Table of Contents
- From the Editor: The Thrilling World of Boredom by Howie Green 1–5
- The Koksha Amphibole Puzzle by Ludo Van Goethem 6–11
- Q&A: Entering Displays at the 2022 Tucson Gem & Mineral Society Show by Al Liebetrau 11–13
- UV Systems, Inc.: A Proposal to the FMS Membership by Don Newsome 14
From the Editor: The Thrilling World of Boredom
By Howie Green · pp. 1–5
Boredom, barite, and the unexpected history and uses of a commonly overlooked mineral anchor this reflective column. It considers philosophical and psychological ideas about boredom, then turns to barite’s properties, its role in the early discovery of phosphorescence, and the causes of its emissions. The discussion also explains how barium compounds produce green in fireworks, connecting mineral chemistry with pyrotechnic color. Specimen photographs feature barite from several localities, including South Dakota, Illinois, and New Jersey.
The Koksha Amphibole Puzzle
By Ludo Van Goethem · pp. 6–11
Amphiboles from Afghanistan’s Koksha Valley are examined using specimen comparisons, chemical analyses, and emission spectra to resolve uncertain identifications. The study finds both richterite and pargasite, while samples marketed as green pargasite prove to be diopside; the tested material provides no chemical evidence for winchite. Emissions near 580 nm correlate with richterite, while a broad band near 500 nm and emissions around 595 nm are associated with pargasite. The article compares X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and energy-dispersive X-ray results and explains their limitations.
Q&A: Entering Displays at the 2022 Tucson Gem & Mineral Society Show
By Al Liebetrau · pp. 11–13
The planned fluorescent-mineral exhibit at the 2022 Tucson Gem & Mineral Society show is the subject of this exhibitor guide. It gives the show dates and venue, explains how to register displays, and outlines available cases, lighting, shipping, security, setup, and teardown arrangements. Exhibitors are encouraged to submit a form for each case and to coordinate needs with a planning-team liaison. The article also clarifies that non-mineral fluorescent items may be considered when they directly support a mineral display.
UV Systems, Inc.: A Proposal to the FMS Membership
By Don Newsome · p. 14
A limited offer makes four specially built, short-wave Dual TripleBright 3 display lights available to eligible Fluorescent Mineral Society members preparing exhibits for the 2022 Tucson show. The proposed price is $999 per light, reduced from the stated list price of $1,942, with one discounted unit allowed per qualifying member. The offer sets eligibility, ordering, deposit, payment, and shipping conditions, and requires the purchaser’s light to be used in that member’s Tucson exhibit. An order form is included.