Hartland-Based Group Transforms Rocks into Keepsakes

Like elves in Santa's workshop, some members of the Livingston Gem and Mineral Society have been busy making last minute touches on holiday gifts.

"I haven't really had to Christmas shop in years because I just make all my gifts," said a smiling Margaret Edmundson, of Holly, earlier this week at the where they meet.

Lately, she's noticing the benefits of doing a little bit of everything and not just bead making, which she teaches on the side. She and a few others give additional instruction to newer members.

But for those who don't need the additional practice, they're making department store bling look-alikes. Denis Ringle, of Howell, for example, crafted a bracelet of common opal just in time for his daughter. In stores, the gift might have rung up for hundreds of dollars. By making it, he saved on cost and gained charm and personal value.

A passion for rocks

Members of the society create more than just holiday gifts, though. The group typically meets three times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays when the building is open. Since 1970, the society, which also goes by LGMS, has been based in Hartland and appealed to rock lovers of all types, whether member interests lie in bead and jewelry making, rock collecting, silver smith working or somewhere in between.

Club President Marv Martin likes to give what he creates to his family so they'll have something to remember him by years down the road.

"I'll be doing it until I can't anymore. But until then, I'm having fun getting my grand kids into it. They've gotten to the point where they'll point out different stones and we'll cut them open with my saw at home," said Martin, of Webberville. "It's really neat to see them so excited about it."

Part of the excitement is fueled by the uncertainty of what's inside. For members, there are two types of rocks. First, there are the "leverites" which are the duds that after picking one up, it's best to "leave her right there" where it was found. Then there are the keepers, whose values would make anyone think twice before nonchalantly tossing aside a rock again. It's not always obvious which is which and that's half the thrill for LGMS members.

"You just never know until you slice one open and look for the prize," said Martin with an amber fossil necklace dangling from him. In his younger days, he worked for General Motors but like many of the members, he has retired and kept busy by becoming involved in the rock club.

Bob Hansor, of Stockbrigde, who has been heavily collecting rare gems and such for 40 years, explained that some minerals found in Michigan, like Petoskey stones or 450 million-year-old agates, appear to be worthless from the outside. But inside, belongs a core so sparkly it resembles quartz.

"It's a real 50/50 at first but you get good at recognizing which ones have potential," Martin added.

Most of that comes with experience but belonging to the LGMS is more beneficial because the mix of people makes for an abundance of knowledge. In addition, the educational support service center provides the group the space to use an assortment of tools like heavy-duty oil and water saws and tools of every kind (not to mention the many drawers full of jewelry components and bins of random stones).

"The talents and skills that people bring to the table are remarkable," Martin said. "If you need an opinion about something, you won't leave unanswered."

Rock solid membership

LGMS has 132 members, ranging from 16 to 104 years old, making it one of the largest rock club in Michigan, according to Martin. 

The club's signature event is the Gem and Mineral Show that's typically held the third weekend of September in the gym at the educational support center, where members display their best work. They are joined by outside vendors selling gems, minerals and jewelry.

Education also is a big focus with the club routinely hosting visiting groups of students.

One of the club's veterans, "Big Bob" Krautheim, of Howell, teaches the art of silver smithing. He's the go-to guy amongst the group when it comes to those scenarios since he picked up the skill during his high school years.

"I get some people who aren't very serious about it because they find that it's not for them, and that's OK. That's why I try to give them as much room for creativity as possible," he said. "None of it should feel forced."

During the year, the society meets in Room 51 at the educational and support center and collects $1 donations at the door. Drop-ins are welcome. In addition, adult memberships are $15 plus a $10 annual workshop fee is charged. Family memberships are available (which lower the cost if two or more people want to join together) but it's preferred that children who join are at least 12.

"Anyone can do this stuff," Martin said. "It's absolutely safe and 100 percent fun."

The society resumes meeting Jan. 3. For general or membership information, contact Marv Martin at (517) 521-3135.

Editor's note: Bob Hansor's name was corrected in a caption on Dec. 24. Hartland Patch regrets the error.