June 2025 Business Meeting Summary

by Andy Thompson, MSDC Secretary

Unakite is the state stone of Virginia. It is formed by the alteration of granitic rocks and is composed of pink orthoclase feldspar, green epidote, and sometimes clear quartz. Its color consists of various shades of green and pink and is usually mottled in appearance. Photo from Mindat.org.

Officers' Reports

President Dan Teich called the meeting to order, welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. He then asked for reports from the club’s usual suspects.

Newsletter editor Ken Rock encouraged all members to consider contributing to the Mineral Minutes by writing an article about any aspect of their mineral collecting interests. He said it can be short and he is willing to assist writers in any way that he can be helpful.

Secretary Andy Thompson said he had no issues to report.

Treasurer John Weider reported that the club has six new members since our last meeting in May. The club’s finances remain stable.

Vice President for Programs Kenny Reynolds identified the club’s upcoming speakers as they are currently known, starting with:

-- June 4, tonight: Dr. Gabriela Farfan will speak about the Smithsonian’s new fancy colored diamond collection and reports on the new research findings about its Winston Fancy Red diamond. She also will describe some recent Smithsonian mineral acquisitions.

-- July and August: summer recess for field collecting and assorted hijinks, so there will be no meetings or presentations during this time.

-- September 3: Thomas Hale will discuss “Exploring Virginia’s Mineral Resources.”

-- October 1: Frederick Paraskevoudakis will discuss “The Silver Mines of Lavrion, an Incredible and Diverse Mineral Wealth, from Ancient Greece to Modern Times."

-- November 5: Dr. Ronald A. Sloto “Classic Mineral Locations of Chester County, PA”

-- December 3: TBA

-- January 7, 2026: Dr. Todd Ballinger of Heraeus Precious Metals will talk about the "lifecycle of precious metals (platinum, palladium, and rhodium) from mining, processing, use, and recycling.”

New and Old Business

Dan asked if there were any old or new issues or concerns the club needed to address. With none raised, he called for and received a motion to close the business meeting and move on to tonight’s presentation, a motion that was passed unanimously.