Minnesota Mineral Club

MMC Juniors April Meeting
2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
Our next MMC Juniors meeting will be held on April 27, 2025 at 2:00pm. As a reminder, the meeting will be virtual only and you can find the zoom link below.

At our next meeting we will be exploring Mineral Identification and each kiddo will learn how we use various tests to determine what a mineral is. We will be sending each kid their own set of minerals AND the supplies necessary to do the testing, so we can all walk through mineral identification together on the call. Please complete the form (link below) by April 1, 2025 so we can get these in the mail to you!

Register & Get the Kit!

Zoom:

Minnesota Mineral Club is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: MMC Juniors MeetingTime: Apr 27, 2025 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/83190549123?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 831 9054 9123Passcode: [REDACTED]

May 2025 Club Meeting
2025-05-10 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Shakopee Community Center, 1255 Fuller St S, Shakopee, MN, 55379, United States
Event information coming soon!

MMC Juniors July Meeting
2025-07-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
What and Where

We are going to venture to the Lakewood Hills Park in White Bear Lake (address and map link below). We would like to meet you all in the main parking lot, which sits behind the YMCA and the White Bear Arena by 1:55pm. Class will run from 2pm-4pm as usual and we ask that parents hang out nearby during that time.

The current weather prediction is looking good for us that day but we are planning on conducting the class in one of the covered structures. As we get closer to the 27th, we will keep an eye on the weather and let you know if anything changes.

Lakewood Hills Park2110 Orchard LnWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110

Bring to Meeting

First, we are going to be doing some sand painting 👀 for one of the activities.

So, kiddos need to make a simple sketch of something they would like to paint. Simple is the key here... see how the examples above are made of large open shapes -- encourage your kids to sketch something in a similar way.The sketch should fit into an area that is 5.5" x 4".

Second, sand is small so having a good magnifier helps us see the details of the grains. Pick up a magnifying glass or a loupe and have the kids bring it to class. Geologists and rockhounds frequently need magnification so I recommend a loupe because they are small and easy to carry around. Here is a good one on Amazon.

A sketch and a loupe, that's it!

MMC Juniors August Meeting
2025-08-17 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
MMC Juniors will host our August meeting online. Please join the zoom by 2pm and we will work on our Rocking on the Computer badge!

Minnesota Mineral Club is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/85661133809?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 856 6113 3809Passcode: [REDACTED]

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Join instructionshttps://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85661133809/invitations?signature=KVovZ2gKD6GSrtPupyYm_hHny_m6Ci_sIk8lNIADk9Y

Clubhouse Grand Opening
2025-09-06 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Since 1945, the mission of the Minnesota Mineral Club has been to encourage interest and education in geology, mineralogy, lapidary and earth sciences.

Multiple attempts over the past 80 years have been made to create a physical location that could be the enduring home of the MMC, act as a classroom, be a space for club meetings, AND a workshop with access to lapidary equipment and training, but all have failed... UNTIL NOW.

A new chapter is beginning on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 with the Grand Opening of the new clubhouse -- The Rockhaus. Your 2025 Minnesota Mineral Club Board of Directors and Clubhouse Committee invite you to join the celebration between 1:00pm-4:00pm. The event is an open house format so come anytime to ask some questions, look around, see the equipment, see what capabilities there are and visit with other members. Refreshments will be provided.

The Rockhaus8147 Pleasant Ave. S. Bloomington, MN 55420

Link to Map

The Rockhaus is that the corner of W 82nd St and Pleasant Ave S, just across the railroad tracks from the Toro building. Note: Our space is not yet wheelchair accessible.

Parking

You can park in any open spot in front of the building, in the parking lot marked with the P on the above map or along the west side of Pleasant Ave S, north of 82nd (see the blue areas on the map above).

Come check it out!

- Minnesota Mineral Club

Lapidary Shop Orientation for Assistants 9/18 1pm-3pm
2025-09-18 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Class will go over general shop rules and policies, familiarizing students with how to be a safe and successful Lapidary Shop Assistant at the Minnesota Mineral Club's Rockhaus.

Lapidary Shop Orientation for Assistants 9/18 7pm-9pm
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States

Lapidary Shop Orientation for Assistants 9/23 1pm-3pm
2025-09-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States

Lapidary Shop Orientation for Assistants 9/23 7pm-9pm
2025-09-23 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States

MMC Club Meeting - Oct 2025
2025-10-11 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels Already a member? Log in here

Find of the Year Contest

It will be held in the space neighboring the clubhouse in Bloomington. Meeting time is 2pm-5pm.

Minnesota Mineral Club is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86418369615?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 864 1836 9615Passcode: [REDACTED]

MMC Club Meeting - Nov 2025
2025-11-08 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels Already a member? Log in here

Fall Auction... time, location and more info coming soon!

80th Anniversary Celebration
2025-12-13 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MN
Date: Saturday, December 13th

Time: 2:00 PM

Place: BOTC space at 8127 Pleasant Avenue South in Bloomington which is adjacent to our clubhouse (the Rockhaus--which is 8147 Pleasant).

Set up in the BOTC space begins at 1:00 pm and, as always, we appreciate help moving tables and chairs from the clubhouse to the BOTC.

THE CLUB WILL PROVIDE AN ASSORTMENT OF APPETIZERS, DESSERTS AND BEVERAGES. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY OUTSIDE FOOD—THIS IS NOT A POTLUCK. (The BOTC space does not have kitchen facilities for prep or cleanup.)

PLEASE BRING CHAIRS:

We need your assistance please – hosting this many for a meeting does require more chairs than the clubs owns at this time. Please bring chairs for yourself and an extra if you are able! This will ensure that there will be enough seating for everyone at the celebration!

We will also have our traditional holiday gift exchange. If you wish to participate, bring a rockhound-friendly gift with an approximate value of $20.00 and leave it on our gift table. When the meeting ends, you may take a gift that someone else has brought. Note: you must bring a gift in order to take a gift.

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86372619201?pwd=[REDACTED]

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-01-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time. This session will be lead by Leon Erstad and Steve Huber

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-01-08 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time. This session will be lead by John Porter and Leon Erstad.

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-01-09 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time. This session will be lead by John Porter and Steve Huber

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time. This session will be lead by Leon Erstad and Dan Bissonnette

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-01-14 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time. This session will be lead by Steve Huber and Leon Erstad

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-01-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time. This session will be lead by John Porter and Leon Erstad

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-01-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time. This session will be lead by Steve Huber and Dan Bissonnette

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time. This session will be lead by Dan Bissonnette and Leon Erstad

Test
2026-01-19 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MN

Open Lapidary - Feb 4th 2026
2026-02-04 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Run by: Joe Hallgren and Gary MeinkeIMPORTANT NOTE: You must have completed a previous Orientation in order to attend this event. This is to ensure the safety of participants and assistants and is something we will check. If you have not yet attended a Rockhaus Orientation, they can be viewed on the events calendar and are FREE to attend!For February lapidary classes we will be accepting only CASH AT THE DOOR - going forward we will accept online/digital payments. Please plan on bringing cash upon entry.

Open Lapidary - Feb 5th 2026 (1pm-5pm)
2026-02-05 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Run by: John Hatzung and Tom LundIMPORTANT NOTE: You must have completed a previous Orientation in order to attend this event. This is to ensure the safety of participants and assistants and is something we will check. If you have not yet attended a Rockhaus Orientation, they can be viewed on the events calendar and are FREE to attend!For February lapidary classes we will be accepting only CASH AT THE DOOR - going forward we will accept online/digital payments. Please plan on bringing cash upon entry.

Open Lapidary - Feb 5th 2026 (6pm-9pm)
2026-02-05 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Run by: Jeff Hildebrand and Rodrigo MesquitaIMPORTANT NOTE: You must have completed a previous Orientation in order to attend this event. This is to ensure the safety of participants and assistants and is something we will check. If you have not yet attended a Rockhaus Orientation, they can be viewed on the events calendar and are FREE to attend!For February lapidary classes we will be accepting only CASH AT THE DOOR - going forward we will accept online/digital payments. Please plan on bringing cash upon entry.

Open Lapidary - Feb 11th 2026
2026-02-11 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Run by: Phil and Sue MitchellIMPORTANT NOTE: You must have completed a previous Orientation in order to attend this event. This is to ensure the safety of participants and assistants and is something we will check. If you have not yet attended a Rockhaus Orientation, they can be viewed on the events calendar and are FREE to attend!For February lapidary classes we will be accepting only CASH AT THE DOOR - going forward we will accept online/digital payments. Please plan on bringing cash upon entry.

Rockhaus Orientation
2026-02-11 14:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
Minnesota Mineral Club member orientation to the equipment at the Rockhaus. Orientation will include how to safely operate the lapidary machines, keep the shop well maintained and cleaned, cutting and basic polishing of a rock, and demonstrating the use of the larger rock saws, so members can join in using their Club's equipment. No one under 18 is permitted at this time.

This session will be lead by Dan Bissonette and Leon Erstad

Open Lapidary - Feb 12th 2026
2026-02-12 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States

Open Lapidary - Feb 18th 2026
2026-02-18 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | MMC Clubhouse, 8147 Pleasant Ave. S., Bloomington, MN, 55420, United States
