The Ozark Mountain Gem & Mineral Society, Inc (OMGMS) is a not for profit organization founded in 1957 with over 60 members. Our mission is to study, promote and educate about the Earth Sciences; specifically Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Lapidary and anything else having to do with beautiful and interesting rocks, gems and fossils. Some of us started looking for rocks, collecting and polishing them, in our childhood and now facet gems or make custom jewelry. Some have developed other interests in Earth Sciences more recently. Our member’s ages range from preteens to their 90’s. We come from a wide variety of backgrounds and educations. We hold educational presentations, workshops, field trips and other events to further knowledge and understanding in the Earth Sciences.

We present two major Rock & Gem related events each year. Our annual “Rock and Gem Fair” is held in early June and is an informal outdoor show held on the grounds of the Missouri Institute of Natural Science. Our annual “Rock, Gem and Mineral Show” is held at the EXPO Center in downtown Springfield on the 3rd weekend in October.

Guests are always welcome at our meetings. We meet on the 4th Monday of each month (except December) at the Museum at the Missouri Institute of Natural Science, 2327 W Farm Rd 190, Springfield, MO (near Rivercut Golf Course). We begin at 6:30 pm and enjoy a 30 to 45 minute educational presentation before our business meeting.