QLD: Opal: When silica and water beautifully interact
Event Details
This presentation aims to give an overview of our knowledge about opal and its formation at this time. After defining what is opal (structure and chemistry), we will explore the geological context where opal is found through representative deposits and what we can conclude from it. We will also address the recent research about the incorporation of water inside opal structure, and its potential consequences on its stability
LIMITED SPACES.
COST: $40 (includes cheese & refreshments)
BOOKINGS: Pre-registration required via TryBooking
Who is Boris Chauviré?
Boris Chauviré is in Melbourne for one day only. He is also speaking at the Federal Conference in May. He has always been fascinated by minerals and especially by the most striking examples among them: gems. His research focuses on the geological conditions that lead to the formation of the perfection found in the mineral kingdom.
Boris’ PhD from Nantes University focuses on the formation of opals in the Wollo deposits in Ethiopia, and the implications of geological conditions on opal properties to understand Mars’ opal occurrences. It was awarded by the Haüy Lacroix Thesis Prize from the French Society of Mineralogy and Crystallography. Most of its research allies its geological background (from field study to petrography) and physics/chemistry to fully explore gem properties.
Boris founded GeoGems, in which he pursues research projects (about opal and others), and shares its experience by teaching gemmology around the world. https://www.geogems.fr
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