The History of the Gem Dugout

The Gem Dugout came into existence in 1972 when the owner, Deane K. Smith, exhibited cut gemstones at the State College Arts Festival. Enough income was realized to support the cost of some personal cutting equipment. Several years in the Arts Festival further enhanced the equipment facilities to a quite complete manufacturing facility set up in the home basement. It was the basement location that led to the selection of the name. In the late 70s, The Gem Dugout was contacted by several laboratories to produce some special types of specimen supports from single crystal quartz. Subsequently, other companies requested ceramic wafers of quartz prepared for alignment of the instruments. These two items became the initial scientific products of The Gem Dugout. Prior to this time, the only commercial output was gemstones. As the popularity of the single crystal specimen supports increased, additional items were added to the product list including silicon single crystal supports and several materials that can be used for instrument and data calibration.

Deane K. Smith died on September 7, 2001 after a long battle with cancer. Deane son, Dana, now produces all of the materials provided by the Gem Dugout.