Prez Says...

by Dan Teich, MSDC President

Cluster of Fossil Clams with Fluorescent Calcite - Rucks' Pit, FL. This is a 7.5" wide cluster of fossil clams (*Mercenaria permagna*). A whelk fossil can be seen near the middle on one side and there are clam fossils visible on both sides of the rock with the largest being 5.3" wide. The base of the specimen has been cut flat for presentation. Photo credit: Fossilera.

Welcome almost to April. The best month in the calendar year (wish me happy birthday). Last month’s speaker was engaging, entertaining, full of useful information, and above all, cute. He’ll take any and all of your compliments.

The clam dig that Shawn and I participated in this past October was definitely a special event and I was amazed at how much the joy snowballed when we got home. Once the nut was cleaned off, the real fun began.

As I discussed in the presentation, the geology and fossilization process, along with the unique characteristics of the clams and calcite, took me down many roads. More than simply fossils, these clams bridged many disciplines: geology, paleontology, physics, fluid dynamics, and biology. This is what brings so much joy to our passion of rocks and minerals. It’s not simply a rock: it’s an entire universe sitting on the table in front of you.

When I look at the clams, I see a whirlwind of processes, all culminating in producing this radiant golden fossil. It never ceases to amaze me.

Our April speaker, MSDC member Kathy Hrechka, will take us on a journey through my recent newsletter topic of the past: ice! When you look at that compacted snow on your doorstep, remember that on a micro scale, it is as beautiful as can be. You just need to look really close. Kathy will take us there.

See you all a bit closer on April 1st.