


- Bio
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Caitlin Furby & Mark Turner — Founders of Lucentara and Dinosty Fossils
Caitlin Furby and Mark Turner are the founders of Lucentara and Dinosty Fossils, two closely connected companies reshaping the global perception of ammolite through innovation, craftsmanship, and science.
Together, they’ve built an enterprise that bridges the gap between Alberta’s fossil-rich past and the modern world of design and technology. Dinosty Fossils oversees the mining and restoration of ammonite fossils and ammolite gemstones across more than 1,200 hectares of mineable land in Southern Alberta, while Lucentara focuses on transforming these natural treasures into luxury products and advanced materials research opportunities.
Mark Turner’s lifelong dedication to paleontology and fossil exploration laid the foundation for Dinosty’s success. His discoveries, including significant fossil trackways in Tumbler Ridge, helped define him as one of Canada’s most respected field collectors.
Caitlin Furby brings a background in statistics, psychology, and business leadership, guiding Lucentara’s strategic growth and global expansion. Under her direction, the companies have become known for their precision restoration, ethical mining practices, and pioneering use of technology in fossil preparation and gemstone presentation.
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Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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Recent projects

Ammolite Sorting Machine Concept Design
The project involves designing a concept for an automated machine that efficiently sorts ammolite from shale on a conveyor belt system. Ammolite, a valuable gemstone, is often found embedded in shale, and the current manual sorting process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The goal is to create a design that can distinguish between shale containing ammolite and shale without it, thereby streamlining the sorting process. This project will allow learners to apply their knowledge of mechanical design, automation, and material detection technologies. The design should focus on feasibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that the machine can be integrated into existing workflows. Key considerations include the detection mechanism, sorting accuracy, and the overall design's adaptability to different sizes and shapes of shale.

Ammolite Detection System Prototype
The goal of this project is to develop a prototype for an ammolite radar detection system, which will enhance the ability to locate and identify ammolite deposits. Ammolite, a rare and valuable gemstone, is primarily found in fossilized ammonite shells. The detection system aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of locating these deposits, which are often buried beneath layers of sediment. By leveraging radar technology, the system will provide a non-invasive method to detect ammolite, reducing the need for extensive and disruptive excavation. The project will involve researching existing radar technologies, designing a prototype system, and testing its effectiveness in controlled environments. This project provides an opportunity for learners to apply their knowledge of geophysics, radar technology, and system design.

Ammolite Market Intelligence Dashboard Development
Lucentara is pioneering the creation of the first Ammolite Market Intelligence Platform, designed to offer a comprehensive view of global ammolite prices, supply trends, and demand within the jewelry and fossil sectors. The project's primary goal is to equip Lucentara with a data-driven dashboard that provides actionable insights, giving them a strategic advantage in the gemstone industry. Students will be tasked with collecting and analyzing data from various online marketplaces and trade sources. This project offers learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge of data analytics and business intelligence to a real-world scenario. By uncovering insights that are currently unavailable in the industry, students will contribute to a groundbreaking initiative that could reshape the understanding of ammolite market dynamics.

Ammolite Spectral Color Visualization Prototype
The goal of this project is to develop a functional prototype that integrates both hardware and software components to capture and visualize the spectral color data of ammolite, a rare and iridescent gemstone. Ammolite's unique color properties change under different lighting angles, making it a fascinating subject for spectral analysis. The project involves designing a system that can accurately capture these color variations and present them in a user-friendly visual format. This will provide valuable insights into the gemstone's properties and enhance its appeal in the market. The project will require the application of knowledge in optics, data visualization, and software development, allowing learners to bridge theoretical concepts with practical implementation. The tasks will include selecting appropriate sensors, developing software for data processing and visualization, and testing the prototype under various lighting conditions.