About MSDC

Who We Are

We're rockhounds, professional mineral scientists, mineral collectors and enthusiasts, and people with new interests in minerals and earth sciences.

Our Focus

MSDC is a non-profit educational organization. Our strengths are our great presentations, our curiosity about minerals and how the earth makes them, some very knowledgeable members who are happy to share their expertise, and the warm and welcoming camaraderie you'll enjoy at meetings, whether they are on Zoom or in person. We focus on minerals, gems, geology, fossils, and collecting. We support the advancement of mineralogy and geological sciences.

Our History

The Mineralogical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) was founded in 1942. Since that time, we've enjoyed a close relationship with mineral scientists and curators of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Some of them helped to found the club.

Staff at the Smithsonian Mineral Sciences Department continue to be MSDC speakers and friends. Several MSDC members also volunteer at the National Museum of Natural History and interact directly with visitors in the Geology, Gems, & Mineral Hall or work behind the scenes with the Department of Mineral Sciences. You can volunteer at NMNH, too.

Want more info?

Please email us at mineralclubdc@gmail.com

Website comments?

Please contact Betty Thompson at bdthompson01@yahoo.com