Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies (RMFMS)
(The following summary was developed from information obtained on the RMFMS website.)
The Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies (RMFMS) was organized in 1941 and became one of the original four founders of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS) when it was organized in 1947. The purpose of the Rocky Mountain Federation is to have a close association of all clubs in the Society to promote the study of earth sciences, including the lapidary arts, the study of fossils and paleontology, and related crafts. The Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies is currently comprised of local clubs in the following states:
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska (western portion of state), New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota (western portion of state), Oklahoma, South Dakota (western portion of state), Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
More information and details about the RMFMS’s beginnings, its membership and benefits can be found on their website.
The Rimstones Rock Club was formed in Payson AZ in 1992, and not too long after that, the Club joined the Rocky Mountain Federation of Mineralogical Societies (RMFMS).
American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)
(The following summary was developed from information obtained on the AFMS website.)
With the formation of organized groups such as the New York Mineralogical Club in 1886 and Philadelphia Mineralogical Society in 1892, interest in the earth sciences and lapidary arts took on a new meaning and importance. Members of these organizations went on field trips, collected avidly, wrote extensively on their finds and interests and shared with one another a love of beauty and knowledge.
Eventually a desire to share experiences and knowledge brought many of these “individual” clubs together. As interest in the earth sciences and lapidary arts continued to grow and as more and more individuals learned about cutting precious and semi-precious stones or collecting minerals and fossils, it became obvious that a national overseeing group would benefit all.
In 1947 at the Rocky Mountain Federation Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah a new organization, named the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies, was formed. Officers were elected and committees formed to write a Constitution and By-Laws.
Currently, there are seven (7) regional federations under the AFMS. More information and details about the AFMS can be found on their website.
Arizona Rock, Mineral, Gem and Lapidary Organizations/Clubs
Arizona has numerous clubs and organizations created out of a mutual interest in rocks, minerals, gems, fossils and lapidary skills. Currently, 21 of those organizations belong to the RMFMS, including the Payson Rimstones Rock Club.
Here is a list of some of the Arizona rock clubs and links to their websites or Facebook sites, where available, so you can learn more about their organizations.
Apache Junction Rock and Gem Club
Ajo Gem & Mineral Society
Arizona City Gem & Mineral Society
Arizona Geological Society
Bisbee Mineral Club
Black Canyon City Rock Club
Daisy Mountain Rock and Mineral Club
Flagg Mineral Foundatiion
Florence Gem and Mineral Club
Gila County Gem & Mineral Society
Huachuca Mineral and Gem Club
Lake Havasu Gem & Mineral Society
Mineralogical Society of Arizona (Phoenix)
Mingus Gem & Mineral Club
Mohave County Gemstoners
Old Pueblo Lapidary Club
Payson Rimstones Rock Club
Pinal Geology & Mineral Society
Prescott Gem and Mineral Club
Quartzsite Gem and Mineral Club
Rockhounds West (Sun City)
Sedona Gem and Mineral Club
Sunsites Gem and Mineral Club
Tucson Gem & Mineral Society
Verde River Rockhounds (Cottonwood)
West Valley Rock and Mineral Club
White Mountain Gem & Mineral Club
Wickenburg Gem and Mineral Society
Yuma Country Roads Gem and Mineral Club