A Successful Show!

 Once again the Annual Northwest IL Rock Club Show was a success! 
By the numbers of people that showed up to browse and buy, we believe that this was the best show yet!

There were many booths for people to browse, ranging from geodes to gemstones, polishing agates and cutting cabs to beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, to far out fossils- there really was something for everyone.

No matter what age you are there is always something of interest at our show.

 This is Art Dawson showing us a little of what it takes to make and shape a great looking cab.

Art is a local Artist and if you have any gemstones or cabs you would like to have set, give Art a call.  Art will have a website up in a little bit, keep your eyes open for a button on the right hand side of this page to link you to his work.

Always a favorite for kids and adults alike is cracking Geodes!

Just thinking that you are going to be the first to see the treasure hidden inside a geode is always filled with great expectations.

Another favorite for the kids is the fish pond, where the kids 'go fish' and hook on to a veritable treasure chest.  Everyone is a winner here!

 John and Judith Washburn of the Midwest Federation of Mineralogical and Geological Society

Judith is President and John is

the alternate liaison.

All kinds of neat stones, minerals, and fossils could be seen in just about every price range.
If you are just starting your collection, or adding to it, here was a smorgasbord of colors and types of rocks and fossils to choose from!

 There was a viewing box with a black light in it so we could all take a peek at the different types of  specimens that fluoresce.

Learning is COOL!

We had a great turn out and we were glad to share our knowledge, curiosity, art, and love of nature with you.  We hope to see you all again next year, and we hope that you will share your interest with your friends and neighbors. 

If you would like to join the Northwest IL Rock Club, just show up to the meetings.

Yes, It is that EASY!!

(Information is at the top right hand side of this page.)

Rock Club Picnic 2011

Sunday October 8th was the annual Freeport Area Rock Club Picnic.  It was held at Dar & Tom's house right outside of Freeport Il.  We all had a great time, lots of laughing and storytelling, more storytelling, and a lot more laughing!  As you can see, it was quite the spread.  Everyone brought a dish to pass and everything was delicious.

 Those who are creative brought their jewelry and crafts to show off and/or sell, and these things will also be brought to the annual Fossil, Mineral, Rock and Gem Show at Highland Community College on November 12th and 13th 2011.

Art Dawson is a wizard working with silver and cabs, and he will set your favorite gemstones, or sell you one of his beautiful creations.

 Geodes were cracked and some real beauties were opened up.      

You can't find a more friendly bunch of people who enjoy having a great interest in what the Earth produces, and the lovely creations they make from the treasures that come from within this planet.

Hope to see you all at the Rock show in November, and if you would like to join The Northwest IL Rock Club, you will find the information on the right hand side of this page, or just show up for a meeting!

A day to remember.

Northwest IL Rock Club Gem, Rock and Mineral Show

Midwest dealers will showcase a variety of beautiful gemstones, minerals, fossils, jewelry, beads, and gifts for holiday shoppers.

There will be lapidary demonstrations, a fun-filled children's fish pond, games, speakers, displays, and much more.

Donations appreciated.

November 12th - 13th

9am-5pm Saturday  10am-4pm Sunday

Student/Conference Center Highland Community College

2998 W. Pearl City Rd Freeport

Rock & Mineral Swap Meet

Rock & Mineral Swap Meet

September 17th

9:30am - 3:30pm

Odd Fellows Hall

6219 Forest Hills Rd (south of Riverside)Rockford IL

Rock Club Meeting

A reminder to all the members of the Northwest Il. Rock Club that there will be a meeting this Thursday September 15.  Usual time-7:00. 

  Hope to see you there. 

Gem, Rock, and Mineral Show

November 12th & 13th, 2011, 9 AM to 5PM
At Highland Community College
2998 W Pearl City Rd, Freeport, IL
In the student center.

Quality displays and Dealers of Mineralogy, Geology, Paleontology, and Archaeology
Family activities for all ages
Free admission, free parking

Geode 'Splode 2011

March 19, 2011 was the annual Geode 'splode get together. It was hosted at Brian & Cindy's house in Warren.

Everyone that came brought a dish to pass, (everything tasted wonderful), there was lots of laughter and of course geode cracking.

We all had a chance to crack some geodes, and it was interesting to see what kind of treasure has been hidden from the world for millions of years.

We all had a great time, and I for one saw many beautiful artwork and jewelry pieces made by my fellow rockhounds. It is amazing to see how the beauty of the earth can be moulded by the imagination and love of these artists. 

I can hardly wait for the picnic this summer!

41st ANNUAL ROCK GEM & MINERAL SHOW

Join us for The 41st ANNUAL ROCK GEM & MINERAL SHOW
MARCH 26th & 27th, 2011, 9 AM to 5PM
At Monroe, WI High School
1600 26th Street, Monroe, WI
Quality displays and Dealers of Mineralogy, Geology, Paleontology, and Archaeology
Family activities for all ages
Free admission, free parking