General News
21 July, 2026
Shiny gems just the start
A CLUB, which provides lapidary and mineral-related activities, is promoting itself as a venue for socialising and combating loneliness.
The Cairns Mineral and Lapidary Club was established in 1961 and has operated from its current location at 129 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns, since 1975.
President Wolfgang Mayer said the CMLC promoted geology, mineral collecting, mineral identification, lapidary skills including cutting, grinding and polishing of stones.
“It is not just about silver smithing, faceting and cabochon,” he said.
“It is also the social interactions in between learning and enjoying their craft and working together for their club.
“The club provides valuable educational, social and community benefits through lapidary and mineral-related activities which align with the club constitution, member expectations, community needs and demands.
“The club room has on display a comprehensive collection of minerals donated by members and other clubs.”
The facility provides fully equipped segregated workshops/areas, including a silver jewellery workshop, saw room, cabbing workshop, faceting work area, boulder opal work area and a mineral identification room.
The activities provided to the club members include instruction courses in cabochon, silver smith and faceting, silver casting sessions field trips, counter sales.
The annual Gem Fest at the club is on Saturday and Sunday 25 and 26 July from 9am. A gold nugget is the main prize in a raffle.
