John F. Rakovan Wins the 2019 Carnegie Mineralogical Award

Carnegie Museum of Natural History is pleased to announce John F. Rakovan, Professor of Geology & Environmental Earth Science at Miami University, as the winner of the prestigious 2019 Carnegie Mineralogical Award. The Carnegie Mineralogical Award honors outstanding contributions in mineralogical preservation, conservation, and education. Stephen Tonsor, Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Interim Director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History, presented the award.

An eminent leader in the field of minerology, Rakovan is beloved by students and colleagues for his celebrated generosity of time and expertise. He shares his extensive personal mineral collection for use with educational exhibits at mineral shows and symposia and to illustrate scientific articles. His list of publications is prolific, particularly his work with Rocks & Minerals magazine, where he has served as Executive Editor since 2001. His recent research on the Ram’s Horn, an exquisite half-pound specimen of wire gold that is considered the world’s rarest form of gold, has been covered by National Geographic, Mining.com, and Phys.org.

“John is regarded as one of America’s most prominent mineralogists by many. It will come as no surprise to his colleagues that he is the recipient of the Carnegie Mineralogical Award,” said Travis Olds, newly appointed Assistant Curator of Minerals at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. “He embodies all the qualities we desire for a recipient of the award, including excellence in science education and commitment to mineral preservation and conservation.”

Rakovan accepted the award, which includes a $3,000 cash prize, at the 2020 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, held February 13-16, 2020. As the Mineralogical Society of America’s (MSA) liaison to the Tucson show, John is a fixture in the MSA booth, meeting the public and promoting membership as well as MSA publications and programs.

“From a young age mineral collecting led to an interest in science, and science education opened doors that I never thought possible,” said Rakovan. “Heartfelt thanks to Carnegie Museum of Natural History and to those who nominated me for this award. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to pursue my passion for minerals and mineralogy as a career, and I am grateful to the people who have helped make this possible.”

Carnegie Museum of Natural History established the Carnegie Mineralogical Award, funded by the Hillman Foundation, in 1987.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 Carnegie Mineralogical Award, through Dec. 1. Eligible candidates include educators, private mineral enthusiasts and collectors, curators, museums, mineral clubs and societies, universities, and publications. For information, contact Debra L. Wilson, Collection Manager of Section of Minerals, at 412-622-3391 or wilsond@carnegiemnh.orgMinerals at Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Past recipients include:
2018 Dudley P. Blauwet
2017 W. Lesley Presmyk
2016 Anthony R. Kampf, PhD.
2015 George Harlow, PhD.
2014 Bryon N. Brookmyer
2013 Gloria A. Staebler
2012 George W. Robinson, PhD.
2011 Jeffrey E. Post, PhD.
2010 The Rochester Mineralogical Symposium
2009 Peter K.M. Megaw, PhD.
2008 Frank C. Hawthorne, PhD.
2007 Jeffrey A. Scovil
2006 Richard C. Whiteman
2005 June Culp Zeitner
2004 Joel A. Bartsch, PhD.
2003 Eugene S. Meieran, PhD.
2002 Terry C. Wallace, Jr., PhD.
2001 Wendell E. Wilson, PhD.
2000 F. John Barlow, PhD.
1999 Sterling Hill Mining Museum
1998 Robert W. Jones
1997 Bryan K. Lees
1996 Cornelis (Kase) Klein, PhD.
1995 Marie E. Huizing
1994 The Mineralogical Record
1993 Cornelius S. Hurlbut, Jr., PhD.
1992 Carl A. Francis, PhD.
1991 Miguel A. Romero Sanchez, PhD.
1990 Paul E. Desautels
1989 Frederick H. Pough, PhD.
1988 John Sinkankas, PhD.
1987 The Tucson Gem & Mineral Society