7:30 PM
IN-PERSON
All About Turquoise
Presented by Michael Oster
Join us on September 9th at 7:30 PM in the Multipurpose Room at the Veterans Memorial Complex, 4117 Overland Ave, Culver City 90230, for a presentation on All About Turquoise by Michael Oster.
Michael’s presentation will first explain how and where turquoise is formed. He will then zoom in on turquoise in the Southwestern United States, reviewing some of the most famous mines, how they are mined, and why so few turquoise mines remain active.
Next, he will examine the dichotomy between natural and non-natural turquoise, discussing the types of alterations and imitations and weighing the pros and cons of each.
Finally, he will review current industry attempts to create a universal grading system for turquoise.
Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A, and members will have an opportunity to get “hands-on” with natural and non-natural turquoise specimens.
Michael Oster is passionate about educating the public about turquoise—one of the first gemstones ever mined by humans and far rarer than diamonds.
Michael has a master’s degree in mining law and policy from the University of Arizona and serves on several boards, including Turquoise United and the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition.
ABOUT MICHAEL: Michael owns the turquoise mines in Courtland and Gleeson, Arizona, which were first discovered by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago and were used by Tiffany & Co. in the 1890s. Michael and his staff continue to mine turquoise and offer “pay to dig” tours that allow people to experience first-hand the challenges of mining turquoise and the thrill of finding it. Michael also operates a property management company in Los Angeles and splits his time between California and Arizona.
Michael enjoys road biking and mapping underwater caves and flooded mines when he is not working. Michael participated in a National Geographic expedition in the underwater caves of the Yucatan Peninsula, and he led the first team to scuba dive and document a flooded mine in Cochise County, Arizona.
The Veteran’s Memorial Multi-Purpose Room is in the back of the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium Building. When entering the parking lot from Culver Blvd. (closest to Overland Blvd.), walk to the right when facing the building. Around the corner is a sign leading to the Multi-Purpose Room, where our meetings are held.
