Nestled behind the Brookside Motel on north Main Avenue, a small turquoise house has stood as the Four Corners Gem and Mineral Clubhouse for more than seven decades. While the passing of time may have left its mark on the weathered siding and caused the vibrant paint to chip away, inside lies a sanctuary where discovery and wonder flourish.
The Four Corners Gem and Mineral Club celebrates its 76th anniversary this year, making it one of the oldest nonprofits in Durango. Within the walls of the house, a community of gem and mineral fanatics share passions of Earth’s enduring marvels.
“It really has changed a lot of people’s world, I mean given them an outlet to pursue new interests and learn,” said David Gonzales, Gem and Mineral Club president. “Pardon the pun but, it's a gem in the rough.”
Gonzales, a geologist and professor of geosciences at Fort Lewis College, has been a club member for over a decade and served as president since 2022. The club elects a new president every two years, and candidates can serve up to two terms. Gonzales labeled himself as the rock hound of the group.
“I've always been fascinated by Earth history and the complexities of geology,” he said. “I like going out and just experiencing how rocks have influenced the place we live.”
The Gem and Mineral Club unites two distinct realms: the artistry of jewelry and the science of geology. The club allows enthusiast from both worlds to blend their interests and collaborate.
“I try to educate people about the synergistic balance between geology and the art world,” Gonzales said.
An alley across from Durango High School on west 24th Street leads to the front door of the Gem and Mineral Clubhouse. The small abode contains a fully equipped lapidary studio and a complete metal smith and casting shop. Here, members have everything they need to cut, grind and polish stones, and craft jewelry.
Members can use the clubhouse’s resources during open shop hours, usually held four times a week. Members also have the opportunity to participate in classes taught by skilled artists and professionals that range from metal sawing to polishing stones for ring-making.
“We’ve had a number of members start with taking classes and practicing their craft and then become established retailers in Durango,” Gonzales said.
The club recently embarked on a two-day field trip to the Last Chance Mine in Creede. Members searched for colorful amethyst and minerals in the area and were led on a tour of the mine.
If you go
The Four Corners Gem and Mineral show will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Besides field trips, open shops and classes, the club also puts on the annual Four Corners Gem and Mineral Show at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. This year will be the club’s 69th show.
“We will have over 60 vendors and expect thousands of people to come through,” said Cindy Pugsley, show chairwoman.
Four years ago, Pugsley inherited 75 buckets of rocks and petrified wood from her husband’s grandfather. Seeking guidance, she joined the Gem and Mineral Club to learn what she could do with them. She quickly mastered silversmithing and stone laying, and now devotes three days a week to working at the clubhouse.
“Our club includes so many interesting people that have so much knowledge to share,” she said. “We have geologists, mass production artists, young people, old people and I love being a part of that community.”
Pugsley has spent the last 11 months organizing this years show. She said the event runs solely on volunteers and raises money for the club, which they hope to put toward finding a new clubhouse.
Gonzales compared gems and minerals to plants. He believes humans are naturally drawn to earth materials, which is why people decorate their homes with plants or polished minerals and why jewelry is made with stones.
“Anything that our Earth creates is intriguing,” he said. “It's amazing that this particular club has been able to examine geology and keep its momentum for so many years. It’s a special place in Durango.”
glanderyou@durangoherald.com
