 |
The Georgia Mineral Society, Inc. 4138 Steve Reynolds Boulevard Norcross, GA 30093-3059 |
Ad Hoc Tumbling Group
A Special GMS Group
for People Interested in Tumbling Rocks
The Ad Hoc Tumbling Group Meets
Third Tuesday
Every Odd Month
Many people, young and old, begin their rockhound journeys by tumbling stones. It is a great way to get into the hobby and there is so much to learn from tumbling.
The GMS Ad Hoc Tumbling Group meets every odd month via Zoom to talk about all things tumbling. If you are interested, you must be a member of GMS, and all members are encouraged to submit ideas for topics to cover.
The group also sponsors and runs an annual rock tumbling contest for novice and experienced tumblers. Winners are announced at our annual Mother's Day Weekend Rock Show.
If you have any questions about the Ad Hoc Tumbling Group, please send email to
Ad Hoc Tumbling Group Message
No Meeting in June
There is something inherently magical about the transformation of a jagged, unassuming piece of raw stone into a radiant, polished gem. It is a process that requires far more than just a tumbler; it requires patience, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. At the Ad-hoc Tumbling Group, we believe that the journey from rough stone to treasure is best experienced in the company of friends.
Whether you are a seasoned lapidary professional or someone who has never touched a rock tumbler in your life, you have a place in our community. We meet on Zoom every third Tuesday of the odd-numbered months (January, March, May, July, September, and November). We open the digital doors at 7:00 p.m. for a half-hour of casual conversation, followed by our formal session at 7:30 p.m. Whether you are seeking expert advice on the Mohs hardness scale, looking for tips on cleaning your latest finds, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow geology enthusiasts, our meetings offer a hub of mineral science and lively discussion. We invite you to click the link, say “hi,” and join a group where you are guaranteed to walk away with a newfound nugget of knowledge.
The spirit of exploration and dedication was on full display during the 2026 GMS Tumbling Contest. We extend our deepest gratitude to every contestant who stepped up to the challenge; your hard work, which was beautifully showcased at our Ad-hoc Tumbling display during the GMS Mother’s Day Show, truly inspired us all.
This year’s success would not have been possible without generous partners and experts. A special shout-out goes to The Rock Shed in Keystone, South Dakota., for supplying the exceptional stones for this year’s competition. We were also incredibly fortunate to have the expertise of our judges: Sharon Swanson, a retired Gemologist from Leesburg, AL, and Ryan Roney, Curator at the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville, GA.
The task before our judges was no small one. With South Dakota chalcedony for the Novice division and iolite for the Experienced division, the competition was fierce. Under the scrutinizing lens of the loupe, our judges examined every pit, crack, and chip, searching for that elusive, perfect polish. The difference between first place and the rest of the field came down to a single point.
It is with great pride that we announce the winners of the 2026 GMS Tumbling Contest:
Novice Division: Orion Bellio, representing the next generation of excellence as a Junior member.
Experienced Division: Patricia Tuckwiller, whose persistence and dedication set a standard for us all.
Congratulations to our winners, and sincere thank you to every contestant. You faced a daunting task with grace, proving that patience and determination are the true tools of the trade.
We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. Should you have any questions or comments regarding the contest or our upcoming schedule, please feel free to reach out to us as always.
Tim Hellinger
Co-Chair (co-chair open for volunteers)
Copyright © Georgia Mineral Society, Inc.