Interactive Lecture: May the Quartz Be With You

  • 21 Feb 2018
  • 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Natural History Society of Maryland

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Humans have used quartz since prehistoric times and continue to the present. We use its crystal structure, fracture, and piezoelectric energy in present day technology.

During this presentation, Tom Piscitelli will consider: How did quartz help win WWI and WWII? How can you make music with quartz? How does quartz keep your watches and clocks ticking? Why is quartz at the heart of your radio, TV, and computer? How can it make you a star and keep you healthy?

You'll examine examples of quartz crystals from two famous major localities: Herkimer, NY and Mt. Ida, Arkansas and discover how and when these crystals formed. You'll also see geodes from Dugway, Utah and Oregon thunder-eggs, and learn how they were formed.

Tom will display many forms of quartz: chalcedony, flint, chert, jasper, agate, onyx, silicified or agatized petrified wood, opal, and obsidian. You'll see some surprisingly unique quartz forms.

You don’t want to miss this unique and fun talk! Kids are welcome and encouraged to join!

Location: The Natural History Society of Maryland

Cost: $10 per person (and kids 16 and under FREE)

You can pay in person by cash or check, or online at http://marylandnature.org/events/

Who’s Tom?

Tom Piscitelli is an avid rock, mineral and fossil collector (and a very dedicated volunteer of NHSM). His passion began while in high school, collecting in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Planned vacations have taken him to world famous collecting sites from coast to coast in the United States. Now retired, he enjoys sharing his collection with school children, senior centers, and at the Maryland Natural History Society. The vast number, varieties, and beauty of quartz minerals has fascinated him. As he has learned of their impact on our past and current everyday lives, he was motivated to prepare a presentation to share them.


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Tom, like most of the people leading NHSM, is a volunteer. The fees you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible.  Please consider donating or becoming a member of the Natural History Society of Maryland and visit www.marylandnature.org for more information. Thank you for your support!