Betty James
167 Florence Circle
Florence, MS 39073

601-914-6747

mineralid@comcast.net

Betty James joined the Mississippi Gem and Mineral Society in 1983 and immediately became active in their lapidary class in progress under the directions of Billy Scurggs, where she learned to make cabochons. The next year she entered a competitive exhibit of cabochons in the Jackson, Mississippi Show. At that time she began to demonstrate cabochon cutting in the show and to teach at their local workshop. In 2003, she was asked to fill in for a William Holland instructor who had to cancel. She returned in 2004 for another session.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

When Betty first began to collect minerals, she had to rely on dealers and other collectors for identification. She became aware that simple (8th grade) language should be available to new collectors and began to research the subject. The result was a book beginning with the difference between a rock and a mineral, continuing through mineral tests with drawings of simple instruments for making these tests, and the evaluation of the results.

This test equipment was later manufactured and is now for sale to the public. With these instruments and a computer program, mineral identification is fairly simple. Betty does not sell the equipment but does share with the class information of the manufacturer.

LAB FEE: Her book is used for the textbook and the only charge for the class is $21.95 for the book.

Students may bring along a few minerals which may be broken, scratched, etc., in testing, if they wish.

Maximum No. of Students: 8

Pre-requisite: None