George R. Rossman

Who is George R. Rossman?

George R. Rossman is the Eleanor and John R. McMillan Professor of Mineralogy at the California Institute of Technology. He studies mineral spectroscopy, water and hydroxide in nominally anhydrous solids, analytical methods for OH analysis in minerals, x-ray amorphous minerals, and the effects of exposure on minerals to background levels of natural radiation. Paul Asimow, describing Rossman's work, wrote, "Within the general rubric of mineral spectroscopy, George’s work can be grouped into three principal categories: the origin of color, the effects of natural and artificial radiation damage, and the concentration and crystal chemistry of hydrogen in minerals both hydrous and nominally anhydrous." Rossman was educated at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he received a B.S. and at Caltech where he received his doctorate. He has received numerous awards for his work including The Friedrich-Becke Medal and the Dana Medal. Additionally, Rossman is a fellow of the Mineralogical Society of America.