02/24/2026
We are proud to congratulate Ronald A. Sloto on receiving the 2025 Carnegie Mineralogical Award from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH), an honor that recognizes outstanding contributions to mineralogical preservation, conservation, and education 👏🏻
Ronald A. Sloto is Curator and Director of the Geology Museum at West Chester University, Pennsylvania, where he also holds the title of Honorary Professor. Over the course of a distinguished career that includes 41 years with the U.S. Geological Survey, he has become the definitive historian of Pennsylvania mineralogy, authoring a landmark series of reference books that document the region’s mineral heritage.
Sloto authored the “Mines and Minerals” book series, covering Chester, Berks, Montgomery, Bucks, and Delaware counties. These works provide exhaustive coverage of historical mines, geological settings, and associated specimens, serving as essential references for researchers and collectors alike. His work has ensured that the rich mineralogical legacy of the Mid-Atlantic region is preserved and accessible for future generations. As a hydrogeologist, Sloto also developed the HYSEP program, a fundamental tool in hydrologic research whose algorithms are still used worldwide. His leadership with the Friends of Mineralogy Pennsylvania Chapter and his contributions to The Mineralogical Record have further enriched the mineralogical community.
Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to preserving and advancing mineralogical knowledge. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
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