What it is

The Missoula Lifelong Learning Center lapidary classes are short, hands-on cabochon-cutting classes for adults in Missoula, Montana. They are run by the Lifelong Learning Center, which its website calls “Missoula’s trusted resource for adult education” and “part of Missoula County Public Schools,” for adults 16 and older. The center lists Lapidary as its own class group in its online catalog.

The class descriptions say students will “transform a slab into a polished cabochon,” “cut a preform, and use a CabKing cabbing machine to shape and polish” their piece, and that “all supplies are included, and all levels are welcome.” Several classes are built around Montana agate.

Who it’s for

Beginners and returning cutters in the Missoula area who want a low-cost, short class with machines and rough supplied, rather than joining a club first. It also suits rockhounds who want to learn to identify and cut Montana agate.

Why it’s listed

It is a public school-district program with posted dates, prices, room numbers and instructors on its own registration system, and it is open to anyone 16 or older. It is Lapidary Plaza’s first Montana workshop (the state’s only other listing is the Bozeman Gem and Mineral Club).

Official URL

https://mcps.asapconnected.com/#CourseGroupID=66248

Center home: https://www.missoulaclasses.com/
How to register: https://www.missoulaclasses.com/how-to-register
Policies (age, refunds): https://www.missoulaclasses.com/policies-proceedures
Contact: https://www.missoulaclasses.com/contact-us

(All checked 2026-11-03 and returned HTTP 200. The class list on the registration site loads with JavaScript, so it was read in a headless Chrome browser.)

Location

Lifelong Learning Center, 310 South Curtis St., Missoula, MT 59801. The lapidary classes on the check date were all in Room 208 (“Lifelong Learning, 208”). Phone (406) 549-8765, email LLC@mcpsmt.org. The contact page lists office hours of 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday, closed weekends.

This is a workshop (a public adult-education class). It is not a club and does not sell supplies.

Notes

Lapidary: Introduction to Stonecutting Workshop (A-LAP2): one session, Monday, November 23, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., instructor Nicholas Rex, $66, 3 open seats on the check date. Students choose a Montana agate slab and leave with a finished cabochon.
Lapidary: Cabochons (A-LAP1): three Wednesdays, December 2–16, 2026, 6–8:30 p.m., instructor Neil Maier, $92, 8 open seats. Covers where agate comes from, finding and identifying rough, cutting a preform and shaping and polishing on a CabKing. Closed-toe shoes required.
Lapidary: Creative Cabochons (A-LAP5): two Mondays, December 7–14, 2026, 6–8:30 p.m., instructor Nicholas Rex, $86, 3 open seats. Students make three small, two medium or one large “statement” cabochon from a variety of stones.
Rock Tumbling Basics (A-LAP4): Thursdays, November 5–December 10, 2026, 5–6:30 p.m., instructor James Fix, $85, 7 open seats. It includes a three-week break while the rocks tumble.
Ages and policies (Policies page): students must be at least 16. Cancel at least 96 hours before the start for a full refund, or get 75% back after that. No refunds once a class has begun, except under a 24-hour satisfaction guarantee after the first session.
Registering (How to Register page): online through the center’s ASAP registration site, by phone at (406) 549-8765, or in person with the registration form. Fees are due when you register.
Small source note: the How to Register page gives Friday phone hours as 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. in one place and 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. in another (the contact page says 6 p.m.). Seat counts change as people register.
Not affiliated with Lapidary Plaza. Nothing was bought, and no email, phone call or form was used.

FAQ

Q: Where are the Missoula lapidary classes held?
A: At the Lifelong Learning Center, 310 South Curtis St., Missoula, MT 59801, in Room 208.

Q: How much do the classes cost?
A: On the check date: $66 for the one-day Introduction to Stonecutting Workshop, $92 for the three-session Lapidary: Cabochons class and $86 for the two-session Creative Cabochons class. Supplies are included.

Q: Do I need experience or my own tools?
A: No. The center says all levels are welcome and all supplies are included. Wear closed-toe shoes.

Q: How old do I have to be?
A: At least 16. The Lifelong Learning Center is an adult education program for ages 16 and up.

Q: What machine will I use?
A: The class descriptions say students shape and polish their cabochons on a CabKing cabbing machine.

Q: How do I sign up?
A: Register online through the center’s class catalog, call (406) 549-8765, or bring a registration form to the office at 310 South Curtis St.