Tellus Mineral Symposium 2011

Saturday, August 20, 2011 the Tellus Science Museum of Cartersville, Georgia will be presenting a Fluorescent Minerals Symposium from 11 AM till 4 PM.  Learn more at their web site: www.tellusmuseum.org or CLICK HERE to go there.  Call 770-606-5700 for more information.

Looks like a great program of speakers:

Lectures:
11:00 AM – Luminescence: A phenomenon of Beauty and Illumination
Dr. John Rakovan, Miami University of Ohio, Oxford, Ohio

1:00 PM – Why do Scientists study Fluorescence
Dr. Earl Verbeek, Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Ogdensburg, New Jersey

2:00 PM – Behind the Scenes at Tellus: Building a Successful Fluorescent Mineral Display
Julian C. Gray, Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville, Georgia

3:00 PM – History of Fluorescent Mineral Collecting in South Greenland
Mark Cole, the Miner Shop, Dowelltown, Tennessee

Sunday Fossil Presentation in Louisville, Kentucky

Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 2 PM, the Louisville Historical League will present "Geology of Louisville".  Kenny Popp, a local amateur paleontologist will talk about the Louisville, Kentucky fossil history with its world famous coral reef beds.  The presentation will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1938 Alfresco Place (off Bardstown Road).  Area fossils will be on display in addition to fossil identifications.

The Courier Journal posted an article about the upcoming event yesterday: http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011308170023

Archean Polished Butterstone

This rock was found in southern Africa's Greenstone Belt.  The color of the rock definitely matches the formation name.  What is special about this rock called butterstone dated to the geologic eon Archean.  Thus the material is thought to be over 2.5 billion years old.

Bacteria and algae appeared at this time in the water.  Volcanic activity produced increased atmospheric pressure and temperature.  The higher temperature caused serpentization of the sediments thus the green color. In between the layers the micro stromatolites (like algal mats).

This fossil is for sale on eBay: CLICK HERE and another is for sale (ending October 11, 2011): CLICK HERE