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February 17, 2022 @ 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Our next meeting will be a dual ZOOM meeting with the Morris Museum Mineralogical Society on Thursday February 17 at 7:15 pm. We usually start our meeting at 7:30, but this month we will have to begin at 7:15 pm. Prof. Steve Okulewicz from Hofstra University will be presenting, via Zoom, a PowerPoint lecture on Organic Gemstones.
Almost all gemstones are minerals with a crystalline structure. However, there are gems and other ornamental objects that are organic; that is, they have been formed from biological processes, whether animal or plant. The class of organic gems is small but includes a number of unusual varieties that are important in the gem trade, such as coral, jet, amber, pearls, ammolite, ivory, abalone and tortoise. Steve will talk about each of these organic gemstones, as well as tell us about their origins. He will also discuss the care of organic jewelry and some of the tests that can be applied to organic gem materials.
This Zoom lecture is going to be highly informative, especially if you own pieces of organic gem jewelry.
The ZOOM link will be provided to all members via email.