Doors will be open at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.

FOR: TGMS Members and open to the public

GUEST SPEAKER: Eric Fritz, FGA, DGA

LECTURE TITLE: "Emeralds (and other gemstones) of North Carolina"

As a lifelong resident and mineral collector from western North Carolina, I will share artesian mining of emeralds from one of the only localities in North America.  We will look at the beginnings dating back to the late 1800’s to the pay-to-dig finds in the 1970’s and 80’s.  The tour culminates with one of the best finds ever made by the late Terry Ledford a few years ago.  Terry participated in the Tucson shows for many years and died in a tragic mining accident, doing what he loved, searching for emeralds.  North Carolina boasts all major gem and mineral types ranging from rubies and sapphires to even a diamond or two.  And did I mention gold?  Join me for a fascinating look at the diversity this state has to offer.  

Everyone is invited.  

Refreshments served.

For more information, contact the TGMS office.