Our speaker for the evening will be Dr. Mark Evans (Physics and Earth Science Dept., Central Connecticut State University), who will talk about fluid inclusions. What are fluid inclusions, you ask??? Fluid inclusions are tiny bubbles. These small pockets of liquid (gases, petroleum, brine and even small crystals) found in minerals can provide an incredible wealth of information about how minerals form. They are essentially the same liquids that were present when the mineral crystallized, trapped within the mineral for millions of years. They are used by the mining industry, oil and gas industry, and by geologists around the world to understand the conditions of mineral formation. This talk will cover some fascinating aspects of fluid inclusions including what they are, how they form, and why they are important.

At the SAME time as the business meeting (7 to about 7:30), we will run another short program geared for kids or new collectors. Club member Llyn K. will present “Focusing Your Collection Makes Collecting More Fun.” Anyone is welcome to attend, and we promise to have you back to the main meeting in time for cookies!

Hope to see you there!

Hope to see you there!

Saturday May 19 and Sunday May 20–Newbies and seasoned diggers - a “Herkimer Weekend” is scheduled at the two claims on Stone Arabia Road in Fonda, New York.  This is a great chance to become acquainted (or re-acquainted) with the area and the techniques that yield success.  Come for one day or the whole weekend.  Bob and Judy Schuster will be on hand both days.  The claims are owned jointly by the Bristol and Meriden clubs, so you can work on either one, regardless of which club you belong to.  For directions, tools, tips, and accommodation information (including camping), click on the “Claim” link on the LMSCC web site (www.lmscc.org)

We’ll go back to our regular format—business meeting, break for refreshments and silent auction, and then the program. If you know anyone who receives the bulletin by regular mail, kindly let them know about the new change.

And don’t forget–mineral id for kids and interested adults during the business meeting (7:00 to around 7:30).

Thanks and we’ll see everyone on Tuesday!

Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 10 in the dining room (cafeteria) of the Bristol Senior Center, 240 Stafford Ave., Bristol beginning at 7 PM. We will begin with a short business meeting, followed by refreshments, and then our program. PROGRAM AT 7:30 pm.

The April program will feature local journalist and author Cathryn Prince. She will discuss her book, A Professor, A President, and a Meteor: The Birth of American Science. This is a rescheduled program from last October, and it promises to be a very interesting evening.

Additional note–During the business meeting in April, we will be running a separate program for kids (and other interested members) on mineral identification.  Learn about hardness, streak, color, luster, and other physical properties that can be used to identify minerals.