Stetson University’s Gillespie Museum will welcome back to campus Nicholas Pearson, whose latest book, The Seven Archetypal Stones, was published by Simon and Schuster this past December.

Pearson will return Tuesday, Feb. 7, for an event that includes a reception and the exhibit opening of Storied Stone, beginning at 5 p.m., with a gallery talk by Pearson at 6 p.m.

During his years at Stetson, Nicholas Pearson was a student staff member at the Gillespie, an experience he credits with inspiring his long interest in minerals.  “I consider my time at the Gillespie to be the most influential of my college experience.  After a year working with the collection, I switched my major from music to science, deepening my appreciation of the academic aspects of mineral sciences.”

Pearson describes his work in The Seven Archetypal Stones as ethnogeology, examining how humans have interacted with minerals at all levels—from the scientific to the ornamental. “I’ve always described my goal as having one foot firmly in science and the other in the realm of spirituality because as human beings we are always looking for a better understanding of the world around us.”

Sparked by his work, Storied Stone explores some of the lessons — geological, historic and cultural — of the mineral world. As does Pearson’s book, this small exhibit in the museum’s east gallery, focusses on seven stones with fascinating histories.  Obsidian, lapis lazuli and jade are rocks, complex compositions made more beautiful by intense heat.  The other four are minerals — amethyst, pure quartz, emerald and diamond — relatively simple assemblages of elements with brilliant colors, luster and crystal structures.

“Our small display and guided walk through the museum can tell only a few stories,” explained museum Director Karen Cole. “But along with Nick, we hope that in looking closely at these, visitors will want to learn more about the forces that created these stones and our relationships to them.”

This event is free and open to the public. Copies of The Seven Archetypal Stones will be available for purchase and Stetson undergraduates may earn cultural credit.  The Gillespie Museum is located at 234 E. Michigan Ave., DeLand.  For more information, 386.822.7330 or [email protected].