Lapidary World - Collgardie Gem & Mineral Club Inc

Coolgardie Gem & Mineral
Club Inc

Club Details

Club Location:-

To Be Advised:

For further details
please contact:-

Coolgardie Gem Club Inc
PO box 34 Coolgardie 6429 WA
Phone 90267194 or 90266169

President: Ronnie Potter Ph. 90267194
Email Secretary : ausgold1@westnet.com.au

Membership Details:-

Memberships: Peta Laine Ph. 90266363
Fees are $15
Renewable on July 1/ 2009
(Map package is an additional $8 + $5 postage)
Use the contact details above to join.
Over 400 members!

About:-

The idea of a Gem & Mineral Club was first proposed by a small, like minded, rock
crazy, group in Coolgardie.
One of the reasons for establishing the club was that there was no such club in the
Eastern Goldfields - a region with abundant minerals, gemstones, and of course
world famous for gold! Lots of people in the region were gathering rocks and
interesting stones (which usually ended up in the garden!) but with no knowledge
of what they were or how to turn them into jewellery.

For many months club members gathered in the Old Gaol, Coolgardie (our present
club room!) without any equipment but fortunately the club eventually acquired a
grant for some equipment from Lotterywest. Even then, we did not have the
knowledge of how to use this machinery. Gradually with the help and advice from
members of other lapidary clubs we are gaining in knowledge and know-how. That
is the great thing about joining our club - we all learn from each other!

We will soon be moving to larger premises - the old Firebrigade shed (thanks to
the Shire of Coolgardie) where we will have a much better workshop setup and a
kitchen area to sit and socialise.

Many of us also prospect for gold in the region so our field trips are often both for
rocks, gemstones and gold. It seems that most gold prospectors also have a
passion for rocks! Most of all though we like to go out bush, sit drinking tea under
a tree and have a laugh!

Harry Boucher member 91 and still rocking! Read his amazing life story on this
page: Harry Boucher Page

Workshop Times:-

To Be Advised:

Field Trips:-

Thanks to the generosity of Redemption JV, Coolgardie Gem & Mineral Club
members can now fossick for gold nuggets on two large leases close to
Coolgardie. These areas are still producing gold nuggets, the most recent nugget
found was a 17 grammer by a tourist.

Unfortunately Permission to detect on Barrick leases is no longer available due to
many leases being sold to Norton. The club will attempt to regain permission from
Norton at the end of August.

All you have to do is join the club (cost = $15) and sign a contract and you can
also purchase a map package ($8).

Club Shows & Events 2008:-

Gold & Gem Festival
Competitions & results etc.
To Be Advised:

Established in 19__

Safety In The Workshop

Don't have loose clothing around any moving machine parts and keep
guards on equipment at all times.
Wear safety glasses while grinding and using any pickle or acid
compounds.
Wear a filter face mask if required.
Don't spill water on any electric motors. Electricity and water don't mix.
Keep fingers and hands clear of sharp moving parts.
Wear rubber gloves if handling any acids or pickling solutions.
Use tweezers when handling hot soldered jewelry.
Have a first aid kit near by at all times.

Take every precaution while on field trips like making sure you have the
right gear like gloves, boots, drinking water and basic supplies.
Fill in your holes after digging and beware of overhanging rocks and ledges
that could collapse while digging below.
Don't go into old mine shafts as most are unstable and air quality can never
be guaranteed.
Always where safety glasses when breaking or chiselling on rocks.
Watch out for snakes and spiders because as a rock hound you're more
prone to finding these critters than others.
Always close gates after you and always take your rubbish home with you if
there isn't a proper place to leave it.
Always tell someone where you are before you leave in case something
goes wrong!
Always have a first aid kit close by.
If you haven't been to an area before draw yourself a map or have a map
with you so you don't get lost. Mobile phones don't work everywhere!
Where a good hat and sunscreen so you don't get sunburnt.
Never forget: FOOD, SNACKS, DRINKS & MEDICATION.

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to ask permission from any private property
owner at any location when searching for gemstones before you enter any such
property. You may also be required to possess a fossicking license as per state
laws.