Heritage Week 2024

A talk by Tina Keating, goldsmith, geologist and gemmologist

Waterford has a rich mining heritage and forged strong connections to mining communities in Cornwall, Allihies and Butte Montanna in the 19th century. The main mineral mined was copper but various minerals have been found along the coastline including silver, garnet and pyrite.

Some minerals are considered more precious than others and so are deemed Gem quality. These have played a significant role in human history and culture across the world, some key aspects of their historical and cultural significance include symbolism, healing, astrology and birthstones. Perhaps the best-known use of gemstones is in jewellery, some of these gems are prized more highly than others. However, the similarity in appearance of some gems means they can be easily mistaken for each other. So, to find out if it really is a ‘King’s Ransom’ – we need to be able to distinguish between outwardly similar gems and between naturals and fakes.

This is a lecture about the mining heritage of Waterford and its connections to other mining communities, what the minerals were used for, why some are considered more precious than others and how similar gemstones are distinguished from each other and from synthetic stones and fakes.

The lecturer will bring along some mineral and gem samples and equipment used in identifying gemstones. After the talk people will have the opportunity to examine some sample gems using the equipment.

Please book your space by calling Reginald’s Tower on (051) 304220
2 hours
Max. 30 people
Access to upper floors of Reginald’s Tower is by medieval spiral staircase only.