and in your car: a first aid kit and more WATER.
  • Clothing: Hat, long pants, long sleeved shirt, hiking boots, leather gloves. If going underground a hard hat and lamp are a requirement.

Always be alert for critters, from slithering to pouncing in size. Always leave gates in the position you found them.

*Please - DON'T LICK THE ROCKS!! Some minerals are deadly. Use the squeeze bottle of water.

For more information about Field Trips contact: vp-field-trips@agmc.info

Code of Ethics

Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies American Federation of Mineralogical Societies

The Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club falls under the umbrella of the Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies, which falls under the umbrella of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies. As such our members are expected to abide by the following code of ethics:

AFMS Code of Ethics

Know whose property you are on

  • Get permission to collect on private property.
  • Limit your excavation to using hand tools only.
  • Fill in any holes that you have dug.
  • Leave the area and all gates as you found them.
  • Find out if there are any fire restrictions in effect.
  • Stay out of old mines.

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