BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Talks.cam//talks.cam.ac.uk//
X-WR-CALNAME:Talks.cam
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:The Inner Beauty of Crystals - Ian Mercer\, Geological Museum\, Lo
 ndon (retired)
DTSTART:20120510T180000Z
DTEND:20120510T190000Z
UID:TALK34497@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:John O'Toole
DESCRIPTION:An illustrated introduction to the complex\, fascinating and b
 eautiful world of crystals.\nIan Mercer\, professional scientist and educa
 tor\, will describe how crystals may be found throughout the natural world
 \, in plants\, rocks and even around distant stars\, and how\, despite the
 ir kaleidoscopic variety\, they all conform to surprisingly few three-dime
 nsional patterns.\nFollowing a childhood fascination with crystal gardens 
 and pyrotechnics\, and a brief spell in the chemical industry\, he joined 
 the British Geological Survey (South Kensington\, London) in 1965. After g
 aining his Diploma in Gemmology he transferred to the Geological Museum (L
 ondon). He gained a degree in Geology with Crystallography during the exci
 tement of the plate tectonics revolution\, while working on the first majo
 r modern geology exhibition Story of the Earth. Other exhibitions and book
 s culminated in the Treasures of the Earth exhibition (1986). He joined th
 e Gemmological Association as Director of Education in 1990. This took him
  to the jade markets of China\, the snows of Lapland and the massive gem-s
 hows of Tucson Arizona. Although now retired\, he continues to share his p
 assion for crystals and gems in books\, articles and talks. He relishes th
 e challenge of simply explaining complex subjects.
LOCATION:Pfizer Lecture Theatre\,  Department of Chemistry
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR