The Maryland Geological Society, a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the collection, study, and display of all aspects of the geological sciences, is composed of amateur and professional fossil and mineral collectors. Membership is open to all and visitors are always welcome!

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Latest News

In-Person Meeting And Auction On Sunday, October 22nd

The Maryland Geological Society will hold an in-person meeting on Sunday, October 22nd, at the Bowie Community Center South (1717 Pittsfield Lane, Bowie, MD 20716) from 12:30 to 4:30 PM. The meeting will feature election of officers and the welcome return of the MGS annual auction. MGS members can put up to 10 items each into the auction. The club will assess a 10% fee on each sold item, with the exception of items donated to the club. Community Center rules preclude any cash transactions, so all transactions must be by check. Further information on auction rules and copies of the auction forms and tags that must accompany each item can be downloaded here. These rules and forms will also be included in a forthcoming issue of the MGS newsletter. Information on the business meeting to be held on Zoom several days prior to the in-person meeting will be emailed to members.

Stories of Exciting Finds Along the Calvert Cliffs

Two amazing, recent fossil finds along the Calvert Cliffs should excite all MGS fossil collectors. Both discoveres were made by volunteers with the Calvert Marine Museum. The first is a 12-million-year-old gannet skeleton, the most complete bird skeleton ever found along the Cliffs (link). The second is that of a wonderfully complete skull of a 15-million-year-old dolphin ancestor (link). Check out these and other stories on the MGS WebSightings page.

Highlights of the May 21st Meeting

The Maryland Geological Society and the American Fossil Federation held a joint in-person meeting on Sunday, May 21st, 2023. Dr. Stepehn Godfrey, Curator of Paleontology at the Calver Marine Musem gave an interesting and informative talk on "Predation by Sharks in the Fossil Record."

On display at the meeting was this beautiful array of Miocene fossil shells from the Patuxent River.

Next Meeting

Sunday, October 22nd
The meeting will run from 12:30 to 4:30 PM at the Bowie Community Center South.

Featured Mineral

The featured mineral is microcline, so named for its cleavage planes. Of all microclines, amazonite is of most importance for collectors and gem cutters. The specimens pictured below were photographed by MGS member Bob Farrar and are from his collection.





Links to Upcoming Shows

September 23 and 24, 2023: Gem Cutters Guild of Baltimore holds its 58th annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show at the Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MD. Detailed information about the show can be found on the Guild website.

Trips

The MGS Trips page has information on policies regarding trips and details about any upcoming trips. MGS trips are restricted to members. There are no trips currently scheduled.

Notable Quotes

Geologist Andrew H. Knoll

Among the enduring lessons of geology is a recognition of how fleeting, fragile, and precious our present moment is.
The Maryland Geological Society is a member of the Eastern Federation of Mineralogical and Lapidary Societies and the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies.



The Maryland Geological Society is NOT affiliated with the Maryland Geological Survey, a state governmental organization.
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