About the Scottish Mineral & Lapidary Club

Since it started in 1958, The Scottish Mineral & Lapidary Club has revived and fostered one of Scotland’s traditional crafts. That is the craft of The lapidary.

The Term Lapidary relates to the engraving, cutting, or polishing of stones and gems. The word was coined in the 18th Century but has it’s origins in Latin. The Craft itself, has been developed over thousands of years and continues to evolve.

Opening Times:

Our normal working hours are split into 2 sessions:

Afternoon:  11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Evening: 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm

  • Monday – Evening
  • Tuesday – Afternoon & Evening
  • Wednesday – Evening
  • Thursday – Afternoon
  • Friday – Evening
  • Saturdays – 10.00-16.00

All persons joining, as full or junior members must complete a basic course in lapidary, which is under the supervision and instruction of a team of our very experienced members.

For more more information about membership Click here.
If you are interested in our Basic Lapidary Courses then Click here.

Visitors to the Club are always welcome. For larger groups, it is requested that arrangements are made in advance by emailing or using our contact page. We also have open days and displays throughout the year.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PREMISES ARE SUITABLE FOR WHEELCHAIR ACCESS.

As the name suggests the Scottish Mineral & Lapidary Club is not solely a mineral or lapidary club but an amalgamation of a majority of arts and sciences associated with rocks and minerals.

Our club is a workshop and meeting place such as was once an integral part of life in the Edinburgh streets and closes throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as a resource for those interested in Rocks and Minerals.

Our main objective is to encourage an interest in natural minerals and in the crafts and craftsmanship that relates to them. The workshop encompasses traditional lapidary, precious stone cutting or faceting, silverwork, specimen preparation. We also have an excellent library and mineral collection.

While some members choose to specialise in one particular field, others are encouraged to dabble in many. All our members are keen enthusiasts in their chosen part of this hobby and are only too willing to assist others whether they are newcomers or ‘old hands’.

To allow us to create such an environment we operate as a non-commercial organisation and as such, our members may not use the club and it’s facilities for commercial working. The club itself may take on small commissions from the public from time to time with all proceeds going to club funds.

All enquiries should be sent through our Contact Form.