Whether you are looking for rough rock, lapidary supplies, equipment, books, classes or simply more ways to explore the world of rocks and minerals, these resources are a useful place to start.
The organizations and businesses listed below are provided as a convenience to members and visitors. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Tri-Cities Lapidary Society, and products, services, hours and availability may change.
Local Rock Shops & Lapidary Suppliers
The Lower Mainland is fortunate to have several established businesses serving rockhounds, lapidaries, mineral collectors and jewellery makers.
Mountain Gems
A long-established Burnaby shop carrying rough rock, mineral specimens, fossils, lapidary equipment and supplies, jewellery-making tools, books and related materials. Classes in lapidary and metalsmithing are also offered.
4611 Hastings Street
Burnaby, BC V5C 2K6
Capilano Rock & Gem
A North Vancouver supplier of lapidary equipment and supplies, rough material, beads, jewellery-making supplies and related products.
110 Garden Avenue
North Vancouver, BC Canada V7P 3H2
Rubble Rock and Gem
A Vancouver rock shop offering mineral specimens, fossils, crystals, rough material and a wide variety of rock-related products.
250 SW Marine Drive
Vancouver, BC V5X 2R5
Lisa Elser Custom Cut Gems
Vancouver-area gem cutter Lisa Elser specializes in precision-cut coloured gemstones and ethically sourced gem rough. Lapidary and faceting supplies are also available for Canadian customers.
Lapidary Equipment Manufacturers
These manufacturers produce equipment commonly used for cutting, grinding, polishing, tumbling and other lapidary work.
Highland Park Lapidary
Manufacturer of slab saws, trim saws, sphere machines, diamond tooling, oil-cleaning equipment and other heavy-duty lapidary machinery.
Diamond Pacific
One of the best-known manufacturers of lapidary equipment, including the Genie, Pixie and Titan grinding and polishing systems, along with wheels, accessories and other lapidary supplies.
Lortone
A longstanding name in lapidary equipment, particularly rotary tumblers, saws and polishing equipment. The Lortone brand continues under new ownership.
Lapidary & Rockhounding Organizations
British Columbia Lapidary Society
The provincial organization connecting lapidary and rock clubs throughout British Columbia. BCLS coordinates field trips, Rendezvous, the BC Gem Show and other province-wide activities.
Gem & Mineral Federation of Canada
A national organization supporting Canadian gem, mineral, fossil and lapidary clubs and helping connect enthusiasts across the country.
Magazines & Publications
The Mineralogical Record
An internationally respected publication devoted to fine mineral specimens, mineral localities, collecting history and the science and culture of mineral collecting.
Rock & Gem Magazine
A general-interest magazine for rockhounds, collectors and lapidaries, featuring collecting locations, lapidary projects, minerals, fossils, jewellery and how-to articles.
Looking for Something Else?
Fellow Society members are often one of the best sources of information about tools, materials, collecting locations and specialized suppliers. Bring your questions to a monthly meeting or workshop session and chances are someone has experience to share.