Introductory Lapidary Course
Want to learn lapidary?
The Scottish Mineral & lapidary Club now offers an
INTRODUCTORY LAPIDARY COURSE which aims to instruct students in the basic skills of lapidary.
Our 2 Day course is an excellent introduction to this fascinating hobby, and is the simplest path to membership, which allows full access to our workshop.
** The Course includes 3 months temporary membership after successful completion of the course. **
Lapidary Course overview
The course consists of full instruction in the use of the Club lapidary equipment and the practical working, to completion, of 2 – 3 stones.
The course runs over a weekend and comprises 2 full day sessions.
The sessions run from 10am to 4pm each day.
Day 1 – Saturday :
Introduction to the workshop: including its equipment and safety features. Initial work on creating a cabochon including shaping, grinding and dopping.
With assistance from the trainers, applicants will cut and shape a cabochon stone and polish it to a high finish.
Day 2 – Sunday :
Apprentice piece: Using the techniques learned on the first day applicants will cut, shape and polish a second cabochon stone, with minimal assistance.
Trainers are on hand at all times to instruct, oversee and answer questions. All required materials, overalls and equipment are supplied.
Attendees should bring their own lunch but hot drinks are available.
Slabbing
Cutting
Grinding
Dopping
Marking
Trimming
Shaping
Polishing
Would you like to book a course? Please see below.
Book a place on our Introductory Lapidary Course online.
To Book onto your chosen course:
Just click on the course you would like from the selection below.
You will be taken to the booking page for that particular course date.
There you can check dates, availability, select the number of places you require and will have the ability to book and pay.
If you can’t find a course date that suits, please let us know of your interest in any event – We will try to find alternative classes or methods of instruction but all courses are on a first come first served basis.
Course dates for 2025/2026:
Instruction takes place at 4 times throughout the year.
Each course can take up to 6 people and will (usually) take place on the first weekend of the Months of January, April, July and October.
Course Dates for 2025:
Course Dates for 2026:
Choose from the dates below and book a place on our Introductory Lapidary Course.
Once your training is complete.
After you have completed the training course you can apply to become a Club Member and have full access to the workshop, and it’s facilities.
Ongoing membership can be paid Annually or Monthly.
Full membership is currently £216.00 per year.
The workshop encompasses traditional lapidary, precious stone cutting or faceting, silverwork and specimen preparation.
Each of these areas can be explored at no extra cost as a full member.
For more information about membership Click here.
"Our aim is to encourage an interest in natural minerals & their related crafts on a non-commercial basis."
If you have an interest in gemstones or minerals then the Scottish Mineral & Lapidary Club could be for you.
Our club offers the perfect opportunity to learn the traditional crafts of lapidary and silverwork as well as gain access to our extensive library, field trips, talks and more...
Visit our Online Shop
Although we are a Charitable Organisation and not a business per se, we do, at times, have a surplus of equipment, rocks & minerals and a variety of other items that we will list here and make available to the public.
Why not drop in and visit our workshop and displays?
Opening Times:
Mondays – 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Tuesdays – 11.00 am to 4.00 pm & 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Wednesdays – 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Thursdays – 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Fridays – 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Saturdays – 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Sundays - Closed