While true gem opals are found a thousand miles from North Texas, our local prairies are home to “living opals” hidden within the iridescent exoskeletons of beetles. By mimicking the same light-shifting physics found in precious stones, these insects use microscopic layers of chitin to create stunning displays of structural color and metallic luster. Join Randy as he explores the intersection of mineralogy and entomology, sharing photography tips and the “collector’s code” for finding these shimmering natural wonders in our own backyard.
Randy Boys
Our Tribe’s Fortune 500 Hours – Randy Boys, Class of 2023
After multiple decades of encountering Master Naturalists as ‘birds of a feather’ during various public events (Scouting activities, conferences and fairs, municipal planning, etc.), it was my wife who voluntold me that we were going to join the TMN cadre. It was one of the best decisions I never made.