November 16, 2023
The 43rd New Mexico Mineral Symposium was held November 10–12 at the New Mexico Tech campus in Socorro, and offered an array of mineral presentations and activities for over 270 mineral lovers.
On Friday, the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club hosted a gathering of micromineral aficionados and a workshop on micromineral photography. Saturday and Sunday were filled with presentations on a variety of topics, from a major new fluorite find at the Blanchard Mine to tourmalines from Erzgebirge, Germany. The symposium's featured speaker was Dr. Eloïse Gaillou, curator at the Mineralogy Museum of L'Ecole des Mines de Paris (Paris School of Mines), who discussed gemstones from the French crown jewels and the history of collecting at the school’s Mineralogy Museum. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase mineral specimens and other earth materials, publications, and mining artifacts during two silent auctions and a live auction that were held to benefit next year’s symposium and the New Mexico Bureau of Geology Mineral Museum.
The symposium was a great success thanks to volunteers, presenters, and attendees. Mark your calendars for the 44th New Mexico Mineral Symposium, November 8–10 in Socorro!