Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.
The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
May 2001.
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Last chance to get to the desert before it gets too hot is now. That ideal time of year is so short but then we're so fortunate to have our beaches just a stone's throw away for warm weather outings.
Our spring cab class came to a close and was a great success. Our thanks to Wayne for running the show and providing so much in materials and knowledge, not to mention the time involved instructing two consecutive classes each Monday. We also had several requests for classes involving other aspects such as silver smithing and gem setting. We'll see what we can do.
I hope everyone made it to the Conejo Show and those who were able, displayed cases. They were generous enough to lend cases for our show and it's that cooperation that helps make all our shows a success.
I'm requesting that someone step forward and offer to host our annual breakfast. We can schedule it at your convenience and there's never a shortage of help offered. It's one of the most relaxed events we have each year.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 23rd. Plan on attending and bring a friend.
Greg Davis, President.
![[TOC]](../imagebtn/uarrow.gif)
Table of Contents.
WORDS TO LIVE BY.
You have to know the ropes in order to pull the strings.
If a person has his feet on the ground and their head in the clouds, they should pull themselves together.
Worry is like a rocking chair--it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere.
Three of the most difficult things to do in life are to keep a secret, forget an injury, and make good use of leisure time.
Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.
Table of Contents.
PROGRAM PREVIEW:
May 23rd Program.
Oil Seeps of Note and Interest.
Our own club member, Steve Mulqueen, will do a presentation on oil seeps - how they are made, where they are, and how they affect our environment. Hope to see you there.
Kathryn Davis,
Program Chairperson.
Table of Contents.
"If the knocking at the door is loud and long,
it isn't opportunity - it's relatives."
- Farmer's Almanac.
Table of Contents.
PROGRAM REVIEW:
April 25th Program.
Colored Gemstones.
The April program, Colored Gemstones, was presented by Robert LaPrad. He is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and a Senior Member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. He is located in Santa Barbara. Mr. LaPrad stated that his activities as a rockhound led to his interest in gemstones. Through a series of slides Mr. LaPrad introduced a wide variety of families of gemstones and individual varieties. It is amazing to see what the stones look like when blown up to the size they were projected on the screen. There were some interesting tidbits of information presented as well as the overview of the stones. For example, spinal comes in many colors and is one of the few stones never enhanced or treated. It is also durable. Alas, peridot, rhodocrosite, and tanzanite are very soft and damage easily. Peridot and tanzanite can also break with a rapid temperature change. And the poor zircons, in a rainbow of beautiful colors, actually decompose. Kunzite fades in light.
Many, many gemstones are treated or enhanced. When you buy a stone the dealer should inform you of this. For many stones it is the norm. Tanzanite is always heated. Orange citrine is heated amethyst. Some stones are irradiated (blue topaz). Sometimes Mother Nature may have done the heat treatment or the irradiation. Most often, however, it is the work of man. Men have developed many other treatments or enhancements also.
Kathryn Davis, Program Chairperson.
Table of Contents.
MY MOM TAUGHT ME...
To appreciate a job well done - "If you're going to kill each other do it outside, I just finished cleaning!"
Religion - "You better pray that it will come out of the carpet!"
Logic - "Because I said so, that's why!"
Time Travel - "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into next week!"
Foresight - "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident!"
Osmosis - "Shut your mouth and eat your supper!"
Irony - "Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about!"
Contortionism - "Will you look at the dirt on the back of your neck!"
Stamina - "You'll sit there 'til all that spinach is finished!"
Weather - "It looks like a tornado swept through your room!"
Hypocrisy - "If I've told you once, I've told you a million times - Don't exaggerate!!!"
The circle of life - "I brought you into this world and I can take you out!"
Behavior Modification - "Stop acting like your father!"
Envy - "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world that don't have wonderful parents like you do!"
THANKS MOM!
Contributed by Richard Bromser.
Table of Contents.
THE BIGGEST DINOSAUR IN THE WORLD,
THE DINOSAUR NAMED BRUNO.
(Excerpts from "The News Item", Shamokin, Pennsylvania.)
April and Barry James, formerly from Santa Barbara moved to Pennsylvania after they lost every fossil they owned in a devastating wild fire. They bought a huge old barn to store their new acquisitions.
This past year they have acquired the Giganotosaurus, the largest dinosaur known. It is a carnivore that dwarfs even the renowned Tyrannosaurus Rex. He fills a whole section of the old barn.
His name is Bruno, and is an Argentinosaurus. He is named for Barry James late friend and mentor, geologist Bruno Benson. Argentinosaurus is the largest dinosaur ever discovered, standing 26 feet tall and 100 feet from tip to tail, so big in fact that Barry James had to seek outside help when building the steel frame that would support the fiberglass dinosaur.
"Bruno" now resides in Atlanta's Fernbank Museum of Natural History which will be the first museum to display a fully mounted Argentinosaurus. The James have assembled at least 130 real and replica skeletons and other prehistoric mammals.
When the James home and shop were burned, it just happened that several of Bruno's valuable specimens were in the shop, and were also lost.
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
5-19-01 - VGMS Workshop - Museum from 9:00 to Noon.
5-23-01 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm The Lexington, Bijou Room.
6-7-01 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
6-10-01 - DEADLINE FOR APRIL BULLETIN - Articles to the Editor!
6-27-01 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm The Lexington, Bijou Room.
7-6 to 8-01 - CFMS Field Trip to Davis Creek - See February 2001 Rockhound Rambling for details.
7-13 to 15-01 - CFMS Field Trip to Glass Butte - See February 2001 Rockhound Rambling for details.
Table of Contents.
"CHIPS & BOULDERS" - AKA BITS AND PIECES!
PLEASE NOTE NEW WEB SITE ADDRESS - http://www.vgms.org/. Our site is up and running at our new address which is shorter and more "ours"! If you use the old URL (address) you will get a link to the new site. Give us your comments on it and also material for the site.
HELP!! We are in need of Hostess Volunteers. Please call Sharon Cunningham with the month you wish to help out. If everyone would do a little, then it is not so much on one person. We all seem to enjoy the refreshments!!! (or should I speak for myself!)
VGMS Workshop will be held on May 19, 9:00 to Noon. They will be held on the 3rd Saturday of the month unless notified otherwise. Shop Supervisors are: Ron Wise (805) 647-4393, Greg Davis (805) 647-9214 & Red Jioras (805) 646-7184.
The Spring Lapidary class is completed and was a great success. Watch for the new cabs on display by students!! Thank you to Wayne Ehlers for doing the class and the 4-H class as well. The 4-H students donated $50 to VGMS for their experience in the class. I'm sure we will be having another one in a month or two. I know Wayne had some helpers at the class, but not sure who so can't mention any names! You know who though, so here is a thanks to you too! I did hear a sort of rumor that we may be having a wire wrap class!! Is that right Nancy?
Bulletin e-mail - It would be helpful when you e-mail information or articles for the bulletin if you could start the subject with "VGMS (space)". This will help Jim to sort them and hopefully not miss any! E-mails work great as we can just roll the information over and don't have to re-type it, so keep them coming!!
Check Your 2001 Show Donation Award Ticket - In the donation award drawing, the ticket for the number 2 ($50.00) prize did not have a name or phone number on. Please check your tickets for number 0670 and notify Inez Shakman at (805) 642-4957 if you have this number. We will hold it and try to find the winner until the 2002 show and then it will be turned back for the 2002 donation award drawings.
LAST CALL - For Sale - Whirlpool refrigerator, 3.5 cubic ft, ice maker, right hand door, good condition. $50.00 contact any club board member.
Canceled Stamps - I have been collecting cancelled stamps for the Easter Seal Society. I will turn them in to Debbie Bunn from Fossil for Fun Society at the show in Paso Robles in June. I have a few stamps, and could certainly use a lot more. Tear the stamp from the envelope in such a manner that it is not damaged. I will trim them so that they are suitable for sale at the huge stamp sale in Sacramento in the summer. So, if you all would go through your old mail and bring your stamps to me, I will appreciate it. So will the Easter Seal Society. - Florence Meisenheimer.
Rock Art and Natural History of Vandenberg Air Force Base June 8th - Protected from development and other human impacts, many archaeological sites and important habitats on Vandenberg Air Force Base remain relatively untouched. This excursion provides an exclusive opportunity to visit an otherwise inaccessible natural area in our region. Led by Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Paul Collins and Curator of Anthropology John Johnson, our group will embark on an all-day exploration of South Base.
We'll meet at the Base entrance at 8:45 a.m. and proceed in a caravan of personal vehicles. This trip will involve some light hiking and driving on bumpy dirt roads. Participants must arrange their own transportation. - Naturalists: Paul Collins and John Hohnson - Friday, June 8th. $24 members; $32 non-members. For additional information please call Adele Smith at 682-4711, ext. 338. SBMNH Bulletin-May & June 2001. - Contributed by Emma Mayer.
Table of Contents.
JUNE BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in June. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! I'm still gathering information, so please let me know if I have missed your birthday. Please call Shirley Layton at 642-2683 and leave a message if I'm not there. Thanks!
June -Happy Birthday!!
Steve Mulqueen - 1st,
Wayne Ehlers - 3rd,
Gregory Briggs - 7th,
Alex Demianiw - 18th,
Matthew Beinar - 23rd,
Shirley Layton - 23rd,
Kathryn Davis - 27th.
The June birthstone is the Pearl and the flower is the Rose.
I AM A PEARL.
I am the first known gem of the world.
I am revered in the Bible and other sacred books as a precious and beautiful possession.
I am the only gem which attains a perfection from the sea.
I am the symbol of health and longevity.
I am the kiss on the moon on the sea.
I am the memory of the angel's tear.
I am the symbol of fashion for all women.
I am the Queen of Gems.
I am a Pearl.
Pomona Rock Hounds Bark 6/95.
Table of Contents.
MEMBERSHIP.
The new membership directories were given out at the April meeting. Those left over were mailed the following week. Everyone should have one by now, if not call Emma Mayer or Shirley Layton. Let us know if any corrections are needed.
Directories are just out and they are already out of date!!! But this is a good reason to be out of date - we have five new members and two Pups!!!! Please add the following to your directory and then help to make these new members feel welcome at our next meeting and glad that they have joined.
Barbara & Darrel Crowder.
Sally McNeilan, Pups - Jeff & Savannah.
Jerry Pugh.
Colin Taylor.
Welcome to you all. We look forward to meeting you and please don't be bashful.
Table of Contents.
COMMUNITY / PUBLIC OUTREACH.
Wednesday, April 25, was the annual School Science Fair at the Ventura Fairgrounds. Approximately 2000 junior high and high school students participated. Ray Meisenheimer coordinated setting up a booth for the three gem clubs in Ventura County. He was assisted by Laura Grayson for Oxnard and Don Asher and Don Pomerenke for Conejo. Ray showed a number of skulls from the museum, and two fossil cases as well as some of his personal fossils. Oxnard and Conejo had show cases with minerals and other Earth Science material. More than 100 flyers for the museum as well as club flyers were given out.
Many of the students entered projects. Marie Haake's daughter and granddaughter were among the judges of the displays.
Thursday, April 26 Ray and Florence led a group of thirty five students and three adults through the museum. The bus load was 4th and 5th graders from Lemonwood School in Oxnard. They really enjoyed lugging home big and little rocks from the rock pile.
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
VGMS MINUTES.
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting - April 25, 2001;
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 in the Bijou room of The Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
The March regular meeting and board meeting minutes, as shown in the Bulletin, were m/s/p.
The program was "Colored Stone" by Bob LaPrad. Bob has been a gemologist and appraiser for 30 years in Ventura County. Bob feels that "spinels, garnets and sapphires are the best colored stones".
Ron Wise, 2nd Vice President for Field Trips, there is no field trip scheduled for this month, but there are a few shows that members could go to:
4/28-29, Antelope Show.
5/5-6, Bakersfield Show.
5/19-20, Conejo Show.
Treasurer, Richard Bromser, gave the treasurer's report. We now have liability insurance for the club museum and shop for $302.40 yearly.
Emma Mayers, membership secretary, the new membership directory is finished and can be picked up this evening. For the members not attending, the directory will be mailed. Emma thanked Shirley Layton for doing the directory.
Shirley Layton, bulletin editor, has some extra bulletins. The deadline for the next bulletin is April 10th. Shirley and her husband, Jim, were able to get the web domain name of VGMS.org and will have the club web site up in the next few weeks.
Wayne Ehlers classes were going great. He brought in an example by a 4-H member that Red had set in silver. A $50 donation was given to the club by the 4-H club. We also signed up two new members from the 4-H class.
Red Joiras had whalebone and slabs on the back table. They are going to be displayed at the Carpenteria Interpretive Center.
Nancy Joiras put on the back table exhibitor applications for the Orcutt Show in July.
Ray & Florence Meisenheimer volunteered at the Tri-club booth at the Ventura County Science Fair at the fairgrounds. It was a crowded affair.
Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chairperson, thanked Wayne, Greg and Red for teaching the Monday night lapidary classes.
The next Tri-club meeting will be on May 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lexington. The annual breakfast is still up in the air but will be discussed at the board meeting. VGMS scholarship will be awarded to Robert Beard on May 8, 2001 at Ventura College.
That was the end of the business part of the meeting. David Mautz then conducted the drawings.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
The next meeting will be held on April 25, 2001, at 7:30p.m., at the Lexington.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Brace-Thompson, Secretary.
Minutes of VGMS Board Meeting - May 3, 2001;
The regular board meeting was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 3rd, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Ray Meisenheimer was appointed interim Parliamentarian by Greg Davis to form a quorum.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report.
New memberships of Thomas McNeilan, Ventura; Barbara and Darrel Crowder, Ojai; Colin Taylor, Ventura; and Jerry Pugh, Ventura were approved.
Ray Meisenheimer announced that the Paso Robles club is requesting to borrow VGMS cases for their show. It was approved to allow it if needed and Ray agreed to transport and be responsible for their safekeeping. Opal Benson has 3 pony cases (flat, 3 ft. wide) for sale at $40 each and seven new clock works for $5 each. Contact Opal, Ray or any board member.
Ron Wise has plans for another trip to Figueroa Mtn. and the Black Smoker for those who missed the last trip, a possible fossil collecting trip near Kelleman in the fall and possibly a day of collecting tourmaline at the Himilayan Mine near San Diego.
Florence Meisenheimer reported that the CFMS field trip to Stone Canyon is well worth the expense due to its uniqueness and abundance of material. Safety will be of utmost concern with summer temps and the characteristic knife-like edges of this material. Save those cancelled stamps and pass them on to Florence.
Greg reported that the cost of printing the bulletin has tripled. All suggestions will be considered for cutting costs.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Davis, President.
Table of Contents.
CARMEL VALLEY FOSSILS - ANOTHER VIEW,
By Myrle Kirk.
The program on Carmel Valley Fossils must have been well presented and interesting. Sorry I had to miss it, but that is the way of life now. The follow-up article indicated all sites and species were covered. Well, not quite so, Mr. Thompson. For the records, let me make an addition! Treasures can be found along the roadside too.
My experience happened back in the early 1930's before the era of massive spreads of asphaltum. Towards mid-afternoon one day three other girls and I drove up Carmel Valley to look for fossils (and fun). Not knowing any specific area, we hoped to find some clues in the road-cuts. "Whoa!! There is a treasure!" approximately six feet, 175 pounds. A couple of illegal turns circled us back to the siting. Two of us jumped out of the car to check our find: rather baggy trousers held up by suspenders; a loose-fitting shirt; an out-of-shape hat slouched on a woolly head. Had he seen any fossils there abouts? "Fossils"? We immediately concluded that he didn't even know the word, nevertheless a friendly conversation quickly developed as a broad friendly smile broke through the fuzz that covered his face.
Seeing our bedrolls he suggested staying at a certain beach just a bit farther up. Taken by his magnetic personality we asked that he join us for dinner: stew and trimmings already hot in the oven. "Oven?" This seemed puzzling, so we exposed the car's engine compartment: cans of food tied all over the area - hot to the touch. With a hearty laugh he accepted our invitation; would meet us at the campsite.
In due time our "Treasure", looking trimmer, arrived in a car the Smithsonian would have considered. He brought in a load of wood, a bag of ears of corn for roasting, corn for popping and home made butter. He took over the building of the fire, which we were clumsily struggling with. We explained that we were "Mariners" not "Landlubbers" and so as such had not found it necessary to learn fire-building techniques--after all, a bonfire on Lake Estero where we were in training among the many waterfowls would be a bit odd.
Somewhat puzzled again, but quick to recover: "Mariner's"? The only "Mariner" I have heard of is "Silas".
By the time the stew, etc had been consumed the roasted ears of corn were ready for consumption - dripping in homemade butter. (Oh, Happy Days! The word "cholesterol" had not yet penetrated our society, so we were not plagued by a guilt complex.)
After the fire had devoured our dishes , we settled back to enjoy his freshly popping popcorn-soaked in butter, of course, and our toasted marshmallows. Our friend began to talk, eventually telling many tales; skillfully blending from place to place; subject to subject. Never boring. Truth or Fantasy? Who Cared?! A fun, laughing evening was enjoyed. (Later on we learned that our "Treasured Specimen" was a very popular, revered, indigenous Old Timer of the Valley, then trying desperately to accept his new role as a widower that had been suddenly thrust upon him.)
Before leaving the Valley the next day we did eventually find a couple of fossil areas from which we retrieved the usual types, perfect imprints of a small crab and a couple of small fish as well as various mollusks. Rewarding in their way, but our unexpected roadside encounter will always be remembered as the highlight of our trip and forever our most "treasured specimen".
Editors Note: Bill & Myrle are spending some time in Pacific Grove, three doors down from a couple who know Jim and 30 minutes from the valley. Their address there is 229 Chestnut St., Pacific Grove, CA 93905.
Table of Contents.
BLACK SMOKER FIELD TRIP,
with Helmut Ehrenspeck.
What a wonderful field trip! Not only did we see and touch the famous "Black Smoker" at Figueroa Mountain, we also visited an ancient Indian village site, looked at the beautiful landscape from the top of Figueroa Mountain, saw absolutely beautiful displays of wildflowers, and experienced geology as some of us never had before. We even did a little rock hounding.
On March 31, six VGMS members met Helmut in Los Olivos to begin the trip. Although I wish there had been more of us, making the trip in one car with Helmut explaining as we went was wonderful. As a talented field geologist, he was able to point out to us what differences in landforms, layers, and even vegetation can tell us about the geological history of the land we are seeing.
Among the geological sites Helmut pointed out: faults most of us would never have noticed; land slides causing vegetation to appear in the Monterey formation that shouldn't have been able to grow there; pillow basalt likely formed in one day and folds of rock that likely took millions of years to form, now side by side.
The Black Smoker itself was amazing, even after it has been beat up so there is not much of it left. Helmut was sad to see how much it had been damaged and so were the rest of us. When I picked up one of the chipped off pieces of the smoker, Helmut quickly suggested I wrap it up in something; the rock has arsenic in it! To me, the walk to the Black Smoker was like a pilgrimage--a walk back in time to an exotic part of our world I could barely imagine seeing and touching.
Just recently we found an article about present-day black smokers. The October 2000 issue of National Geographic article, "Deep Sea Vents", describes black smokers and the marine life where they are active. Should a trip such as the Black Smoker field trip intrigue VGMS members who missed this opportunity, Helmut has said he will lead a trip in the fall to another interesting site. Look for information on the fall trip in August or September. My advice? Don't miss it!
By Jean Wise.
Table of Contents.
STONE CANYON FIELD TRIP.
Excerpts, by Steve Ivie,
Field Trip Chairman South.
The Stone Canyon field trip will be Saturday, June 23, during the CFMS show in Paso Robles. Paid attendance to the show is a pre-requisite for attending the field trip. You also must be a member of a CFMS club. The fee is $25.00 and you are allowed 50 pounds, and 50¢ per pound over that. Meet at the Fairgrounds at 7:30 and the trip leaves promptly at 8 after every one has signed a waiver. There is plenty of material. Upon arriving, be courteous, think safety and watch for rattlesnakes. You must not wander off, but stay in the area, and be careful about fires.
You MUST bring safety glasses or goggles, gloves, hat, long pants, and sunscreen. Also bring hammer, chisel, shovel and buckets for your material. It will be very hot. Bring lots of fluid, snacks and your lunch. High profile vehicles ARE needed, but not necessarily 4-wheel drive. This is a working cattle ranch--NO animals allowed. It is recommended that children do not attend unless they plan to collect and are members of a club. There will be a charge of $25.00 for every one who attends.
Plan on paying for your material in cash. The rancher accepts no checks or naturally no credit cards.
Don't forget--be courteous, be considerate, so that you will be invited back another time.
Contributed by Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
A SMILE costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. A smile creates happiness in the home...fosters good will in business and...is the counter sign of friendship.
From "The Rock Bag", "Amador Nugget", via "Facts and Facets" 11-99.
Table of Contents.
OBSIDIAN BONANZA ACTIVITIES.
By Richard Pankey, Field Trips - North.
Besides our collecting trips each day while at Davis Creek / Lassen creek, I have arranged some additional interesting activities. I invited local Forest Service representatives to join us for our potluck dinners and to give us talks on the history and geology of the area. The clean-up we conducted as part of our Wiley Well trip last year was so successful and well received, we will do it again on this trip. We will pick up trash and litter around the camp, collecting sites and along the roads and bring it back to camp. The Forest Service will haul it off at the conclusion of our trip. We will be joined by several knappers who will be demonstrating and teaching both pressure and percussion techniques. If you are already into knapping, bring along your tools and share in the fun.
The main potluck dinner is planned for Saturday evening. However, we will have potlucks on the other evenings for all those wishing to join in. Even though we will be camping in the middle of a forest, firewood is not always available. Please bring firewood for our evening campfires.
On both Sunday mornings we will be treated to a Pancake Breakfast put on by Marion Roberts and "The Mother Lode Crew". Marion and the boys will be up early fixing the pancakes for us but you need to bring your own plate, utensils, butter, syrup or jelly and drinks. Bring along your bacon or sausage and they will be glad to cook it for you.
I have been asked about the plans and schedule for the days between Davis Creek and Glass Butte. We will leave the Lassen Creek Campground on Monday and go to the Fairgrounds in Lakeview, OR, and spend the night. They have water and electricity and are fairly inexpensive. This is a good place to get a hot shower, dump your tanks and fill up with fresh water before we continue on. We will also have the afternoon to visit the High Desert Rock Shop and see their collection of local material.
Tuesday morning we will drive up to the sunstone area north of Plush, where we will spend the night. The best time to collect sunstones is with morning or afternoon sun. I know of two mines / fee digs in the area, but there is a good free public collecting area, also. We will have time to collect and visit the mines. Early Wednesday afternoon we will head on up to Glass Butte and set up camp. On Thursday we will go to Hampton Butte area to collect green petrified wood. The material here is jasperized, mainly green, but colors include brown, black, red, orange and white. Thundereggs and agate can also be found around Hampton Butte. The Glass Butte collecting trips will start on Friday. In addition to the obsidian collecting sites, we will explore an old cinnabar mine that is adjacent to Glass Butte.
Make your plans now to join us on the CFMS Obsidian Bonanza in July.
Two weekends-July 6-8 and July 13-15 (and the days in between, if you like).
CFMS Newsletter, May 2001.
Table of Contents.
Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.
Andrew Jackson.
Table of Contents.
TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIP SCHEDULE - 2001.
This is the Tentative schedule for the remainder of 2001. Any changes that are made will be announced in the bulletin.
May 19-20 - Conejo Club Show.
May 27-28 - Open.
June 22-24 - Wyoming - Petrified Wood (Schedule later), Leader Red Jioras, Ventura Club.
July 21-22 - Greenhorn Mts. - Rose quartz, Leader: Miriam Tetreault, Oxnard Club.
August 1-12 - Ventura County Fair.
September 9-16 - Camp Paradise Workshop.
September - Gabbs, NV - Petrified wood, etc., Leader: Arnie Rudman, Conejo Club.
October 13-14 - Trona - Onyx, halite, hanksite, Leaders: Don Asher, Conejo Club; Miriam Tetreault, Oxnard Club.
November 17-18 - Oxnard Club Show.
November 22-25 - Wiley Wells Area - Geodes, etc., Leader: Miriam Tetreault, Oxnard Club.
December - Open.
Table of Contents.
Tain't So - "ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD".
[The following article is taken from the August 2000 issue of The Mountain Gem and written by AFMS Safety Chair Mel Albright with additional comments by The Mountain Gem Editor Ted Robles.]
In Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta "H. M. S. Pinafore", Buttercup reminds us that "all that glitters is not gold" and that "jackdaws strut in peacock feathers". We should keep her advice in mind when we read "hints" in our own and in exchange bulletins. These ideas come from people with good faith, but often little or no scientific background. Editors copy from each other with little effort to evaluate the ideas. Many feel as I did when I started - "If it didn't work, it wouldn't have been suggested." So - they may be short cuts to disaster. A few that I have seen include:
"Use permanent automobile anti-freeze in your saw instead of cutting oil."
I do not know what this would do to your saw blade or how well it would lubricate. I do know that ethylene glycol (antifreeze) is a toxic material. It is bad for your health and for that of any pets you may have around. Skin exposure and breathing of the mist created by the saw would both be bad for you. This hint is a real loser. DO NOT DO IT!
"Use kerosene as a cutting oil in your saw."
Again, this is a bad idea. Kerosene is A FUEL. It is less volatile than gasoline and more volatile than diesel oil. It doesn't ignite as easily as gasoline, but it will ignite from sparks and heat. You could end up with several gallons of fiery fluid running around the floor. DO NOT DO IT!
"Heat a cab and some wax in a microwave oven for fast dopping."
Do you remember Mt. St. Helens? The big explosion that occurred? That came from superheated steam. You can create a smaller version of the same explosion in your microwave if you follow this hint. All rocks have microscopic pores in them, and these pores are frequently filled with water; (in fact, you probably put some in yourself when you washed the rock.). Microwaves work by heating water. The steam formed can create unbelievable force when it is confined as in the rock pores. When the rock fractures, there will be lots of shrapnel flying around. DO NOT DO IT!
Generic "mix this with that to do this" hints.
When two chemicals are mixed, there is often a reaction. Some reactions are quite vigorous and release lots of energy. Mixing acid and water is a sample (see "superheated steam" above) - always add acid to water (particularly Sulfuric acid). Other mixing reactions release toxic fumes. An example is porcelain cleaner (hydrochloric acid) and laundry bleach. They release chlorine gas. If you try one of these hints, do it outdoors and with limited quantities. Or - DO NOT DO IT!
Remember - some good sounding ideas are really, really bad. Read them with caution and, if you're not familiar with the material's properties, ask someone who is, about them.
Mel Albright - AFMS Safety Chairman.
(Emphasis by Ted Robles - Editor Mountain Gem.)
Remarks:
As an Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Chemist, I feel that some of Mel's statements need amplifying. As for example, "Don't use Anti-freeze (or kerosene) as cutting oil!" Right. But don't use a lot of other popular substitutes, either! In fact, "Penny Wise is Pound Foolish!" For cutting oil, use cutting oil. Period. I suppose you could melt dop wax in your microwave-but I don't advise it; a microscopic fragment of metal could cause it to burst into flame! (Not healthy for microwave ovens.) As for bleach - it is probably the most toxic material you have in your house. Don't mix it with ANYTHING except the laundry! Particularly don't mix it with ammonia! (Nitrogen trichloride which is formed, is a deadly poison, even worse than Chlorine itself) and most dishwashing liquids, such as "Dawn" contain Quaternary amines, which do the same thing. In other words, "KNOW what you're doing, or DO NOT DO IT!"
Table of Contents.
HINTS & TIPS FOR "CHIPS & BOULDERS (& FOSSILS)".
Note the "All that Glitters is Not Gold" article that should be taken into consideration with any "tips" given.
TIPS ON TUMBLING - By Jack L. Hill;
I once heard a fellow say, "You can't turn a zircon into a diamond no matter how hard you try." This is a perfect slogan for tumbling: a batch of poor quality stones will certainly guarantee you a collection of worthless stones in the end. Perhaps one of the greatest hindrances to quality finished stones is the use of poor material. A few rules regarding the material to use, if followed, will save you time, money, and disappointment.
First: Never put a conglomeration of stones of different hardness in the tumbler. One thing will become apparent almost immediately-the soft ones will grind away. If you don't know the hardness, just use the scratch test. The harder stone will always scratch the softer one.
I have had my best results when I keep agates, jasper, and chert together in my tumbling mix. If possible, I try to use only one kind of material at a time.
Second: Badly fractured or deeply pitted stones will usually still be pitted or fractured after days of tumbling. Cull out the ones which obviously will not make a decent finished product. Sometimes if I have a stone that looks like it might have potential, I will go to my rough grinding wheel and grind out the pits or fractures. I have saved a lot of good Lake Superior agates using this technique.
Third: Slabbed material makes excellent finished stones. You can break it up or cut to certain shapes on your saw. Sometimes I grind down to edges on pre-formed pieces I plan to tumble.
Fourth: Be safety conscious. Breaking hard material can be extremely dangerous. Always use heavy leather gloves and goggles. I have a small sliver of agate embedded in a bone in my thumb as proof of carelessness. Also be sure that no person is close by when crushing rocks. Some of the slivers can travel a long way.
Dry Washer's Gazette, Jan 2001 via Crystal Ball, February 2001.
Table of Contents.
A REMINDER FROM YOUR
FEDERATION INSURANCE CHAIR.
It's very important to mail or fax requests for Certificates of Insurance and / or Additional Insured Endorsements to me as soon as you know these insurance documents will be required for an upcoming event (such as a show, field trip, meeting or workshop)--even if such events are several months "down the road". The Federation's insurance agent / broker has asked that you submit such requests at least three weeks in advance of the date(s) of the event.
Also, please help me serve your club better by doing the following:
- Use only the most recently distributed request forms (which were mailed to each club's Federation representative last August). If you need new forms, just let me know.
- Please complete the requests in full. It slows down the process of getting the documents to you if the information requested is incomplete.
- Please type or legibly hand-write each form, especially if they are faxed to me.
- Please confirm with the Certificate Holder (the person who is requesting the documents from you) exactly what they need. Often-times, only a "Certificate of Insurance" is requested, only to find out later that an "Additional Insured Endorsement" or "special wording" were needed.
Thanks for your help.
Fred Ott,
Insurance Chairperson,
CFMS Newsletter, May 2001.
Table of Contents.
2001 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
MAY 19-20; NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5. Don Bullard (805) 498-9399.
MAY 19-20; YUCAIPA, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Schere Community Center, First & Avenue B. Hours: Sat. ?-6, Sun. 10-5. Richard Crockett (909) 790-3958.
MAY 26-28; WEAVERVILLE, CA - Trinity Gem & Mineral Society, Lowden Park. Hours: Sat & Sun 10-5, Mon. 10-4. Jack Jennewein (530) 778-3786.
JUNE 2-3; GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Mark Thompson (626) 335-3814.
JUNE 2-3; San Diego, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society, Al Bahr Shrine; 5440 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Richard Large (858) 693-0464.
JUNE 11-24 ; PASO ROBLES, CA - CFMS SHOW & CONVENTION - San Lucia Rockhounds, California Mid-State Fairgrounds, 2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles. Bea & Sherm Griselle (805) 238-4366.
JULY 7-8; CULVER CITY, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Inc., Veteran's Memorial Auditorium. Corner of Overland Ave. & Culver Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Gary Strickland (310) 676-4523. g.strucjkabd@prodigy.net, Web site: www.gembiz.com/ccrmc/fiesta.htm.
JULY 27, 28 & 29; NIPOMO, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Ave., Hours: 10-5 daily. Glenda Reeves (805) 733-2775 hawkymom@aol.com; the general club page is http://home.netcom.com/~shields6/OMS_2001.html and the gem show page is http://home.netcom.com/~shields6/tailgate.html.
AUGUST 18-19; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, Fort Mason Center, Herbst Pavillion, Laguna Street @ Maina Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott ellennott@yahoo.com.
SEPTEMBER 29; LOS ALTOS, CA - Penninsula Gem & Mineral Society, Los Altos Rancho Shopping Center, Foothill Expressway & So. Springer Rd. Hours: 9:30-4:45; (No Dealers). Frank Dina (650)967-3424.
SEPTEMBER 29-30, ANTIOCH, CA - Antioch Lapidary Club, Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, Tenth and "L" Streets, Antioch. Hours: 10-5 both days. David Zabaldano (925) 516-0651 davez@cctrap.com.
SEPTEMBER 29-30, DOWNEY, CA - The Delvers Gem and Mineral, Woman's Club of Downey, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Manfred Dexling (562) 425-0192.
SEPTEMBER 29-30, MONTEREY, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road. Hours: Sat.10-6, Sun. 10-5. Co-chairs: John Wills (831) 394-9099 jbmarsha@aol.com. Sky Paxton (831) 663-6978 paxtons@jps.net.
OCTOBER 3-7: JOSHUA TREE, CA - Sportsman's Club, Sportsman's Hall, 6225 Sunburst Avenue. Hours: Wed.-Sat. 8-5; Sun. 8-3. Gary Palmer (760) 366-3430.
OCTOBER 13-14; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 8-5, Sun. 8-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760)372-5356. www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/.
OCTOBER 13-14; TURLOCK, CA - Faceters Guild of Northern Calif., Inc. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway Street. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Marion Roberts (209) 538-0197.
OCTOBER 20-21; PLACERVILLE, CA - El Dorado County Mineral & Gem, El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive. Hours: 10-5 both days. Jackie Ceratto (530) 677-2975.
Table of Contents.
AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
2001 SHOW SCHEDULE.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN,
June 8-10 - Roswell, NM.
AFMS/SOUTH CENTRAL,
June 11-17, Arlington, TX.
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION,
June 22-24 - Paso Robles, CA.
EASTERN FEDERATION,
July 13-15 - Syracuse, NY.
NORTHWEST FEDERATION,
August 20-September 1 - Enumclaw, WA.
MIDWEST FEDERATION,
September 7-9 - Rice Lake, WI.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
November 2-4 - Pascagoula, MS.
Table of Contents.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Thanks to all who help make the bulletin more interesting by contributing articles and information for events. We had some great articles by members this month. THANK YOU! It is a pleasure for me to put them in! Please don't be bashful about writing something up and sending it in, giving constructive criticism, suggestions for items you would like to have included etc. I appreciate it all. I would also like to thank my husband Jim for all his help and support (and nagging) in getting the bulletin out.
Table of Contents.
VGMS PHOTO ALBUM
-
IN MEMORIAM.
We would like to convey our condolences and prayers to the family of Hank Clason who was killed on April 16th. It is a great loss to the Kern County Mineral Society and to all who knew him. Hank and his brother Cal and Cal's wife Dee have been exhibitors and demonstrators at our VGMS show for the past few years. This picture was taken of Hank at our show on March 3rd and 4th, 2001. He will be missed by all of us.
Table of Contents.
Return to the Rockhound Rambling Center.
You may also go to the VGMS Home Page.
Webmaster: James A. Layton,
URL of this Page: http://www.vgms.org/bt/vgms0105.htm.