Society Details

ABN: 49 582 252 658

The Mineralogical Society of Tasmania is a
member body of the Tasmanian Lapidary and
Mineral Association Incorporated.

All correspondence to:  

P O Box 1111,  Rosny Park,  7018.  Tasmania

For further details please contact:-

President & Editor:     Ralph Bottrill                  rbottrill@mrt.tas.gov.au
Treasurer:                    Marnie Pope                pope00@ozemail.com.au
Secretary                     Marnie Pope                 pope00@ozemail.com.au
Field Trip Officers       Mathew Latham             eslatham@bigpond.net.au
                                     Barry Pope                  pope00@ozemail.com.au
Librarian                       Brett Chandler              bjrc@westnet.com.au
Vice President:            Graham Rowbottom       g.rowbottom@gmail.com


Main Website: http://www.mineral.org.au/socs/taspg001.html

Membership Details:-

$15: single,   $20: family (includes 4 newsletters/yr)

About:-

The society currently has over 40 members and is based in Hobart, Tasmania. Its
members predominately come from South-East Tasmania, but we have members
from around the state plus New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, ACT, WA and
England.

Meetings:-  

Most meetings are well attended and we usually have minerals for sale, viewing
and identification. Guest speakers are frequently featured, and a 'Mineral of the
Month' session enables members to become better acquainted with various
mineral species and groups.

Are held on the second Friday of each month at 7.00pm, in the first year lecture
theatre, Geology Dept., University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay. Visitors are most
welcome.

Field Trips:-

Field trips are held most months, often in association with other clubs, with the
venue being published in our newsletter.


Current Projects:-

The Society is active in promoting the collection and study of Tasmanian minerals
and mineralogical sites. A special issue of the AJM on Tasmanian minerals is being
planned.


Our Newsletter:-

The Tasmanian Society's newsletter is published and mailed to members four times
a year. It contains a program of events, information on topical issues, summaries
of some talks, field trip reports, updates on Tasmanian mineralogy and interesting
articles written by members.


Shows & Events

The 31st Annual Seminar of the Joint Mineralogical Societies of Australasia
Thursday 6th & Friday 7th November 2008
Location: Zeehan at the Gaiety Theatre.
Contact: Ralph Bottrill - Email: rbottrill@mrt.tas.gov.au
Mineralogical Society
Of Tasmania
Photos
Dundasite and Crocoite,
Dundas, Tasmania
Amethyst, Mt Heemskirk,
         Tips & Safety On Field Trips

  • Take every precaution while on field trips like making sure you have the right gear like gloves,
    boots, drinking water and basic supplies.
  • Fill in your holes after digging and beware of overhanging rocks and ledges that could collapse
    while digging below.
  • Don't go into old mine shafts as most are unstable and air quality can never be guaranteed.  
  • Always wear safety glasses when breaking or chiselling on rocks.
  • Watch out for snakes and spiders because as a rock hound you're more prone to finding these
    critters than others.
  • Always close gates after you and always take your rubbish home with you if there isn't a proper
    place to leave it.
  • Always tell someone where you are before you leave in case something goes wrong!
  • Always have a first aid kit close by.
  • If you haven't been to an area before draw yourself a map or have a map with you so you don't
    get lost. Mobile phones don't work everywhere!
  • Wear a good hat and sunscreen so you don't get sunburnt.
  • Never forget: FOOD, SNACKS, DRINKS & MEDICATION.



Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to ask permission from any private property owner at any location
when searching for gemstones before you enter any such property. You may also be required to
possess a fossicking license as per state laws.

Safety In The Workshop

  • Don't have loose clothing around any moving machine parts and keep guards on equipment at
    all times.
  • Wear safety glasses while grinding and using any pickle or acid compounds.
  • Wear a filter face mask if required.
  • Don't spill water on any electric motors. Electricity and water don't mix.
  • Keep fingers and hands clear of sharp moving parts.
  • Wear rubber gloves if handling any acids or pickling solutions.
  • Use tweezers when handling hot soldered jewelry.
  • Have a first aid kit near by at all times.