The annual 2026 Symposium for Mineral Collectors brings together collectors, mineral enthusiasts, students, and professional geologists for a full day of educational presentations, networking, and discussion. There will be six talks by knowledgeable speakers on Pennsylvania mineralogy and geology and more:
Geology and Mineralogy of the Perkiomen Mine - Bill Stephens, PG, Stephens Environmental
From Alchemy to Atoms: Ordering Minerals Through Time - Dr. Peter Heaney, Penn State
Critical Minerals in Pennsylvania Iron Furnace Slag - Dr. Maureen Feineman, Penn State
Why Are Herkimer Diamonds Where They Are? - David Tibbits, Rutgers
Macroscale Optical Mineralogy: Another Way to Appreciate Mineral Symmetry - Dr. Kyle Trostle, Snellius Minerals
From the Mines to the Minerals - Maine Pegmatites - Kaleb Hecksher, West Chester University
Attend in person at West Chester University or participate remotely via Zoom on November 14.
Professional geologists may earn up to six Professional Development Hours (PDH) through symposium attendance.
A field trip is planned for Sunday, November 15, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. to the Perkiomen Mine dumps.
Please note: The field trip is open only to registered symposium attendees, and is limited to 30 participants. Field Trip registration and $10. PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY Tuesday November 10. Participants must be at least 12 years of age and must wear high-visibility vests.
Additional details, including location and schedule, will be provided to registered participants.
| Registration Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Friends of Mineralogy – PA Chapter Member (2026 or 2027) | $15 |
| Non-Member | $20 |
| Student | Free |
Students should provide the name of their school during registration.
Registration for Zoom attendance closes at 9:00 PM on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Professional geologists seeking PDH credit will be asked to provide:
Certificates will be provided following the symposium.
Participants under the age of 18 attending the symposium at West Chester University must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Attendance at Friends of Mineralogy – Pennsylvania Chapter programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Individuals will not be identified by full name without prior written permission.
Registration may be completed online using PayPal with no convenience fee.
PayPal Account:
FM.Penna.Treasurer@gmail.com
If you prefer to pay by check, registration information and payment (to: "Friends of Mineralogy") should be mailed (note field trip registrations must be RECEIVED by Nov. 10, and Zoom attendance registration must be RECEIVED by Nov. 12) to:
David Glick
425 Armagast Road
Bellefonte, PA 16823