As the Rolling Stones Gem and Mineral Society prepares for its 41st annual gem and mineral show—one of the most popular events in Silver City, NM, drawing numerous visitors each year—it is important to reflect on why our society dedicates so much energy and countless volunteer hours to making this remarkable event possible each year.

Twelve years ago, Lee Stockman, who served as the Rolling Stones Show Chair at that time, provided a thoughtful summary of what the gem and mineral show represents. What Mr. Stockman said back then still rings true, and lines up nicely with what our society is all about today. His reflections highlight the ongoing importance of the show in advancing our community educational outreach and stimulating a wide interest in mineralogy, gem cutting, and geology among our visitors.

We met as usual in the Visitor Center parking lot on a beautiful fall morning.  Promptly at 8:30 am the vehicle caravan departed heading south towards Lordsburg.  We regrouped at the Pilot station on I-10 fueling up with gas ($.30 cheaper than Silver, but that’s no surprise), coffee and/or breakfast.  There was some “de-fueling” too although we were told there is a rest stop right in Hachita that could accommodate folks in need. We were heading for the abandoned Apache Mine in the Apache Hills south of Hachita.  We accessed the mine area after a four mile drive on a dirt road.  The area had numerous tailing piles and some trenches and a few debris filled shafts.  Of course the group gathered their buckets and hammers and scattered across the area in search of rock/ minerals samples. The following data was taken from an article by Wofgang Elston, Mining Districts of Hildago County, NM, in NMGS, 17th Field Conference.  The Apache mine started production in the 1880’s.  Between 1880 and 1929 the mine shipped low-grade malachite in calcite to smelters…