Newsletter 2 /2013
GEMBOREE 2013
The FOSAGAMS AGM will be held on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Pitseng, Lesotho.
Please attend this meeting.
FOSAGAMS IS ON RADIO!
Roarke Lessing launched a revolutionary new online station called Crystal Clear
Radio on Saturday March 2. FOSAGAMS was interviewed as well as well known
collectors, geologists and dealers. Topics being discussed were: FOSAGAMS,
minerals, crystals, meteorites and some Palaeonthology thrown in.
Go to http://crystalradio.co.za on your PC/ Apple Mac and click “Listen” or listen
through your phone / Tablet using iTunes (iPhones) or Tuneln (Android and
Blackberry).
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Bruce Cairncross agreed to be the FOSAGAMS Public Relations Officer (see AGM
minutes April 6, 2012). At present he is the chairman of the Department of Geology
at the University of Johannesburg. He obtained his Ph.D in 1986 at the University of
the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. His thesis title was: “ Depositional environments
of the Vryheid Formation in the Witbank Coalfield: a framework for coal seam
stratigraphy, occurrence and distribution”.
Bruce has sent his CV. It is most impressive. For this newsletter we will focus on the
last 2-3 years.
In 2011 he won the first prize in the “Science as Art” category in the South African
Science Photographic competition held by the NRF / SAASTA (National Research
Foundation / South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement).
During the same year he received a first prize at the International Tucson Gem and
Mineral Show photographic competition in the macro-specimens category.
In 2010 he received a prize for the best article in the SA Lapidary Magazine.
Bruce is a member of various Scientific and professional Societies:
He is a Fellow of the Geological South Africa (since 2000)
He is a member of the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA- since 1996)
He is a member of the Gemological Association of South Africa (since 1997) to
name a few.
Bruce lectures in the following subjects:
“Introduction to Geology” GLGA 10 to first year students
Stratigraphy to first years and third years GLG1 B10
Clastic sedimentology to second and third years GLG2A10, GLG3A10
Sedimentary basin analysis course to Geology Honours (4th years)
Advanced coal geology to Honours
He supervises post-graduate students and is an external examiner as well.
He was also a consultant for the following:
The Mineral Corporation (2011)- short course on coal geology Kumba mining
(2011)
Geological assessment of a cave at Thabazimbi and its heritage status
BHP Billiton (2010) Sugilite report. Kalahari Manganese Fields
He has contributed to scientific societies and meetings:
In 2010 he was appointed Consulting Editor of the SA Lapidary Magazine
9th International Mining History Congress, Gold Reef City, Johannesburg April 2012
Organising committee (Abstracts Editor-2012) 4th Southern African Mineral
Symposium
Bruce specializes in colour photography of geological samples, rocks, crystals,
minerals, gemstones, mining memorabilia and geological sites. His photographs
have appeared in several formats including books, journals, magazines, websites,
chapters in books, calenders, corporate and governmental publications and
specialist gem and mineral magazines. He has won three international photographic
competitions since 2009.
Bruce together with David Minster (see newsletter 10/ 1012) will be FOSAGAMS’
representatives on Talk Radio 702. Their widely different interests combined will be
an asset in carrying out of this important undertaking.
FACEBOOK
David Minster sent the following on the highlights in the FOSAGAMS Facebook
page:
“Where would you find prize winning pictures of minerals and gemstones, stunning
pictures of huge coloured diamonds, amazing gold specimens and mind blowing
jewellery pictures, a picture of rarities like a snail shell in amber that is million years
old and other up to date news about our hobby? On the new Southern African Gem
and Mineralogical Facebook page of course! Just follow this link:
https://www.facebook.com/FOSAGAMS?ref=hl and click to get a daily dose of
what’s new in our hobby.”
COLIN TOWERS (SOUTH AFRICAN GEM AND MINERAL CLUB)
Congratulations to Colin Towers who came first overall in the Geelong International
Cabochon Competition. He also won the Gold Medal for the best overseas entry.
Well done!
NATAL MINERAL AND GEM SOCIETY
They are currently planning talks at schools to encourage new members and will be
arranging an open day in the near future. May this club thrive in their hard work and
positivity!