When: September 16 to 20
Where: MMGM and Pegmatite quarries
Fee: $680 (includes textbook) | $600 (no textbook)
The Maine Pegmatite Workshop returns in 2026 for four immersive days of advanced study, field exploration, and hands-on mineralogical research in one of the most significant pegmatite regions in the world.
Hosted by the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM) and the MP² Research Group, this internationally recognized workshop brings together leading pegmatologists, geologists, students, and serious mineral enthusiasts to explore the science, mineralogy, and global significance of granitic pegmatites.
Set in western Maine, one of North America’s most mineral-rich regions, the workshop combines intensive classroom learning with exclusive field access to active and historic pegmatite quarries.
A Rare Field & Classroom Experience
Over four intensive days, participants split their time between:
- In-depth classroom sessions
- Field exploration of four pegmatite quarries
- Private specimen collecting at closed locations
- Evening lectures and open discussions
- A private tour of the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
Half the workshop takes place in the field, examining freshly exposed minerals in world-class pegmatites. The other half focuses on current research in pegmatite mineralogy, petrology, and paragenesis, guiding participants from foundational principles through modern theory.
Western Maine is home to:
- The world’s largest crystals of spodumene, montebrasite, and beryl
- Plumbago North spodumene
- Bumpus Quarry beryl
- The highest lithium oxide concentrations recorded in pegmatites
- North America’s richest gem-quality tourmaline pegmatites
- The best watermelon tourmaline in North America
- North America’s most species-rich pegmatite systems
It is geology in high definition.
Workshop Curriculum
The 2026 Maine Pegmatite Workshop curriculum explores:
- Origin of magma
- Relationship to plate tectonics
- Pegmatite mineralogy and chemical character
- Pegmatite classification systems
- Pocket formation processes
- Anatexis
- Crystallization dynamics
- Pegmatite paragenesis
- Comparative analysis of Gulf Coast salt domes and Grand Tetons geology as they relate to Maine pegmatite formation
Participants engage directly with current scientific models and global research shaping our understanding of granitic pegmatites.
Included Textbook: Pegmatology, 2nd Edition
Each participant receives the newly revised second edition of:
Pegmatology 2nd Edition: Pegmatite Mineralogy, Petrology & Paragenesis
Written by workshop faculty and published by Rubellite Press, this comprehensive volume complements the workshop curriculum and contains research and insights not easily found elsewhere. The textbook is included in the registration fee.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Distinguished Faculty
The Maine Pegmatite Workshop is led by internationally recognized experts:
Dr. William “Skip” Simmons
Director of the MP² Research Group at MMGM and emeritus professor at the University of New Orleans. Author of over 400 publications and a Fellow of the Mineralogical Society of America. The mineral “Simmonsite” is named in his honor.
Dr. Karen Webber
Researcher specializing in pegmatite petrogenesis and crystallization dynamics. GIA Graduate Gemologist and co-author of Pegmatology, 2nd Edition. The mineral “Karenwebberite” bears her name.
Alexander “Owl” Falster
Experimental Chemist and Researcher at MMGM’s William B. Simmons Research Laboratory. Specialist in granitic pegmatites and mineral descriptions worldwide.
Dr. Encar Roda-Robles
Professor of mineralogy and petrology with over 100 publications and 32 years of pegmatite research. Describer of the mineral “Zavaliaite.”
Dr. Michael Wise
Mineralogist in the Department of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Specialist in pegmatite mineralogy, geochemistry, and classification.
Don Dallaire
Mineral collector and researcher with over 5,600 catalogued specimens and decades of field experience across North America.
2026 Workshop Fees
$680 – Full Registration (includes textbook)
$600 – Registration Only
Fee includes:
- Second Edition Workshop Course Book
- Notepad and pens
- Coffee breaks
- All lunches
- Ice breaker reception
- Lobster boil dinner
- Farewell dinner
- Mine access fees
- Insurance coverage
- All applicable sales taxes
There are no refunds for days missed.
Food & Lodging
All lunches are provided. Participants are responsible for their own dinners except for the lobster boil and farewell dinner.
Lodging arrangements are the responsibility of attendees. For area accommodations and dining, visit the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce.
Why Attend the Maine Pegmatite Workshop?
The Maine Pegmatite Workshop is more than a field course. It is an immersive, collaborative research experience set in one of the most scientifically significant pegmatite regions on Earth.
Whether you are advancing academic research, expanding professional expertise, or deepening your passion for mineralogy, this workshop provides direct access to world-class faculty, rare field locations, and cutting-edge pegmatite science.
Join us in 2026.
Detailed schedule subject to change. Final schedule will be announced at the workshop.
Discover more MMGM events here.
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