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Mineral Collection Adds Interest and Color

The family of Ed Siereveld donated his collection of minerals to the Geosciences Department.

The mineral collection currently being enjoyed by all visitors, students, faculty, and staff in the atrium on the main floor in Keplinger Hall was donated to the Geosciences Department by Arlene Siereveld of Wagoner, Oklahoma, to highlight the work of her late husband, Ed.

Ed was an electrical engineer, educator, and avid rock collector. His enjoyment of the vast collection extended to education. He would have classrooms of school children visit the basement of his home where the collection was always on display.

The specimens come from all over the world, sometimes with the same mineral represented from many different countries, such as the deep green Malachite minerals. There is beautiful blue Lapis Lazuli from Badakshan, Afghanistan and a lovely purple specimen called Charioite – found only in Russia. The collection also features many excellent specimens from the United States.

The collection was cataloged and photographed by Catherine Webster, currently the lab coordinator in the Geosciences Department. She also cleaned and filled the display cabinet with the specimens. There are many more pieces of interest and beauty that will be added to the case in the future.

All specimens are labeled with their name, location, and chemical formula. This information provides opportunities for students to learn more about the world around them. Ed Siereveld would be pleased with the attention his collection receives on a daily basis.