Timeline
It all began 4–5 million years ago when a fossil bed solidified near the corner of 6th and Flower Streets in Los Angeles, California.
1927–1929
Richfield Building in Los Angeles, CA was built.
1954
A drilling procedure began to test the soil conditions for the annex, which was to be added to the main Richfield Building. The drill brought up a football-size rock full of shells. This piece was cut and cubed and sat on Dr. Manley L. Natland's desk for 16 years. The cube displayed a beautiful array of colorful cross-sectioned shells in a very fine gray sand matrix. (see photo history)
1968–1969
Richfield Building was demolished, with plans for a new building to be erected at this same site.
1970
6th and Flower area is excavated for the building of the ARCO Towers (Atlantic Richfield Company)
34.050799 ° N 118.256966° W
1970
Dr. Natland discovers a thick fossiliferous bed of boulders in the excavation area of the Richfield Building demolition — this is where the cube was found 16 years prior!
1970–1971
500 tons of Natlandite fossil stone is shipped to Italy to be cut and polished.
June 21, 1971
The first shipment of cut products arrived from Italy. (see photo history)
During the '80s
Table tops, book ends, pen sets, ashtrays, scallop-shaped bowls, jewelry, and other art pieces were manufactured and sold by Natland Associates. (see photo history)
September 1981
Mayor Tom Bradley proclaims Natlandite as the "Official Gemstone of Los Angeles" during the Bicentennial Celebration of the City of Los Angeles. (see photo history)
November 3, 1980
Natlandite table presented to Mayor Tom Bradley and the City of Los Angeles. Appraised replacement value documented by Newport Auction Company in the amount of $37,000.
Natlandite table presented to President Ronald Reagan at the White House. Appraised replacement value documented by Newport Auction Company in the amount of $41,000.
April 19, 1983
Letter of gratitude, signed by President Ronald Reagan.
August 11, 1991
Dr. Manley L. Natland dies (California Registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Professional Geologist, to name a few).
August 28, 1991
Rader-Hall and Company, makers of fine furniture, purchased Natlandite from Mrs. Dorothy Natland.
2023
Steve Hall and Carlos & Lorraine Hernandez partnered up as SCL Associates LLC to offer you a limited and rare history available as Natlandite, the Official Gemstone of Los Angeles.