MSA MEETING PROGRAM & PLACE

Franciscan Renewal Center, (Piper Hall),

May 19, 2022 @ 7.30 pm Arizona time

"The Science & Art of Fluorescent Mineral Displays: Designing the Fluorescent Mineral Display at the UArizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum”

Presented by Mr. George V. Polman     

MAY meeting is on 3rd Thursday. 

MEETING will be In-Person and Zoom.

MSA May 19, 2022 program will be presented by the great Mr. George V. Polman, "The Science & Art of Fluorescent Mineral Displays: Designing the Fluorescent Mineral Display at the UArizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, Tucson, Arizona.”

George will provide insight on designing fluorescent mineral displays, discussing both the scientific aspects as well as the aesthetic aspects.   The information is provided in tandem with the history of George's consulting on the new fluorescent mineral display at the UArizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum in Tucson. 

George started collecting fluorescent minerals when he was 8 years old while living in New Jersey.   His first specimen was a willemite and calcite from the Sterling Hill Mine, a specimen that he still has in his collection today!  George’s love for the fluorescent mineral hobby was the catalyst for him obtaining a geology degree in 1981.  While attending college, he was fortunate enough to have toured the Sterling Hill Mine in New Jersey a total of six times while the mine was in full operation. 

Upon graduation, George moved to Houston, Texas to begin his career as a geologist.  It was during this time that he started selling fluorescent minerals under the name Polman Minerals.  As a member of the Houston Gem and Mineral Society, he sold at their annual show. 

In the mid-1980s, George moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and continued his career as a professional geologist.  Polman Minerals was still very active during this time, and it was during this period that he purchased the fluorescent mineral stock of Mr. Tom Warren, the founder of Ultraviolet Products, Inc.  George was also a prolific field collector during this time, collecting at all the best fluorescent mineral localities in Arizona.  It was also during this period that he started the Desert Region of the Fluorescent Mineral Society and was its first President.

Today George is a retired geologist, but still a full time fluorescent mineral dealer.  George spends time consulting museums and individuals alike, on how best to collect and display their fluorescent mineral collections.  In over 50 years of collecting he has put together a very large collection of fluorescent minerals and enjoys when people visit to see his collection.  You may also see specimens from his collection on display periodically at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show(R).

Save the date on your calendars for debut of this very special program for Mineralogical Society of Arizona!

Thank you, George for your many contributions to our hobby , the Fluorescent Mineral Universe & Mineralogical Society of Arizona!

Meeting starts at 7.30PM Arizona time.

For Zoom Crowd:  Can log in as early as 7:15pm; however, due to technical set-up, best to login meeting around 7:20pm.  Meeting starts at 7:30pm.