Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the next meeting is Tuesday, November 26th, 6:00p gather, 6:30p business, 7:00p program: Where to Hunt for Local Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils
North Alabama isn’t blessed with lots of local minerals, but we have a few, and plenty of rocks and fossils. Learn where you can go to find them.
Meeting Location: South Conference Room at the HGMS Ed Center, 7901 Bailey Cove Road SE, Huntsville.
Did You Know?
An ancient Oort Cloud comet is making a rare appearance this month. Last seen 80,000 years ago, comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is visible in night skies for the next few weeks. This “once in a lifetime” comet was discovered last year approaching our inner solar system for the first time in documented history. Look in the Western sky, right of Venus, 45 minutes after sunset. And after sunset on October 16th, the brightest Full Moon or “Supermoon” this year (aka “Hunter’s Moon”) will be visible, too. Source: WAAY31 News.
November: Topaz – Colorless topaz that’s been treated to blue is a mass-market gem, but fine pink-to-red, purple, or orange gems are one-of-a-kind. Top sources include Ouro Prêto, Brazil, and Russia’s Ural Mountains. Citrine – This gemstone’s color comes from traces of iron. Citrine is perhaps the most popular and frequently purchased yellow gemstone and an attractive alternative for topaz and yellow sapphire. Source: Gemological Institute of America.
