The French society of mineralogy and crystallography is honored to present its first 2020 Merit Award to Prof. Georges Calas.
Georges Calas is internationally recognized for his expertise on crystallochemistry of transition elements in minerals and glasses, with specific implication in environmental mineralogy, such as the study of laterites, heavy metal remediation, formation of ore deposits (Co and Sc), and nuclear waste materials. His research interests also include colors of minerals and glasses, including medieval stained glasses, which were key topics to popularize the discipline in France. He was a pioneer in the use of X-ray and neutron diffraction to decipher the relationship between structure and properties in glasses and silicate melts. Furthermore, he has led the application of spectroscopic methods (UV-visible spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Electron paramagnetic resonance) to modern mineralogy. Most recently his research has focused on mineral resources and sustainable development. Georges Calas was also strongly involved into the research management and structuration for ore deposits at the national scale. His publication record includes over 300 international articles and book chapters. He is currently an emeritus professor at Sorbonne University, and researcher at the “Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie”, in Paris.
Members of the award committee: Michel Grégoire (pres), Nancy Ross, François Holtz, Eiji Ohtani, Sylvie Demouchy (secretary).
