MARYSVILLE — It starts with a curiosity for the natural world.

Add in new friendships and the chance to travel, and more than 100 people are hooked on the Marysville Rock and Gem Club.

Terry Maple, 76, and his wife, Sharlene, like going to the rock shows, especially in Tucson in the winter, he said.

Terry Maple cuts and polishes their finds into gem-like slabs called cabochons. His wife creates intricate jewelry.

“It’s a hobby where everyone finds their own niche,” he said. “Some people are collectors by nature, and they just enjoy the hunt. Others like to bring the stuff home and work with it. It’s a versatile hobby. There’s no end to it.”

Terry Maple’s kids grew up going to rock shows and artifact digs, he said.

“They used to dread the heck out of it, but now they think back on that experience and it was more fun that they let it on to be,” he said.

Other members of the nonprofit club rely on Terry Maple’s extensive knowledge, said Dottie Haage, who’s participated for six years.

The average age for members is in their 40s, Haage said, a time when folks are looking for new hobbies or have more time to explore old interests. They have a few retired geologists on board, too.

The club occupied several tables at the city’s “Junk in the Trunk” flea market-style event in July.

Joe Benfield, 60, of Renton, likes the rocks — and the people, the way new knowledge travels between them, he said.

“The people are just great. They’re honest and nice. It’s like a family,” he said. “There are field trips, and if you don’t know something, all you need to do is ask.”

Stu Earnst, 71, of Sedro-Woolley, finds joy in prospecting and collecting, he said. His wife, Kathy, likes the camping trips and potlucks.

People who are into rocks sometimes get a bad rap as being anti-environment, and that’s not true, Stu Earnst said. They clean up garbage as they go, and respect the earth.

Andrew Soper, 8, knows family friends in the Marysville club, he said.

He’s going into third grade this fall at Sunnycrest Elementary in Lake Stevens.

One of his finds at the event in July was a “thunder egg,” or geode, which when cracked open to reveals crystals.

Andrew sifted through the contents of his goodie bag.

“I got a bunch of rocks,” he said. “I haven’t had time to identify them all yet.”

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

Rock hounds

The nonprofit Marysville Rock and Gem Club has meetings, activities and community service projects throughout the year.

Rocktoberfest is set for Oct. 11 and 12 at Totem Middle School.

Club meetings are at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of most months at the Marysville United Methodist Church, 5600 64th Street NE.

More info: Find “Marysville Rock and Gem Club” on Facebook, or call 425-238-8222.