The Secret Lives of Crystals: Stories Written in Stone

Natalia Romik uses crystal vessels to seal objects symbolic of contemporary plagues. Crystal glass has the same ingredients as standard glass plus crystalline metal oxides, such as lead oxide, barium, or zinc, which increase its weight and durability, and result in strikingly beautiful light refraction. To deepen your understanding of the science behind crystals, join us at Koffler Arts for an insightful talk with Dr. Kimberly Tait.

The Secret Lives of Crystals: Stories Written in Stone

Mineral crystals are far more than beautiful natural objects—they are remarkable archives of Earth’s history. From the depths of the mantle to the surface environments where we live, crystals record the physical and chemical conditions under which they formed and evolved. By examining their structures, compositions, and atomic-scale features, geoscientists can reconstruct ancient geological processes, trace the formation of valuable mineral deposits, and even investigate the origins of materials from the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This lecture uncovers the hidden world of mineral crystals, exploring how they grow, why they take on such diverse forms, and how they contribute to the products, technologies, and resources we rely on every day.

Dr. Kim Tait is a mineralogist and geoscientist internationally recognized for her research on mineral crystal chemistry, critical minerals, and planetary materials. Her work combines advanced analytical techniques to investigate how minerals record geological processes from the atomic scale to the planetary scale. Dr. Tait leads collaborative research projects focused on critical mineral exploration, rare earth element-bearing minerals, and gold fingerprinting, working closely with government agencies, museums, universities, and industry partners.
Her research has contributed to a deeper understanding of mineral formation, ore deposit genesis, and the characterization of materials from Earth and beyond. Dr. Tait has served on national and international scientific committees and is actively involved in developing strategies related to critical minerals, resource sustainability, and planetary exploration. Through her research, teaching, and public outreach, she is passionate about sharing the stories that minerals and crystals tell about the history of our planet and the solar system.