ON THE COVER
Precious opal is a popular lapidary material, but it also has a place on the collector’s shelf in the form of rough specimens. This 12mm by 19mm cabochon of Australian opal is in the R.W. Wise collection. (Jeff Scovil photo)
FEATURES
Opal for Collectors
Specimens are suitable for the display shelf
by Bob Jones
Minerals of Africa
Part II: Exceptional specimens at the 2012 Munich show
by Bob Jones
Exotic Common Opals
Stunning colors and patterns make them great lapidary materials
by Helen Serras-Herman
CLUB WORKSHOP SERIES
Partnering with the Community
The Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society workshop offers public access
by Jim Brace-Thompson
Rock & Gem Kids
"TV stone", a junior paleontologist, and a quiz
A World of Sapphires
Recognizing the beauty and rarity of colorful corundum gems
by Jim Perkins
East African Gem Mining
Adding value through education and development
by Robert Weldon/Courtesy the GIA
The Story of “Big Red”
A new find of colorful Arizona jasper
by Charles A. Lofstedt
Fluorescent Flowers: Fact or Fiction?
How minerals in the soil affect plants
by Antonia Xiang Yun DeBastiani with James and Bobbie DeBastiani
REGULAR COLUMNS
Picks & Pans
Museum exhibits, book reviews, hobby news
Lapidary of the Month
Turritella agate pens
by Jennifer Anderson
Show Dates
Mark your calendar!
Shop Talk
Stone As Stained Glass
by William A. Kappele
Rock Science
Arkansas: Hot Springs and Wavellite
by Steve Voynick
Many Facets
DJG Scissor-Top Emerald
by David Groncki
On the Rocks
African Minerals in Munich
by Bob Jones
Field Notes
Reader Letters
