Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity, as evidenced by Iziko and other South African museums, suggests a unique place in the geography of the planet. So do diamonds. Nick Norman’s talk will summarise briefly and with minimal technical jargon, the geology of diamonds, before moving on to South Africa’s role in the history of a unique industry. (The word ‘unique’ will keep cropping up.)

Having worked in various parts of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Angola, Nick has wide-ranging experience in diamond exploration spanning the last 55 years, even if only a fraction of that time has been specifically devoted to diamonds. He will refer, anecdotally, to some of the highlights of those times as well as alluding to the fact that his various books on popular geology have a vital connection with the diamond colossus, De Beers.

Nick Norman is passionate about his subject and hopes to infuse some of that enthusiasm into the evening.

• Lecture: Wednesday 26 September 2018  at 18h00
• Speaker: Nick Norman
• Title: Diamonds and Africa’s special place on the planet
• Venue: Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
• Cost: Members on presentation of valid 2018 membership card–free of charge
• Non-members: A donation of R30.00

Email samfriends@iziko.org.za for more information.