George Switzer (mineralogist)

George Shirley Switzer (June 11, 1915 – March 23, 2008) was an American mineralogist who is credited with starting the Smithsonian Institution's famed National Gem and Mineral Collection by acquiring the Hope Diamond for the museum in 1958.

[1][2] Switzer made the arrangements when renowned New York City jeweler Harry Winston decided to donate the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian.

[1] Switzer first attended Santa Rosa Junior College before earning his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1937.

[2] Switzer tried to enlist in the United States military during World War II, but a recruiter reportedly told him that his years of education could be put to better use elsewhere.

[1] In his honor, three prominent mineralogists - Peter B. Leavens, John S. White and Pier F. Zanazzi - proposed naming a mineral after Switzer.

[1] The mineral in question consisted of pale brown crystals, composed of manganese phosphate, and was first discovered in North Carolina.

[2] Switzer, who was working as an associate curator at the time, first approached jeweler Harry Winston about donating the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian for a proposed national gem collection to be housed at the museum.

Sorensen also stated that, "The idea for the national collection at the Smithsonian was a collaboration between Harry Winston and George (Switzer).

Switzer traveled to Paris with the Hope Diamond inside a velvet pouch, which had been specially sewn by his wife, Sue.

[1]) Switzer's next flight arrived in Paris nearly nine hours late on the day that the Hope Diamond was supposed to go on exhibition.

[2] George Switzer died in Solomons, Maryland at the Hermitage at St. John's Creek assisted living facility, at the age of 93 on March 23, 2008.