The sciences of gemology and paleontology will meet in a new exhibit titled, “Opal and the Dinosaurs: Discover the Link,” that opens June 10 in the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Museum Gallery. At 7 p.m. On the same day, Andrew and Damien Cody, of Cody Opal, Ltd., will present a lecture on the exhibit. Their firm works with the government of Australia to develop that nation’s National Opal Collection.

The Codys will explain how the fossils of a four-foot marine reptile, known as a pliosaur, along with many other kinds of extinct plant and animal life which existed in Australia more than 100 million years ago, became “opalized.” In this process over millions of years, the fossil material was transformed and preserved as precious material that is often used in jewelry that sparkles with opal’s characteristic iridescent colors.

The lecture is sponsored by the Gem & Jewelry Society of San Diego and is open to the public. Admission is free for Gem & Jewelry Society members, with a $10.00 fee for non-members. Seating is limited, so please make reservations early by calling 800-421-7250, ext. 4170.

JCK