Pegmatites - Earth's Most Amazing Rocks - with Michael Wise, Ph.D.

Why would a research scientist call pegmatites “Earth’s most amazing rocks”? Dr. Michael Wise, from the Department of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), spoke engagingly about his favorite topic. This was also the topic of Mike’s presentation at the 42nd Annual Tucson Mineral Symposium, February 2024, at the Tucson Convention Center, where he had been invited as the keynote speaker for a symposium on pegmatites .

Granitic pegmatites are exceptionally coarse- to gigantic-grained igneous rocks. They are important sources of rare elements essential to a wide range of technological applications. Pegmatite deposits are also the source for some of the world’s best-known gem materials (e.g., aquamarine, emerald, sapphire, topaz, and tourmaline). Dr. Wise presented a strong foundation for understanding the processes that generate them, as well as their value as sources of industrial, technological, and gemological materials.

Dr. Wise got his Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba in 1987 and is a prolific author and speaker. His research in the Department of Mineral Sciences focuses on three broad, but closely linked, disciplines which are the basic research components necessary for a full understanding of the pegmatite-generating process. This presentation distills key insights from his deep expertise in:
• Crystal chemistry and crystal structures of pegmatite materials
• Petrology and geochemistry of pegmatites
• Evolution of granite pegmatite systems

It has always been a pleasure to have Mike speak to the Mineralogical Society of DC. We were delighted to benefit from his presentation and diverse Q&A at our meeting on March 6, 2024. Check our website for upcoming meetings. You’re welcome to be with us. https://www.mineralogicalsocietyofdc....