The public can explore the world of emerald, aquamarine, and other varieties of the mineral beryl on April 23, when the San Diego Mineral and Gem (SDG&M) Society and GIA host the third annual John Sinkankas Beryl Symposium. Named in honor of the renowned gemologist, author, and lapidary, the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad. Presentations will cover a wide range of topics at levels suitable to novices as well as gem and mineral connoisseurs. Specimens of emerald and other beryl varieties, books on beryls, and hand-painted pictorials will be on display.

A number of highly respected mineral and gem experts are scheduled to address the symposium, including Dr. George Rossman, a professor of mineralogy at the California Institute of Technology; Dr. William B. (Skip) Simmons, a professor of mineralogy at the University of New Orleans; Si Frazier, and Meg Berry. They will cover theories on beryl formation, worldwide localities, crystallography, lapidary techniques, literature, history, and photographic techniques.

Tickets are $55 for SDG&M Society members, GIA students and alumni, and past participants of the symposium. Coffee, doughnuts, drinks, sandwiches, and a handsome beryl publication will be provided. Early registration is advised, as another sellout event is anticipated.

To attend, e-mail Anne Schafer, or call 858-586-1637 to verify seat availability. Checks must be sent to Anne Schafer, 8473 Hydra Lane, San Diego, CA 92126-1854, by April 1, and there will be no registration on the day of the event.

March 22, 2005