A Hidden World of Rocks and Passion
For over 90 years, the San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society has remained a quiet haven for those who find joy in the beauty of rocks. Founded in 1935, the club was initially created as a space for hobbyists to engage in rock cutting and polishing, and to share their passion for collecting and discussing minerals. Today, it continues to thrive, preserving its traditions while welcoming new members who are drawn to its unique blend of science, art, and community.
On a recent Sunday, the society’s members gathered in their clubhouse, an unassuming building with no sign and boarded-up windows. The gravel-covered surface outside adds to the effect, making it seem like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Inside, members brought rocks to crack open, while others admired the rare and spectacular mineral specimens displayed in glass cases. For many, stepping through the green door is like entering a world that few know exists.
David Zandman, the club's corresponding secretary, described the collection as one of the premier private collections of minerals in the city. He noted that only the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park holds a larger collection. "This is truly a hidden gem in the sunset," he said, adding a light-hearted pun about the location.
The meeting featured a lecture by Roy Leggitt on gem faceting techniques, drawing the attention of dedicated members who approach their hobby with the same seriousness as enthusiasts of shows like "Detectorists." Despite the depth of knowledge shared, there is also a sense of fun and camaraderie. Tony DeLeon, the past president, emphasized that the club maintains its playful spirit.
The 90th anniversary celebration is ongoing, with events spanning the first three weekends of August. The festivities began with a dance party in the clubhouse, where the display cases and library of thousands of books were part of the setting. This weekend, the club will host karaoke, offering a different kind of entertainment for members and visitors alike.
The clubhouse is open to the public this weekend and next, with a spinning grinder set up on the sidewalk to attract passersby. Members can be seen shaping and polishing stones, demonstrating the traditional methods that have been used since the early 1500s. Though the club itself is not that old, its roots trace back to the Great Depression, when 16 college professors and hobbyists met in the home of E.W. Shanks on Spruce Street in Presidio Heights.
Initially called the Northern California Mineral Society, the group soon outgrew its modest beginnings and moved its meetings to public libraries and middle schools. Eventually, the club, renamed the San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, purchased a furniture store four blocks from Ocean Beach for $22,000, with members pooling their resources to make the purchase.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the club reached its peak with 700 members. Bob Kozak, vice president and program director, recalled that without the internet, people had more time to pursue hobbies. One example of the club's creativity is a grandfather clock made entirely of jade, which took five years to complete and still works today.
Today, the club has 350 members, each paying an annual fee of $30. While the number is lower than the heyday, the goal is to grow back to 700. Kozak explained that the club combines science, research, and artistic expression, emphasizing the detective work involved in finding and identifying minerals.
Twice a year, the club organizes field trips to various locations, some of which are kept secret. These excursions often take place on public land or private property, such as riverbeds or dormant mines. Once the findings are brought back to the clubhouse, they are cut open to reveal the minerals inside, which are then transformed into jewelry and ornamental items.
Kozak wears a polished jade pendant that started as a rough piece of rock found in British Columbia. After 20 hours of cutting, grinding, and polishing, it became a piece of jewelry. "The satisfaction comes from learning from instructors at the club and transforming the raw material," he said.
During a recent event, four lectures were held, including one on gem faceting by Leggitt and another on quartz, the most common mineral on Earth. In the back room, Christopher DeWinter demonstrated how to use a power grinder, while Jean Ng engaged in metalsmithing, showcasing the hands-on nature of the club's activities.
Despite being just a few blocks away from the Outside Lands music festival, the club offers a different kind of experience—Inside Lands, as some might call it. Five new members signed up during the event, showing that the club continues to attract new enthusiasts.
Kirk Kwiatkowski, the club president and professional faceter, emphasized the joy of cultivating creativity in high-level jewelry making. "We all try to bring out the best in each other in our art and expertise," he said.
Eli Wennberg-Smith and Hannah Majewski, two young visitors, stumbled upon the open house while walking home from a friend's house. Intrigued, they entered and were quickly drawn into the club's activities, wearing safety goggles and learning how to use the grinder on a chunk of jasper. "Everyone was so friendly that we just got sucked in," Majewski said, expressing her excitement about the club's accessibility and low equipment costs.
DeLeon found his way to the club in 1977 when he was a senior at Lincoln High School. A friend had a box of rocks, and they came to see if they had any value. Though they didn't turn out to be valuable, DeLeon ended up taking a course in gems and minerals, which led him to a career as a chemist and eventually to becoming the club's president.
"I want to be a lapidary instructor here, teaching the cutting and shaping of rocks," he said. "It is volunteerism that makes this operation work."
Before the pandemic, the club held an annual show each August at the County Fair Building, featuring 60 exhibits and 40 vendors. Although the event has not returned yet, the club is building momentum through weekend open houses at the clubhouse.
"We're practicing for the 100th," DeLeon said. "Wait till you see what we do then."
