Tuesday October 3, at 6pm–in Rockfish University
The Rutherford Mine Pegmatite #2 in Amelia Courthouse, Virginia, until its permanent closure in 1998, was one of the most important pegmatites in North America for the collection of rare-earth and other rare and exotic species. It was also noted as one of the best worldwide sources of gem quality Spessartine Garnet crystals.
Scott’s primary interest has been in the identification and confirmation of the individual members of the Pyrochlore Supergroup, as established by the International Mineralogical Association, that occurred in the pegmatite, as well as identifying many of the other species that occurred there.
This PowerPoint presentation represents the final results of Scott’s 11 years of research into the minerals of the pegmatite, and features many aesthetic photomicrographs from his colleague, Michael Pabst, and will highlight the discoveries they’ve made, as well as the conclusions that can be drawn from their research.
Scott is a member of both the Micromineralogists of the National Capital Area and collected extensively at the Rutherford Mine in the 1960’s and ‘70’s. He has presented frequently at mineral clubs in the state of Virginia, to the New York Mineralogical Club and at the Atlantic Coast Micromounters Conference in Northern Virginia.
Scott has also worked extensively with the Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature on the campus of the University of Richmond in the organization and re-labeling of their Rutherford Mine display, and has been successful in establishing a permanent collection at the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Division of Energy, Department of Geological and Mineralogical Resources for the benefit of future generations of collectors and researchers.
Questions: contact Scott at scott_duresky@yahoo.com.