Ed Swoboda’s love for minerals started when he was a little kid and, at 94 years, he’s still going strong.

Throughout his years of collecting, Swoboda lived in Brazil from 1939 to 1948 before returning to the US where he set up home base in Southern California. From there, he spent years traveling around the world in search of minerals in places like Mexico, French Equatorial Africa, Rhodesia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, South Africa, Australia, Bolivia, Burma, Chile, Colombia, Japan, Peru, Turkey, Uruguay and Venezuela.

He also was the owner of the Pala Chief Mine, Stewart Lithia Mine and the world-famous Tourmaline Queen Mine – which he still owns. In 1971 he, and partner Bill Larson, uncovered the blue cap tourmaline pocket at the Queen Mine which made, and continues to make, mineral history.

Notoriously shy, this pioneer and legend of the mineral collecting world has graciously accepted our invitation to come and present a brief overview of his experience and life in, “A Life of Gems & Minerals.”

This is sure to be a completely packed presentation so come early and stay late.

Join us at 6:00 PM for cocktails and snacks, followed by the main event at 7:30 PM.

Event Details

Program: Edward Swoboda: “A Life of Gems & Minerals”
Special Guests: Wendell Wilson, Bill Larson, Gene Meieran
When: Sunday, February 5, 2012
Time: 6:30 PM – Social Hour | 7:30 PM – Presentation
Where: Westward Look Resort, Sonoran Ballroom