THE ROLLING STONE
In 1979 The Thunder Bay Gem and Mineral Club presented to the Central Canadian Federation of Mineralogical Societies ( CCFMS) an award to foster friendships, collaboration , and information between clubs with similar interests in mineralogy,geology paleontology and gemmology. The mineral sample is a large Thunder Bay Amethyst. Amethyst was declared by the province as the official mineral of Ontario in 1975.
In order to “claim” the award, another club must attend a club event sponsored by the club in possession of the award with a minimum specified number of members depending on the geographical distance between the two clubs. The group now in posession of the Rolling Stone may keep it until another club serves notice that they wish to ‘claim’ it. A plaque withh the date is affixed to the award. Since 1975 it has been “moved” to 31 different clubs, some of which no longer exist. It has been claimed sever times by some Clubs. The Gem & Mineral Club of Scarborough has had it 4 times. Each club’s name & date are on it. Space for more names was running out, so…
Several years ago Heinz Weltner of GMCS redesigned and refinished the case so the Amethyst crystal was self contained ,that is it could be displayed as you see in the photo and packed away for safe keeping with out removing it from its container.
The Gem & Mineral Club most recently claimed the award from Sudbury Club at their annual show with about 15 members of this club. About 3 years ago the Willowdale Gem & Mineral Club claimed it at a December Christmas party. The following year the Willowdale Club closed its doors and sadly the Rolling Stones’ whereabouts became a mystery ,until just recently! Luckily for us events like Christmas forces us to check out those deep dark corners for treasures that we tuck away for safe keeping! I have Great hiding places, then I forget where they are exactly! Guess I am not the only one!
The CCFMS will decide how the next recipient club will be determined. Stay tuned.
photo: Chris Robart