October 2018 Meeting Report

We had an excellent presentation by John Sanfacon that explored the world of synthetic and altered minerals, and comparisons to their real counterparts. John brought a variety of small instruments and specimens to illustrate how to tell the subtle differences. In particular, John discussed Morrisonite and Carborundum and their similarities to true diamond, and he showed several instruments that can differentiate. Also discussed were alterations and fakes for rubies, emerald, topaz, and several other gemstones. He also brought along an industrially processes basalt in fibrous thread form, which he explained several industrial uses for asbestos replacement and for replacement of rebar strands in construction. We welcomed 1 new member, Ryan Klockner, who attended. We did not discuss any business, but I made sure to remind anyone that hadn’t re-upped yet, to do so ASAP.We had an excellent presentation by John Sanfacon that explored the world of synthetic and altered minerals, and comparisons to their real counterparts. John brought a variety of small instruments and specimens to illustrate how to tell the subtle differences. In particular, John discussed Morrisonite and Carborundum and their similarities to true diamond, and he showed several instruments that can differentiate. Also discussed were alterations and fakes for rubies, emerald, topaz, and several other gemstones. He also brought along an industrially processes basalt in fibrous thread form, which he explained several industrial uses for asbestos replacement and for replacement of rebar strands in construction. We welcomed 1 new member, Ryan Klockner, who attended. We did not discuss any business, but I made sure to remind anyone that hadn’t re-upped yet, to do so ASAP.