The 1,033nd meeting of
The Mineralogical Society
of
Southern California
MSSC ZOOM PRESENTATION
Program:The Rarest of the Rare
at The Mineralogical & Geological Museum
Harvard University
presented by: Dr, Raquel Perez, PhD, FGA
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
See program notes below
Visitors are always welcome
About us…
The MSSC is a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies and is dedicated to the dissemination of general knowledge of the mineralogical and related earth sciences through the study of mineral specimens. We are a scientific non-profit organization that actively supports those endeavors through public outreach, field study and related programs.
For more information info@mineralsocal.org
Join us for our 2025 Banquet. Note, the banquet is now on January 19, from 12-4 pm. Click here for details and payment options.
Members….Action Needed! Protect your hobby.
CFMS Electronic Communication: Update on National Monument proposals from Ruth Hildago
“There is a push for President Biden to declare two monuments in Southern California, the Chuckwalla National Monument (660,000 acres) and the Kw’tsan National Monument (390,000 acres). The lands within the proposed monuments include well known collecting sites such as the Hauser Geode Beds and Chuckwalla collecting sites and the Dumortierotie, kyanite, petrified wood/palm collecting sites respectively.
A bill to establish the Chuckwalla National Monument was just introduced last year, https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4132/text.
There isn’t even legislation for the Kw’tsan National Monument. It was proposed along with another monument, the Sattitla National Monument in NorCal, via a joint resolution, SJR-17 was revised to focus on Sattitla National Monument and it unfortunately PASSED. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SJR17.
As you can see from the map below, these two Monuments would close a huge swath of land to our hobby.
Write your reps and ask them to oppose these proposed monuments. The time to act is NOW.
Key points: Explain you’re a Recreational Rock and Mineral Collector, aka Rockhound and are concerned a Presidential Proclamation would close the lands within the footprint of the monuments to Recreational Rock and Mineral Collecting. These Monuments were proposed within the last year, with little to no input from local Stakeholders. A Proclamation would be premature. Designation of huge swaths of land was never the intent of The Antiquities Act. Creating these huge monuments totally over 1 million acres would be an abuse of the Antiquities Act.
Pink is the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument. Right below it in blue/green outline is the proposed Kw’tsan National Monument.”
Please copy the attached pdf and send a letter of opposition to your legislators!
Find your reps here:
https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/
https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Can’t hurt to include the White House too: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Notice of July 29, 2023 regarding Mojave Trails National Monument. Reprinted with permission from San Diego Mineral & Gem Society. Great commentary in the notice by its author, Lisbet Thorensen, SDMG’s Public Lands Representative. Thank You, SDMG and Lisbet. Angie Guzman, MSSC President. Please click here to read article and commentary.
Program Notes: Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7:30, join us for “The Rarest of the Rare at the Mineralogical & Geological Museum Harvard University”, presented by Dr. Raquel Perez, PhD, FGA
Dr. Raquel Alonso-Perez is a dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in museum management, specializing in Mineral Sciences. Currently the Curator at Harvard University’s Earth and Planetary Sciences Department, she spearheads strategic initiatives that enhance the collection, preservation, and public engagement of rare and valuable geological collections. Raquel’s expertise lies in curatorial excellence, exhibition development, and collection management, with a focus on educating diverse audiences and promoting scientific discovery. With a Ph.D. in Mineral Physics from ETH Zurich and graduated gemologist by Gemological Association of Great Britain, Raquel has extensive field experience across continents. Raquel is a highly knowledgeable professional in mineralogy, petrology and gemology, with deep specialization in geochemistry. Raquel’s work emphasizes innovative approaches to gemstone provenance studies and mantle geochemical processes, leveraging advanced analytical methods and technologies to push the boundaries of her field. Raquel has overseen major projects like the preservation of Harvard’s mineral collection and has secured millions in grants to fund her initiatives, making her a pivotal figure in the development of modern mineral collections. Her leadership extends beyond the museum walls, serving on national boards, advising academic programs, and fostering collaborations with international research communities. Passionate about the intersection of science and public education, Raquel continues to drive innovative curatorial practices that ensure the long-term stewardship of invaluable natural history collections, while inspiring the next generation of geoscientists.
SPECIAL ZOOM MEETING NOTICE
MSSC members will be automatically on the invite list each month.
Non Members, you must request to attend the MSSC zoom meeting every month. Email our Speakers chair, Carolyn Seitz at speakers@mineralsocal.org no later than the Thursday before the scheduled meeting Please include “ZOOM Meeting” in the subject line of your response. We will send you the meeting link.
Upcoming Events
all events, except field trips are via ZOOM
- January 10, 2025: Dr. Nathalie Brandes on “From Gold to Lead”
- February 14, 2025: Joan Karrie on “Orbicular Granite from New Mexico
- March 14, 2025: Dr. Chris Stefano: TBD
- Board Meeting, Sunday January 12, 2025 at 1:00 pm, all are welcome to attend
- Annual Banquet: January 18, 2025- Silent Auction donations are requested.
The MSSC is pleased to offer the updated 2023 edition of Bob Pedersen’s X- Dana