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In conjunction with the opening of the “Florida Calcite: Rare Specimens of a Common Mineral” exhibit, which runs Feb. 21-May 3 at Stetson University’s Gillespie Museum, the museum will host three of the state’s renowned geologists during its Science Café 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, to talk about digs, finds, and decades of research in Florida’s karst terrains. Calcite is Florida’s unofficial mineral.

This new exhibit features 35 specimens from the personal collection of Dr. Thomas Scott, emeritus assistant state geologist for the Florida Geological Survey, collected from quarries, underwater caves and limestone seams during his four decades as a professional geologist. Scott will be joined by geologists Harley Means and Sam Upchurch.

Calcite is an abundant mineral; however, crystal formations of this mineral are rare. Only under ideal conditions, as in cavities or caves where the necessary elements are present in groundwater, can minerals grow and form perfect crystals.

The Gillespie Museum is at 234 E. Michigan Ave. in DeLand.

For more information, call 386-822-7330 or email gillespie@stetson.edu.