This year's theme is:   "The World of Agates"

DOOR PRIZES and RAFFLE PRIZES:

Hang on to your admission ticket.  Every hour a winning number was drawn
for door prizes.

Three raffle prizes will also be offered to those who purchase raffle tickets
($1 or $5 for 6) at the admissions desk.

March Show Raffle Prizes! Here are the winners! Congratulations go out to our three Grand Raffle winners this year!  Our first winner, Susan Corey of Wilmington, chose the Amethyst Cathedral; the second winner, Cindy Miller of Newark, chose the Ammonite fossil plate; and our third winner, 6 1/2 year old Brennan Stark and his sister, Lucy, of Wilmington, chose the Malachite specimen.  All three winners were given free 2005 memberships to DMS.  We hope to see all three at our next meeting!  Look for their pictures on the Website. (Click on photo for large view!)
Brazilian Amethyst		Polished Malachite (front)		Polished Malachite (back)		Ammonoid and Nautiloid Fossils, Morocco

EXHIBITS:

See the many excellent exhibits of fine minerals, fossils, handcrafted lapidary
items, self-collected materials, and the Agates exhibit.

Gene Hartstein's Fossil Booth		"Agates of Mexico" Display by Alex Kane		DMS Junior Booth

DEALERS:

Specimens and supplies are available from our 19 quality dealers of minerals,
fossils, jewelry, and lapidary materials.

JUNIOR BOOTH:

The junior booth offers mineral, fossil, and lapidary rough that has been donated
by friends of the DMS.  Specimens are offered for sale at very affordable prices
to benefit the novice collector.

Karissa offers a rare fossil		Tom explains faceting		Membership Display Table

CLUB MEMBER SALES:

Here DMS members sell fossils, minerals and lapidary art items at fair prices. 
A portion of the sale price goes to the Club's treasury.

DEMONSTRATIONS:

The grinding and polishing of stones and other lapidary related crafts will be
demonstrated by the DMS lapidary class.  The DMS maintains a lapidary
lab that is available to any DMS club member to learn and practice skills.

MEMBERSHIP:

Membership information for the Delaware Mineralogical Society is available at
the club table located in the entry lobby and at the demonstration booth.  See
anyone at the front desk if you have any questions.  Info is also available at
www.delminsociety.net.

REFRESHMENTS:

Food and beverages may be purchased in the college cafeteria from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  Other snacks and beverages available in the gymnasium lobby vending machines.

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THE EXHIBITS

Featured Exhibits:

 Meteorite Exhibit:

Phil Schmitz of the Maryland Geological Society displayed his meteorite collection.

Phil contrasts meteorites		Phil's Meteorite Display Case		Riker mount of Meteorites & Tektites

Flintknapping Demonstration:

A flintknapping demonstration was held, showing methods on how to create stone tools.

Show Theme: The World of Agates:

Agate is a form of silica consisting mainly of chalcedony in variegated bands or other patterns commonly occupying vugs (voids) in volcanic or other rocks.  The silica is deposited from solutions that enter the vug.  The banding and patterns are created by intermittently supplied solutions.  The color variation of agate is attributed to impurities contained in the intruding solutions.  Patterns usually are concentric with the shape of  the vug walls.  Agate is commonly used in the making of jewelry.

"Calcites of the World" by Eric Meier		Big Toothed Shark Fossils" by Bob Asreen		"New Mineral Acquisitions" by Hans vanBinsburgen
Virtual Display Case Tour 2005 (IE) New!
Virtual Display Case Tour 2005 (N) New!

*   Indicates Competitive Exhibit:  Competitive exhibits are judged using a
comprehensive point system established by the DMS for each of the above
categories depending on the level of experience (junior, novice, advanced) of
the exhibitor.  Exhibits are not judged against one another.  A minimum of points
must be earned to achieve a first, second, or third place award.

     The exhibit earning the most points is awarded the Best of Show.   In general, judging is based on presentation, quality, showmanship, accuracy, rarity, and variety.

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Our thanks and appreciation to the many DMS member volunteers who have
helped to make this show possible for the publics enjoyment and edification.

NOTE TO PARENTS:  Children are welcome at our show, and we encourage
that you bring them.   However, mineral and fossil specimens are often fragile. 
Please caution your children to look with their eyes and not their fingers. 
Handling of specimens is not allowed without explicit permission from
the dealer or owner.  You may be liable for damages.  Thank you.

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Rain or shine!  We're indoors!

Plenty of free parking!