January 16, 2023
Echnoderms by Stephen Mayer
Echinoderms: Extinct and Living Marine Animals
Steve will take venture us into the many different classes of Echinoderms both from the ancient extinct ones to modern extant living ones today!
About Stephen
Stephen Mayer is a Collections Assistant at the Paleontological Research Institute in Ithaca. As a graduate of SUNY Fredonia with an MS in the Geological Sciences, Stephen's research focuses on Middle Devonian paleontology and stratigraphy of the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Moreover, he has studied the taphonomy and paleoecology of Silurian eurypterids in New York and southwestern Ontario, Canada
February 20, 2023
“Amber” by Chris Albrecht
Chris Albrecht will be speaking about Amber and everything we’d love to know about these fossilized tree sap resins. If you have some Amber or jewelry with Amber in it, bring it to the meeting! Rough pieces of Amber will also be for sale that night to members of the club.
Damselfly in Dominican amber, L:4.6cm(14⁄5 in.). Private collection. Photo: D. Grimaldi / American M
March 20, 2023
“The Tuscon Show Experience”
The show in Tuscon which takes place every January/ February, is one of the most popular venues for rockhounds, fossil and mineral enthusiasts, especially as a “treasure hunting“ vacation for those out of town. Enjoy stories of club members who have visited the show and rock hounded in the area.
If you have been to the show, and would like to share your experiences, contact Cathy at vp@syracusegemsociety.com
Wikipedia article on The Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show in Tuscon, AZ: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tucson_Gem_&_Mineral_Show
Tuscon Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show via Wikipedia
April 17, 2023
The Geology of New York State
As a Gem & Mineral club, we’re not just about gems and minerals (and fossils!). We encourage people to learn and appreciate the Earth sciences, Geology specifically.
While the regions out towards the west coast seem to hog attention as being most geologically interesting, New York State holds its own very intriguing and unique geology. During this presentation, educators Len & Susan Sharp will shine a much deserved light upon our region and wow you with intrigue over our State’s geological wonders that you can go and explore, as they share their rich knowledge in this field of science.
Geologic units image via usgs.gov
DATE: TBA
Cleaning Uvite with The “Rock Doc”
Did you know there’s a seven part process to cleaning Uvite specimens? Dave Millis, The “Rock Doc,” is going to take us through the methods to clean these special minerals. Come to our first Club meeting of 2023 in January, bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure, and take home knowledge on ways to make our crystals show off their best in our collection. The “Rock Doc” will be working with Uvite Tourmaline from Bowers Power Mine in New York.
What on earth is a Uvite! Tourmaline has a rare relative that forms mostly short and stubby crystals, translucent to opaque with complete terminations, called Uvite. Receiving its namesake after Uva Province in Sri Lanka where it was first discovered, colored varieties of this special tourmaline exist in several countries, but its colors are not as diverse as tourmaline itself. However, you can find gorgeous black Uvite crystals at the Bowers Power mine right here in St. Lawrence County, New York.
Please check out these sources to find out more about Uvite and where to find it in New York State:
https://m.minerals.net/mineral/uvite.aspx