P.S.-
On Sunday, May 2nd, 2004, approximately 40 individual scientists from all over the world gathered here in Moab for a crystal research workshop. As an officer of the Moab Points and Pebbles Club, I had the pleasure of hosting a field trip, made up of several of these scientists and professors, to search for these special crystals. The workshop was sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. It
provided a program of informal scientific exchanges and discussions. All participants were required to make presentations followed by questions and answers. All of these people are involved with the growing of crystals
for military and civilian applications. I took them out to an area just East of the Green River to collect gypsum and aragonite crystals that were formed in the voids of travertine. Everyone collected some very nice
specimens and had a good time, so the field trip was very successful. Below, are some of the pictures taken that day-- Keith.  We've arrived at the site and are discussing what to look for. Some of the
best crystals, it is explained, are hidden inside the travertine.
 The person in the foreground center is Paul Shlichta, scientist and
organizer of this field trip. He has collected crystals from the world over.
 The man in the foreground center is Colin Wood, Electronics Division of
the Office of Naval Research, who organized the workshop.
 The red haired lady on the left was the driver that transported the participants to the collection site.
A young scientist spies something of interest and starts digging out a specimen right beside the road.
 Getting together for a informal briefing, the white material on top of the
hill is the travertine that contains the crystals.
 Here, we have some last minute crystal collecting tips and instructions
before we proceed to the collection area.
 Heading up the hill to find those perfect crystal specimens hidden
somewhere inside the hill top of travertine.
 Back after crystal collecting. Paul Shlichta brought out some samples to show everyone, specimens from other parts of the world.
We are beginning to assemble the troops for our group picture, it's hard to round up and organize everyone.
 We finally got everyone together for a final group picture, with the crystal
collection area in the background.
We, here at 'Brushy Basin', thank you for stopping by-
 to see our fine assortment of rare fossils, gemfossils and exotic gemstones, which consists of, petrified wood
, coprolite (fossil dino dung), dinosaur bone
, and fossil gemstone cabochons, some of which are set to fine
sterling silver jewelry. We hope you enjoyed 'about-us'-- Keith. |
sells exclusively on the Internet and carries wonderful fossils of 
found on private land owned by a good
friend of ours, although some petrified wood and coprolite can be found on surrounding public lands.
and has continually expanded
its inventory and knowledge. Our local rock club, geologists, and amateur paleontologists have been an enormous help in getting started and continuing this fascinating hobby. 
Someone once said
"Surround yourself with smart people", and we've been very fortunate to be associated with some talented people.
