Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to be a NYMC member to attend your meetings?

All of our regular monthly meetings are free and open to the public.

Q. Can you put me on your mailing list?

We do not have a regular mailing list for non-members. Up-to-date information is available online about our monthly meetings and other events. Regular members receive monthly bulletins as well as other important communications.

Q. Can you send me a sample bulletin or newsletter?

Recent newsletters (Bulletin of the New York Mineralogical Club) can be accessed and downloaded from the Bulletins page of this website.

Q. Can the NYMC appraise my mineral/gem/jewelry collection?

The NYMC does not provide an appraised value for minerals, gemstones, lapidary arts or jewelry. This service, when needed, should be performed by an independent appraiser. While the NYMC does not and cannot recommend individual appraisers, there are several national appraisal associations and networks that will be able to help you locate an appraiser in your area.

Q. Can the NYMC identify or authenticate my mineral, gem or piece of jewelry?

The NYMC as an organization does not provide mineral or gem identification or authentication services. The absolute identification of a mineral or gem can be extremely challenging, requiring professional expertise and formal testing that can have a cost. However, you are welcome to bring an item or two to any meeting. Some of our members may be able to informally and casually point you in the right direction.

Q. Does the NYMC buy minerals, gems, jewelry, lapidary arts or collections?

The NYMC as an organization does not purchase minerals, gems, jewelry, lapidary arts or collections.

Q. Can I make a donation of minerals, gems, jewelry, books, lapidary arts, etc. to the NYMC?

We gratefully accept relevant donations, after some consultation and discussion, that can benefit the NYMC and help fund its ongoing educational, operational and academic activities.

Q. Are donations to the NYMC tax deductible?

The NYMC, a non-profit New York State corporation, is NOT an approved Federal 501(c)(3) organization that allows donors to reduce their own taxable incomes by deducting the amounts of their donations given to that organization.

Q. Can the NYMC help me sell my collection?

We strongly suggest you attend an upcoming mineral show and speak to a variety of mineral or gem dealers to get advice and guidance about the disposing of your collection. The NYMC is a non-commercial entity and can neither help you sell your collection nor recommend specific dealers for that task.

Q. Can I participate in your annual Voice Auction, Silent Auction or Special Sales by submitting personal items for consignment or sale?

The NYMC Auctions and Special Sales are Club benefits. All of the lots have been donated to the Club and 100% of the monies raised are retained and used to fund the Club’s diverse activities.

Q. Can I set up a booth at the Spring/Summer/Fall NYC Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show?

The NYMC has no direct financial or managerial involvement in the tri-annual NYC mineral shows. We are there by invitation of the show's owner and promoter, Excalibur Mineral Corporation (Anthony Nikischer, president). Contact Excalibur at info@excaliburmineral.com for information regarding any and all commercial opportunities at these mineral and gem shows.

Q. Are there other mineral or gem clubs in the USA?

Absolutely! Consult the websites of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) or the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical & Lapidary Societies (EFMLS) for extensive national and regional information.

Q. Where can I take formal mineralogy, geology or lapidary courses?

Although you will certainly learn a lot by being a member of a mineral or gem club by attending meetings and hearing lectures, you may want a more extensive and structured educational experience. You might talk to NYMC members in person at any meeting to get some advice. You should also consult the websites of local universities or colleges to see what they have available in these fields. Formal lapidary courses seem to be currently unavailable within the borders of New York City.