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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
April 2002.
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Spring, daylight savings, wild flowers... what better time to head for your favorite collecting area for a field trip, especially my favorite, the desert. Check our calendar for the tri-club trips, other shows such as Lancaster (April 27 & 28) offer field trips or call a friend and organize your own. They needn't be time consuming either with so many localities only a couple of hours from us. They're so much fun and rewarding with so many treasures and memories waiting to be dug from the earth. Even trips that were labeled as failures due to a lack of material or foul weather are still fondly remembered.
Field trips are the most frequently requested aspect of our hobby and club by guests and newcomers. Enjoy it while you can.
May all your trips be productive.
Greg Davis - President.
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WORDS TO LIVE BY.
The trouble with class reunions is that old flames have become older.
The best birthdays of all are those that haven't arrived yet.
Maybe if we did a better job of listening, history wouldn't have to repeat itself.
The two hardest things in life to handle are success and failure.
Collected by Wayne Ehlers.
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"THE TWENTY MULE TEAM OF DEATH VALLEY",
Program for April 24th Meeting.
The program for the April meeting will be "The Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley" presented by Steve Mulqueen. Steve will give a brief talk on the history of the Twenty Mule Team followed by a video presentation on the subject, produced by Ted Faye of Gold Creek Films.
The Twenty Mule Team wagons were first designed in the early 1870s to haul freight and ore for remote mining camps in California, Nevada and Arizona. John Searles was the first to apply this technology to haul borax. In 1873, Searles and his teamsters transported borax from his mining operations at what was then known as "Slate Range Playa" and later called "Borax Lake" (now Searles [dry] Lake). Before the railroad was built through Mojave, Searles' Twenty Mule Teams and wagons hauled borax 175 miles to the harbor at San Pedro.
In 1883, William T. Coleman ordered his own Twenty Mule Team wagons which were built by craftsmen in Mojave. Coleman used the wagons, rigging and mule teams to haul borax from his Harmony Borax Works, in Death Valley to the railroad at Mojave. Coleman's Twenty Mule Teams of Death Valley operated between 1883 and 1888.
Steve Mulqueen.
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Rules of Life 1:
If he/she says that you are too good for him/her--believe them.
Learn to pick your battles; ask yourself, "Will this matter one year from now? How about one month? One week? One day?"
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REVIEW PROGRAM,
MARCH 27, 2002.
Jim Brace-Thompson gave a slide presentation entitled "Across Time and Space in California." He took us on a tour of some 15 classic California fossil localities with slides showing what the landscape looks like today contrasted with reconstructions of ancient landscapes based upon fossils to be found at each spot. Geographically, the tour took us from Monterey to San Diego and from the high Sierras to the deserts of the eastern Mojave and the Imperial Valley and points in between. Geologically, we saw how seas and lakes have come and gone. Biologically, we saw whales and sharks occupying Bakersfield, pygmy mammoths trumpeting across the Channel Islands, and a menagerie of animals more reminiscent of Africa than North America thundering across Los Angeles and Barstow. Finally, chronologically, we visited three great geological epochs: the Paleozoic (the age of "Ancient Life," when invertebrates ruled the world), the Mesozoic ("Middle Life," or the "Age of Reptiles"), and the Cenozoic ("Modern Life," when mammals flourished and humans appeared). We began half a billion years ago, with Cambrian trilobites of the Marble Mountains; sampled 180-million-year-old dinosaur trackways in the Mescal Range at Mountain Pass; and ended a mere 10,000 years ago with Ice Age fossils pulled from nearby tar pits and from bluffs at Santa Barbara Harbor, along with intriguing hints of early man in rocks that some call artifacts and that others consider "geofacts" at the Calico Early Man Site. And Jim notes this represents just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sampling the fossil wealth of California!
Editors Note: This was recapped by Jim Brace-Thompson. Sounds like a great program and am sorry we missed it; however, Baja was worth it! Kathryn Davis also reported that Dr. Ed Gafford, a retired Geologist, was on hand with some very interesting photos. He has begun photographing common household crystals, ie. Epsom salt, vitamin B-2, vitamin C etc. by recrystalizing the compound onto a slide and then using polarized lighting source. They were very beautiful and very interesting.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
4-24-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting - Pebble Pups 6:30 to 7:30, meeting at 7:30 for all. "The Twenty Mule Team of Death Valley."
5-2-02 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
5-10-02 - DEADLINE FOR MAY - Articles to the Editor!
5-18 & 19-02 - Conejo Show.
5-22-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting - Pebble Pups 6:30 to 7:30, meeting at 7:30 for all. "The Blast From The Past."
5-25 & 26-02 - Tri-Club Field Trip - to Kramer Junction (four corners area), Leader - Lew Mayron (805) 492-2458.
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Rules of Life 2 - If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance!
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CHIPS & BOULDERS.
Museum Work Parties:
Saturday, March 16 was a work day at our VGMS museum. Those who helped out included Jim & Alex Brace-Thompson, Kathryn Davis, Richard Bromser, Greg Davis and Steve Mulqueen. Most of the accomplishments included the sorting of rocks and the construction of shelving for rock storage. A word of thanks to all who helped out for this event.
On March 23, a work party helped out at the museum in order to clean up and organize the workshop and to complete other projects before the start of our lapidary class. Those that helped out included Greg Davis, Richard Bromser, Ron Wise, Jim Brace-Thompson, Bob Spjut, Kathryn Davis, Mel Hixson and Steve Mulqueen. Thank you for all your good work!
Steve Mulqueen.
Donation of Rocks to the VGMS:
On Sunday, March 17, Steve Mulqueen and Dave Mautz picked up a load of rock donated to the VGMS by Rik and Mia Vonk of Tujunga. The load consisted of approximately 1/2 ton of material of assorted rock types. The rock will be used for silent auctions, rock sales and for lapidary classes.
On April 7 Rik and Mia Vonk donated a second load of rock to the VGMS. Dave Mautz, Susan & Steve Mulqueen drove to their house in Tujunga to pick up the approximately 1/2 ton of rock. This is the second half of their donation to our club. Rik and Mia are both artists who work on a variety of projects including sculptures and suisekis. They are dealers at Quartzsite every year and have a web site for their art work. Thank you Rik and Mia for your donations!
Steve Mulqueen.
Free! - Ron Eakin of Ojai is offering the following to anyone willing to pick it up:
- a large , home made 36 inch flat lap,
- home made 18 inch flat lap,
- large 14 x 6 inch tumbler.
These are built on steel stands and are considered heavy duty. If interested call him at 646-2088.
For Sale - A non-club member has 2 tumblers for sale. The first is a Star Diamond brand, model TU-6, barrel measures about 10" x 5" (sounds like about a 6 pounder). The second is a Thumblers Tumbler brand, barrel measures about 9"x 8" (sounds like an 8-10 pounder), some grit and rock come with them ...$25.00 each...call Bill Kimberling for details at 984-0158.
Employment Opportunity - An Upscale Jewelry store in downtown Ventura is looking for a career-minded salesman/manager. Please call Debbie at Fine Jewelry Works (805) 644-8900.
CFMS Newsletter - Any one wishing to subscribe to the CFMS Newsletter may do so by sending a check made out to California Federation of Mineralogical Societies, Inc. for $5.50 to Pat La Rue, P.O. Box 1657, Rialto, CA 92377-1657. Send a note requesting a subscription. There are 11 issues, very informative and well worth it.
AFMS Newsletter - Anyone wishing to subscribe to the AFMS Newsletter may do so by sending a check made out to "AFMS" to AFMS Central Office, Lewis Elrod, 2706 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130-1540. The cost is $3.50 a year for 9 issues. They don't publish a newsletter in January, July & August.
March hostesses were Shirley Bromser and Chloe Baer. - Thank You Shirley and Chloe. Sorry I missed that meeting, as Chloe is a good baker! Shirley too! Sharlyne Holloway and Shirley Layton will be hosting the April meeting and Jim and Nancy Brace-Thompson in May. Check with Sharon Cunningham to sign up for any of the remaining months! Hurry and pick your month and let Sharon know your choice at 805 649-3579. We really appreciate the volunteers, as many hands make it much easier and the variety is great!
VGMS Workshops - They are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 until noon unless otherwise notified. The Shop Supervisors are: Ron Wise (805) 647-4393, Greg Davis (805) 647-9214 & Red Jioras (805) 646-7184. Stop and say thanks to these volunteers for the opportunity they give the rest of us. It is there for your use, take advantage of it.
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!! jns@west.net. Thanks!
Advertising - The cost of printing our bulletin has doubled this past year. We are looking for ways to help defray some of this cost, as we do not want to cut down on the bulletin size or distribution. We would like to offer advertising in the form of $60 a year for a business card size ad. It would run in 11 issues. Please consider placing an ad and approach your business associates about placing one as well. We could negotiate for larger sizes if anyone is interested.
Please contact Shirley Layton 805 642-2683 - ANY LUCK WITH THIS, ANYONE?
Donation Award Winner Not Claimed - Ticket number 0369 was not claimed at our March 2002 show. It appears that the wrong stub got put into the pot! If you have this number please contact Richard Bromser.
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SHOW ASSESSMENT MEETING.
While our 2002 Show is still fresh in our minds, please come to our Show Assessment Meeting at 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 21st at Jim and Nancy Brace-Thompson's home (7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura 93003; phone 659-3577 for directions). We'll talk about what went well and what could be improved with the goal of making our 2003 Show even better. In addition, we'll be taking suggestions and volunteers for committee chairs to start the ball rolling on next year.
At the March meeting, we distributed show evaluation forms. If you picked up one there, please fill it in with your thoughts and mail it to the B-T's before the Show Assessment Meeting. If you didn't pick one up, please jot down answers to the following three questions and send your thoughts as soon as possible: 1) What worked especially well and should be continued just the way we're doing now? 2) What could be improved and how so? 3) Any suggestions for new activities or features for next year? We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you on April 21st!
Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chairperson.
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IN MEMORIUM,
Marian Vient.
We were saddened to hear of the death of Marian Vient. She was living in Pasadena, CA and died in her sleep just before breakfast on March 24th, 2002. Bill, who passed away about a year ago, and Marian joined the VGMS in the early eighties. They were instrumental in bringing Liz and Clay Brashears into the fold as well. Liz recalls the many wonderful times she and Clay had with them, traveling together in their campers and trips to Mazatlan, Mexico. Bill and Marian persuaded them to go to Quartzsite and they loved it. Marian was the "greeter" on our first visit to VGMS. She made you feel very welcome and glad you had come! They came to the board meetings and worked hard at the shows. Marian was at the hospitality table doing what she did so well at the meetings. Bill helped put club cases together and take them down and they would be there til the last dirt was swept from the building. They also used to fold, staple and address the bulletins for me. As Liz said she will be sadly missed.
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH,
Contributed by
Florence Meisenheimer
and Steve Mulqueen.
Thursday, March 14th, Ray Meisenheimer gave a one and a half hour program to 30 fourth graders at Rio Del Norte School in Oxnard. There were two teachers. The young people were very impressed with the hands on fossils, as well as crystals and other rocks and minerals. Ray was impressed with the beautiful new school, and the very well behaved children.
Tuesday, March 19, Ray Meisenheimer spent three and a half hours at Saticoy School. He gave programs to three classes, which included 96 students and five teachers and aides. The programs were very well received.
On Wednesday evening, March 20, Susan and Steve Mulqueen participated in "Family Science Night" which was held at Mountain View Elementary School located at Goleta within the Goleta Union School District. Susan presented exhibits on entomology (insects) while Steve presented displays on rocks, minerals & fossils. Steve distributed approximately 300 samples of serpentine, the California State Rock. Each specimen of serpentine included information about the rock and about the VGMS. The event was well attended by students and their families.
On April 19, Steve Mulqueen will present a lecture entitled "Borax Smith and the Tonopah & Tidewater Railroad". The talk will be given at the 2002 Desert Symposium to be held at the Desert Studies Center at Zzyzx. Steve's paper on the same subject has been printed in the guidebook associated with the symposium.
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MAY BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in May. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! 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!
May -Happy Birthday!!
Cece Van Der Neer - 10th,
Jollie Place - 11th,
Donald Berman - 18th,
David Mautz - 20th,
Kappy Paulson - 26th,
Colin Taylor -26th,
Jack Collings - 28th,
Barbara Crowder - 31st.
The May birthstone is the Emerald and the flower is the Lily of the Valley.
THE MINERAL DIAMOND.
- Chemistry: C, Elemental Carbon.
- Class: Native Elements.
- Subclass: Non-metallics.
- Group: Carbon.
- Uses: as a gemstone and abrasive.
Diamond is the ultimate gemstone, having few weaknesses and many strengths. It is well known that Diamond is the hardest substance found in nature, but few people realize that Diamond is four times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum (sapphire and ruby). But even as hard as it is, it is not impervious. Diamond has four directions of cleavage, meaning that if it receives a sharp blow in one of these directions it will cleave, or split. A skilled diamond setter and/or jeweler will prevent any of these directions from being in a position to be struck while mounted in a jewelry piece.
As a gemstone, Diamond's single flaw (perfect cleavage) is far outdistanced by the sum of its positive qualities. It has a broad color range, high refraction, high dispersion or fire, very low reactivity to chemicals, rarity, and of course, extreme hardness and durability.
In terms of its physical properties, diamond is the ultimate mineral in several ways:
- Hardness: Diamond is a perfect "10", defining the top of the hardness scale.
- Clarity: Diamond is transparent over a larger range of wavelengths (from the ultraviolet into the far infrared) than is any other substance.
- Thermal Conductivity: Diamond conducts heat better than anything - five times better than the second best element, Silver!
- Melting Point: Diamond has the highest melting point (3820 degrees Kelvin)!
- Lattice Density: The atoms of Diamond are packed closer together than are the atoms of any other substance!
Diamond is a polymorph of the element carbon. Graphite is another polymorph. The two share the same chemistry, carbon, but have very different structures and properties. Diamond is hard, Graphite is soft (the "lead" of a pencil). Diamond is an excellent electrical insulator, Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. Diamond is the ultimate abrasive, Graphite is a very good lubricant. Diamond is transparent, Graphite is opaque. Diamond crystallizes in the Isometric system and graphite crystallizes in the hexagonal system. Somewhat of a surprise is that at surface temperatures and pressures, Graphite is the stable form of carbon. In fact, all diamonds at or near the surface of the Earth are currently undergoing a transformation into Graphite. This reaction, fortunately, is extremely slow.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
- Color is variable and tends toward pale yellows, browns, grays, and also white, blue, black, reddish, greenish and colorless.
- Luster is adamantine to waxy.
- Transparency crystals are transparent to translucent in rough crystals.
- Crystal System is isometric; 4/m bar 3 2/m.
- Crystal Habits include isometric forms such as cubes and octahedrons, twinning is also seen.
- Hardness is 10.
- Specific Gravity is 3.5 (above average).
- Cleavage is perfect in 4 directions forming octahedrons.
- Fracture is conchoidal.
- Streak is white.
- Associated Minerals are limited to those found in kimberlite rock, an ultramafic igneous rock composed mostly of olivine.
- Other Characteristics: refractive index is 2.4 ( very high), dispersion is 0.044, fluorescent.
- Notable Occurrences include South Africa and other localities throughout Africa, India, Brazil, Russia, Australia, and Arkansas.
- Best Field Indicator is extreme hardness.
Copyright (c) 1995 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.
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MEMBERSHIP.
We are pleased to have several new members. They include Jollie Place, Bob and Linda Clement, Don Minster and Karen Kaminsky. We won't publish names and phone numbers as they will be in the new Membership Directories that we hope to have available at the April meeting. Seek out our new members and make them feel welcome and glad that they have joined us.
Those who are unable to pick up their directories at the April meeting will have theirs mailed to them.
Webmaster's Note: If you want a printed copy of the following ad place the mouse cursor to the left of the word 'Attention', push and hold down the left mouse button, and sweep down over the ad with the mouse cursor. This will highlight the contents of the ad. Release the mouse button and, without clicking anywhere else on the page, select EDIT on the browser menu and select COPY. You may then PASTE into any word processor and print in your normal manner. If you highlight too much you may delete the unneeded part from the word processor before printing. This works with any browser I know.
Attention New Members.
Need a Club Badge?
Blue Engravers is giving us a $.50 reduction per badge
for advertising space in the club bulletin!
Ventura County Shape badge $11.28 (includes. tax & ship).
ACCOUNT: Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
Name (Print clearly. It will be on your name badge.):
_____________________________________________
Address:
_____________________________________________
_______________________________Zip:____________
Make check payable to and mail to (takes 5-7 business days):
Blue Engravers,
1375 Caspian Ave.,
Long Beach, CA 90813.
If ordering more than 2 badges call them for exact shipping
costs at (562) 983-5140, FAX (562) 983-5146,
E-mail BLUEGRAVR@aol.com.
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HOSPITALITY.
There were 23 members, 13 Pebble Pups and two Guests at our March meeting. The guests were Robert Clement and Bryan Johnson. We are happy to say that Bob Clements and his wife Linda are now members! Also I must apologize to last month's guests, we did try to re-name them! They were Don Minster and Karen Kaminsky. We are very happy to acknowledge both of them as new members as well! So we have a lot of welcoming and getting acquainted to do. Unfortunately we were in Baja for this meeting and can't tell you who the prize winners were. I'm sure they were happy though. The other thing I missed was Shirley and Chloe's good refreshments! Hope everyone had a good time with the very interesting program, good fellowship, good eats and prizes besides. How can you lose?! See you in April.
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"PEBBLE PUP NUGGETS."
Pebble Pup Corner:
Hi everyone; hope you enjoyed a wonderful Easter vacation. Our club is in the process of updating the membership roster; as a one time favor to me, please let me know that you received this email so I can give Shirley the info for our master roster. If anyone has not paid their dues, this week is the deadline.
We had 18 pebble pups in attendance at last month's meeting on "Crystals", a record high! If your crystals did not form, boil water and pour some over the same rocks and mixture that you brought home from the meeting. Anyone who could not make the meeting can purchase crystal forming materials at Michael's and other craft shops.
Many pups are attending our Monday night workshops. They will continue through the month of April from 5 to 7 pm out at the clubhouse. The class and materials are free and it's a wonderful hands-on opportunity to create "objects d'arte"! You can come and go as you please to any or all the workshops. Many thanks to Wayne and his crew for their patience and guidance.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, April 24th at 6:30 on "Trilobites". Dave Mautz will share his knowledge and extensive collection of these rare and ancient fossils. The children will learn how to properly clean fossil finds. Be sure to mark down May 26th when Shawne Lardin will be our guest speaker on Space Rocks. These are both wonderful presentations for our pebble pups and I am so grateful for the support of our adult club members.
Our field trip chairman Ron informs me that Jalama Beach has closed its park for fish fossil hunting. Rather than deal with the difficulties this presents, the field trip has been changed to Pine Mountain and we will be collecting sand dollar fossils. I am told each child can come away with an ample collection. The drive is just over an hour and camping is optional. We will depart from the Lexington parking lot on Saturday, April 27th at 9 am. Bring a sack lunch, your collecting gear, and sunscreen. If you are interested in spending the night, returning the Sunday morning, let me know and I will make arrangements. It would be fun to have a "bonding experience" if enough of you can do it.
Feel free to participate in the many field trips the club sponsors; these are all open to the pups as well. As always, be sure to read the club bulletin for other news.
Thanks, Emma.
Pebble Pup Birthdays - May.
- Amazingly enough I don't show any Pebble Pup birthdays for May! If I have missed any please let Emma know and we will catch it next month.
Pebble Pup Dates to Remember:
- Mondays - 5 to 7 pm through April - Cabochon Class at VGMS Museum.
- 4-24-02 - Pup Meeting, The Lexington - 6:30 pm - Trilobites & Fossil Cleaning - Dave Mautz.
- 4-26-02 - Pup Field Trip - Jalama Beach - Camping & fossils. (Webmaster - See Emma's note above for change.)
- 5-18 & 19-02 - Conejo Club Show -Get your cases ready!
- 5-22-02 - Pup Meeting, The Lexington - 6:30 pm - "Meteors" with Shawne Lardin.
- 5-25 & 26-02 - Club field trip -Kramer Junction (four corners) area.
Pups- Can you find the "D is for..." Coloring page in this bulletin? Color it and bring to share with the group on the 24th! Have Fun!! (You adults can color too!!)
Webmaster's Hint: It's near the end.
Webmaster's Note: If you want a printed copy of the coloring page place the mouse cursor to the left of the words 'COLOR BOOK', push and hold down the left mouse button, and sweep down over the page with the mouse cursor. This will highlight the contents of the page. Release the mouse button and, without clicking anywhere else on the page, select EDIT on the browser menu and select COPY. You may then PASTE into any word processor and print in your normal manner. If you highlight too much you may delete the unneeded part from the word processor before printing. This works with any browser I know. I'm sure a parent or friend would be happy to help if you need it.
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Santa Barbara Museum of National History.
Paul Sereno's lecture, "Africa's Lost World of Dinosaurs and Giant Crocs," will introduce you to a recently uncovered animal from 110 million years ago. This extraordinary creature was more than 40 feet long,, weighed 10 tons, swam wide rivers, and ate dinosaurs. Among the largest crocodilians to ever walk on Earth, Sarcosuchus imperator has been dubbed SuperCroc by Sereno and his fossil hunting team. Hear about the adventure and science of Sereno's latest fossil discoveries from the Sahara Desert--giant crocodiles, dwarf crocs, new raptors, and huge long-necked plant-eaters. National Geographic Society Explorer-in-Residence and Professor at the University of Chicago, Sereno has published dozens of scientific and, popular articles, several books, and has appeared in 10 television documentaries, including a National Geographic Society film, "SuperCroc".
Friday, April 26, 7p.m., Fleischmann Auditorium. Limited seating. Admission is $10/$6 for adult/child members and $15/$9 for adult/child non-members. Program begins at 7p.m. when Zoo to You presents Spike the Alligator, followed by Sereno at 7:30.
Dinosaurs the Next Generation is a large Museum Exhibit at the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum that will Run through the Summer and begins at the Santa Barbara Museum on May 25th.
May 13th, 7:30 pm - Santa Barbara Mineral & Gem Society program "Gibraltar Tunnel's Dynamic Cave Formations". By Dr. Jim Boles, UCSB Geology Dept. Free admission.
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Living well really is the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the other person was right about you.
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EARTH SCIENCE STUDIES:
CAMP PARADISE,
By The Earth Science Co-chairmen
Cal and Dee Clason,
Ray and Florence Meisenheimer.
There will be two separate symposiums at Camp Paradise this year. There are two separate enrollment forms to use. BE VERY SURE you select the correct dates you wish to attend.
The dates are September 8-14, and then September 15-21, 2002. The week-long seminars are consecutive. If you sign up for one week and show up for another week, you may not have a bed. If you wish to attend both sessions, the fee is $440.00 per person. Also, if you wish to attend both weeks, fill out both forms.
Workshops include wire wrap, faceting, casting, stone carving, cabbing, silversmithing, bead stringing, glass beads and glass fusion. Workshops are identical each week, and the instructors are the same. There will be field trips for collecting and sightseeing, and at least one trip for gold panning. There will be entertainment and programs in the evening. Attendance for each week is limited to 60 persons, so that the instructors will have more time to spend with each person.
Camp Paradise is located about 45 miles northeast of Marysville on Highway E-21. (A map to the area will be provided.) The facilities are a rustic church camp with rooms with double beds and dorms with cots. Bath facilities are inside the buildings. It is requested that, for health reasons, you bring an extra sheet or blanket to put over the mattress, under your bedding. There is a beautiful area among the pines for motor homes.
Three wholesome meals a day are served from a modern kitchen. Food and beverage are sent out on field trips. Because this is a church camp, absolutely no alcohol is permitted. Pets must be on a leash, and kept in at night. There may be a coyote or two. It is important to register early to be assured of being included.
If you have any questions, call
Cal 661-589-4169, or
Ray 805-642-3155.
They will be happy to help you.
Editors Note: We will have forms at the April Meeting or you can call Florence Meisenheimer or Shirley Layton for a copy.
CFMS Newsletter - April 2002.
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And finally ...Be really nice to your friends and family. You never know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan.
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SO, THAT'S WHAT AN AGATE LOOKS LIKE!!!
By
Red and Nancy Jioras.
Part 1.
My wife, Nancy and I retired in 1996 and to celebrate, and to hopefully set the stage for things to come, we hooked up our new fifth wheel trailer and headed to Northern California for a visit with our daughter. After staying at an RV park for a week, we decided to move to a slightly more remote setting at Patrick's Point State Park.
Patrick's Point State Park is located just off of US 101 about 15 miles north of the town of Eureka. It's situated amongst the tall redwood trees and ferns so typical of the north coast. The entire campground is lovely and the overlooks to the beaches below are fantastic. In the southern portion of the campground, a short walk to the bluff's edge will open vistas of the sea crashing against the tall "sea stacks." Sea stacks are actually pieces of land that were once shoreline. Being more erosion resistant, they were left when the ocean eroded the land around them. Now they stand against the ocean's onslaught to create some of the most spectacular scenery in California. To get to the rocky beach below in this area of the park, one would have to be an accomplished rock climber.
The northern portion of the campground overlooking Agate Beach is quite different. From the top of the bluff, you look north along high sand cliffs which last for approximately one mile. The cliffs stand approximately 100 feet high and, since they are made of unconsolidated beach sand, they are consistently sloughing portions of the cliffs back to the ocean. At the northern most end, the cliffs dip slightly then rise to finally descend gently to a sand spit that separates the ocean from Big Lagoon. At the base of the sand cliffs, a sand/gravel/rock beach stretches past the end of the cliffs and across the sand spit, to headlands some two miles away. With the fog rolling in and out, the photo opportunities are tremendous.
Never having stayed in the north coast area for very long, my wife and I started searching out different activities. Being of a curious mind, I asked the ranger why the area below our campsite is called "Agate Beach?" He explained that for the longest time, people have been scouring the beach in search of agates. At that time neither my wife nor I were rock hounds and it soon became obvious to the ranger that we didn't know what he was talking about. Being patient, he reached onto a shelf in his kiosk and produced a jar which held some very pretty rocks. He handed me a beautiful stone with a glassy exterior that seemed to have an inner glow. He was very encouraging when he told us that the agates were fairly common.
Armed with this new knowledge and a sense of adventure, my wife and I walked the long steep path (did I mention the path?) down to the beach about a half hour before the low tide. What we saw was comical. There were nearly two dozen people on the beach searching for these little rock treasures. They were ALL bent over, eyes fixed on the sand in front of them, looking very much like a squad of hunchbacks from Notre Dame. They all walked about very slowly, never looking up and seldomly acknowledging anyone around them unless that someone stepped into the view of their downward stare. Here and there someone would bend down and pick something off of the sand. If it was what they were looking for, they silently stuffed it into their pocket. If it wasn't the right thing, it was caste aside without a second glance.
If you watched for a while, taking in the whole scene, it was as if all the people were engaged in this weird ritualistic dance; their head down, the slow shuffling of feet and the occasional bowing to the rock gods hoping for a gift of a pretty rock. Periodically, one of the dancers would bend down and pick up something and would then let out a shrill cry. When this happened, some of the other dancers would stop their dancing and run to see what the other had found; the rest of the dancers merely bent lower in hopes of finding something of their own that would give them cause to yell out.
It wasn't long before my wife and I had gotten the rhythm of the dance and were moving in unison with the rest of the rock worshippers, our bodies strangely contorted in the same head down pose. At our feet lay a virtual treasure trove of beautiful rocks, all wet and shining in the sun. Trying to remember what the ranger's stone looked like, I began picking up stones for a closer look. I would call my wife over, hand her a white stone (the ranger's stone was white) and ask her if it was an agate? Now the real comedy in this is that my wife didn't know any more than I did. But there we were, holding a conference on the beach trying to decide what we had found. If we thought the stone looked close to what the ranger showed us, we would put it in our pocket. If the stone had no resemblance to the ranger's stone, we would throw the rock aside and restart our dance. Throughout the afternoon, we kept picking up white stones, discussing their merit and putting some into our pockets. We were just sure we had found agates. After about two hours of the dance, our pockets were full of rocks and we confidently made the trek back up the path (did I mention how long AND steep the path was).
Excitedly, we drove back to the kiosk where we proudly showed our large pile of rocks to the ranger, exclaiming that we had found the elusive agate. The ranger was kind. (I think he had done this before.) He said that we had done extremely well, but that all we had collected was a lot of quartz. QUARTZ!!!!!! All that time and energy, not to mention the sore back from bending over and the long walk back up the hill, and all we got was QUARTZ? Well, no little rock was going to make a monkey out of me; I quickly asked the ranger "when is the next low tide??"
The next day my wife and I almost ran down the path (did I mention how long AND steep AND how many stair steps there are on the path?). We both hit the beach on the fly and with a new found immediacy, we bowed our heads and began our dance. Back and forth our bodies swayed. Up and down the beach we searched. We knew what quartz looked like, but what about an agate?
Then it happened. I can still remember it as if it were yesterday. I was standing at the waters' edge, watching the large waves crash at my feet, when there in the sand was a gleam. It was something different than all of the rocks I had seen on the beach. Risking my very life and limb (am I getting dramatic or what?), I lunged down the beach and plucked the stone from the sand just as the next wave was about to snatch it from my grasp. I ran back up to the safety of the beach with my prize in hand. As my wife came over, I triumphantly extended my closed hand toward her. I slowly open my hand and she and I stared down at this marble size stone that I had rescued from a watery grave. There in my hand was a white stone with its own luster and its own inner beauty, its own inner light. I had found my very first agate.
That day my wife and I didn't find untold wealth. What we did find was treasure in the form of 10 beach agates from Agate Beach, Patrick's Point State Park. What we also found was the joy of discovering the beauty that nature provides in the form of rocks.
Those agates also created a question that needed answering: a question that would lead us to rockhounding. Where did agates come from? Were they the tears of mermaids who had lost their sailor loves? Were there giant agates, some the size of houses, somewhere in the ocean having offspring of small agates that lost their way and ended up on Agate Beach? Or, had someone just thrown a bunch of marbles into the sea? I had to know the answer. Upon our return home we found the Ventura Gem and Mineral Society and began asking all those really dumb questions beginning rock hounds ask. One question led to another and before we knew it, our education included rocks, minerals, geology, paleontology, volcanoes, plate tectonics and so much more. All of a sudden we were rock hounds.
(In part 2, we revisit Agate Beach to test our new knowledge and meet some great people.)
Table of Contents.
TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS - 2002.
| May: | |
| 18-19, | Conejo Show. |
| 25-26, | Kramer Junction (four corners) area, |
| Leader: Lew Mayron. | |
| June: | |
| 22-23, | To be determined, |
| Leader: Miriam Tetreault. | |
| July: | |
| 12-14, | CFMS Show - Placerville, CA. |
| 13-14, | Greenhorn Mountains, |
| Leader: Jerry Adlof. | |
| August: | |
| 7-31 to 8-11, | County Fair. |
| September: | |
| 8/31-9/2, | Monte Cristo Mountains (NV) area, |
| Leader: Ron Wise. | |
| 8-14, | Camp Paradise-1. |
| 15-21, | Camp Paradise-2. |
| October: | |
| 12-14, | Cady Mountains area, |
| Leader: Miriam Tetreault. | |
| November: | |
| 2-3, | OGMS Show. |
| 28-12/1, | Wiley's Well area, |
| Leader: Mitty Scarpato. | |
| December: | |
| Holidays. |
| Leaders: | ||
| Jerry Adlof, | 579-7343 or 583-5242, | Conejo. |
| Lew Mayron, | 492-2458, | Conejo. |
| Mitty Scarpato, | (818) 707-9972, | Conejo. |
| Miriam Tetreault, | 642-5779, | Oxnard. |
| Ron Wise, | 647-4393, | Ventura. |
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
HOW'S YOUR HEART?
By Chuck McKie, Safety Chairman CFMS 2002.
Subject: SELF-CPR --
I have taken CPR about 10 times over the last 35 years, but I never got instruction on what to do if I was alone and had a heart attack. Please read this and pass it on. It may save a life.
I didn't know this, did you? Let's say it's 6:15 p.m. and you're driving home (alone of course) after an usually hard day on the job. You're really tired, upset and frustrated. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the nearest hospital nearest your home, unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. What can you do? You've been trained in CPR but the guy that taught the course neglected to tell you how to perform it on yourself.
HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE. Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, this article seemed in order. Without help, the person whose heart stops beating properly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart has began to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital. Tell as many others it could save their lives!
This was forwarded to me from an old Navy buddy (Herman Bell) From Health Cares, Rochester General Hospital via Chapter 240's newsletter AND THE BEAT GOES ON. (Reprint form the Mended Hearts, Inc. publication, Heart Response.)
CFMS Newsletter - April 2002.
Table of Contents.
A married couple were asleep when the phone rang at 2 in the morning. The wife (undoubtedly blonde), picked up the phone, listened for a moment and said, "How should I know, that's 200 miles from here!" and hung up. The husband said, "Who was that?" The wife said, "I don't know; some woman wanting to know if the coast is clear."
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VGMS MINUTES.
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, March 27, 2002;
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:35 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 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 were corrected and then m/s/p as shown in the bulletin.
Guests were introduced and welcomed to the meeting.
Final call for dues to be submitted before the new directory is compiled and printed.
Jim Brace-Thompson presented an excellent slide program on fossil and dinosaur finds in California.
Ron Wise reported that the next field trip is set for April 13 & 14 to the Sheep Springs area for numerous types of material.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report.
Steve Mulqueen reported that he and Dave Mautz had transported the last of the Rik Vonk donated rough to the Museum. Steve attended the Science Night in Goleta and handed out specimens of the California State rock - serpentine. The Santa Paula Oil Museum is requesting the use of our large fossil skull for display during the Energy Fair, April 24th.
Red Jioras mentioned that Opal Benson had taken a fall and fractured her hip. Our most sincere wishes that she make a speedy recovery.
Jim Brace-Thompson issued show assessment survey forms to be filled out and the show recap meeting is scheduled for April 21st, Jim and Nancy's house, 2:00.
Wayne Ehlers reported another successful cab class Monday night with 8 pebble pups and several adults attending.
Inez Shackman sadly reported that long time member, Marian Vient recently passed away just a year after her husband, Bill.
Several door prizes were awarded to club members in a drawing and tumbled stones were offered to pebble pups. Refreshments were provided by Shirley Bromser and Chloe Baer.
There being no further business and no other reports from the floor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis-President.
Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
April 4, 2002;
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:32 pm on Thursday, April 4, 2002 at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, Ca.
Present: Greg Davis, Ray and Florence Meisenheimer, Richard Bromser, Nancy Brace-Thompson, Steve Mulqueen, Dave Mautz, Ron and Jean Wise and Kathryn Davis.
Greg Davis mentioned that the deadline for dues has passed, the new directory will be prepared and as many non paying members as possible have been contacted for confirmation. It was m/s/c that Opal Benson be recognized as an honorary member from this date on. It was decided that the arctic jade donated to club members at our show be offered at the next club silent auction. The present method of offering door prizes was discussed and it was decided to retain it and its three prizes per meeting for the present time. Opal Benson fell and fractured her hip. A get well card will be circulated and forwarded to her expressing our sincere hopes for a quick recovery.
Again the scholarship fund was brought up for discussion and the majority felt that with the increased operations cost and insurance increases for this year, that the fund would not be supported. Suggestions were requested for the disposal of various pieces of lapidary equipment collected over the years by the club. Possibilities included offering them for sale at the annual show or dismantling them for usable parts. A listing will be published in the bulletin of all the equipment for sale prior to any other method of disposal.
Damage to the rear of the museum in the form of a broken fence enclosing the rock storage area was noticed prior to tonight's meeting. A crew will return to repair and reinforce the enclosure.
Florence Meisenheimer: Zzyzx was fun and successful as always. Again there's a proposal by our government to outlaw fossil collecting of any kind. Hopefully it won't be etched in stone and become law. The dates for the 2003 CFMS show in Ventura have been changed to the 4th, 5th and 6th of June.
Richard Bromser: Motion was m/s/c to accept new members Everard Ashwood, Laura Hamilton, Jolly Place, Don Minster and Aaron Sutton into the club. Motion was m/s/c for checks 908-923 to be used for expenses. The State raffle report was filed and a verification letter of non profit status was mailed to the State. Richard also handed out copies of the annual show expense report.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: Post show meeting is still set for April 21st, 2:00 at her house. All are welcome and bring your assessment survey.
Steve Mulqueen: Santa Paula Oil Museum will display our fossil skull on April 24th during the Energy Fair. Lots of positive feedback on our website, thanks to Jim and Shirley Layton. Steve will be at Zzyzx, April 19th to present a program on the Tidewater and Tonapah Railroad.
Ron Wise: April 13 and 14 will be the fieldtrip to Rainbow Ridge. The property owner wants $ 5.00 per person. A July trip to the St. Francis Dam site is in the planning.
Ray Meisenheimer: 4 suitcase type display cases were donated to the club by Opal Benson.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.
Table of Contents.
HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS
(Use at your own risk).
Safety Tip - Malachite: Great care must be exercised in working with malachite as it is poisonous in its raw state. Never lick it to see the color. If you wet your finger to apply it to the stone, do not put your finger back in your mouth. Grind malachite wet or wear a mask. When cutting it on the saw, do not get the contaminated oil on your skin. If you do, cleanse the skin immediately.
If you smoke, you can tell very easily if you are inhaling malachite dust because the smoke will taste sickeningly sweet. The reason for this sweet taste is that the copper oxide dust mixes with the moisture in the mouth, and this combination reacts with the tar of the tobacco, turning it into saccharin, an artificial sweetener. - Rockhound via Moroks Newsletter March 2002.
Jewelers Hint: Firescale is caused when you heat silver or gold and the copper alloy mixes with oxygen in the surrounding air. One way to prevent firescale is to coat the entire piece you are working on with flux. As the flux dries when you are soldering, it will create a glass that forms a barrier between the copper and the oxygen.
When making a bezel for a smaller stone, it is often very difficult. So try using a super glue to attach your stone to your metal block. This will hold your stone in place and it can be removed when you are ready for it by placing a solvent on the glue. - This method is not recommended for opals (especially doublets and triplets). Hot Stuff works well for this.
From http://www.rocks4u.com/lapidaryhint.htm via The Bulletin, Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club, March 2002.
Table of Contents.
CFMS SHOW IN PLACERVILLE.
The 2002 CFMS show is July 12, 13 & 14 at the Fairgrounds in Placerville. If any one wishes to display, competitive, or non-competitive, I have the forms. I also have forms for registering for the banquet, Editor's Breakfast, and RV camping. I have a list of the local hotels. Preregistration for the show is $4.00 per person per day, or $10.00 for a three-day pass. Senior Citizens and youngsters are $3.00 per day. Children under 12 are free. There are a lot of interesting tours available as this is wine country and gold country. It should be very interesting.
Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.
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A BIG STONE.
At the American Federation show in Port Townsend, WA, there will be a large faceted stone given away. It is a 6000 carat zirconia, flashing a variety of brilliant colors. It was cut by Dare Devils Faceting Guild, and the money goes to the American Federation Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. Tickets may be purchased at any Federation show or send money to : Jon Spunaugle, 1000 SE 144th Ct., Vancouver, WA 98868-70333.
The show is July 16-21st in Port Townsend, Washington. (Jon is past president of ALAA (American Lands Access Association.)
Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.
Table of Contents.
What did the blonde ask her doctor when he told her she was pregnant?
"Is it mine?"
Table of Contents.
2002 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
APRIL 20-21; MARIPOSA, CA - Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club, Mariposa County Fairgrounds, Hwy 140 South. Hours: 10-5 both days. Dianne Mueller (209) 742-7625.
APRIL 27-28; LANCASTER, CA - Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 155 East Avenue "I". Hours: 9-5 both days. Olan Flick (661) 943-3882. (Greg Davis has Exhibit entry forms for this show-deadline is 3-28-02.)
APRIL 27-28; SANTA CRUZ, CA - Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society "50th Annual Show". Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium @ Corner of Center & Church Streets. Hours:10-5 both days. Sallee & Bob Brumbaugh (831) 336-5662.
MAY 4-5; ANAHEIM, CA - Searchers Gem & Mineral Society, "America's Treasures", Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 West Crescent Ave. Hours: Sat. 10-6; Sun. 11-4:30. Betty Nelson (714) 530-1365 bethar@msn.com. or Nancy Norlund (714) 960-6957 njnorlund@netzero.net.
MAY 4-5; BAKERSFIELD, CA - Kern County Mineral Society, Kern County Fairgrounds. Hours: ?, Herm Rogers (661) 589-3348.
MAY 11-12; RENO, NV - Reno Gem & Mineral Society, Reno Livestock-Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4.
MAY 17, 18-19; ANDERSON, CA - Superior California Gem & Mineral Assoc., Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Faire 2002, Shasta District fairgrounds, Hwy. 273. Hours: Fri. & Sat. 9-5; Sun. 10-4. Steve Puderbaugh (530) 221-6542.
MAY 18-19; YUCAIPA, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Scgerer Community Center, First Street & Avenue B. Hours: 10-5 both days. Linda Metcalfe (909) 359-7263.
MAY 18-19; NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 10-5. Bob Stultz (805) 498-4220.
MAY 25-27; WEAVERVILLE, CA - Trinity Gem & Mineral Society; Lowden Park & Recreation Hall; 290 N. Washington Street. Hours: Sat. & Sun. 10-5, Mon. 10-4. Jack Jennewein (530) 778-3786, PO Box 21, Lewiston, CA.
JUNE 1-2, GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, Goddard Middle School, 859 E. Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Mark Thompson (626) 335-3814.
JUNE 1-2; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society; Al Bahr Shrine, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Richard Large (858) 693-0464.
JUNE 15-16; CAYUCOS, CA - San Luis Obispo Gem & Mineral Club, Cayucos Vets Hall at the Pier, Cayucos Drive. Hours: Sat 10-6, Sun. 10-5. George Moore (805) 772-2321.
JUNE 29-30; CULVER CITY, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club , Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Culver Blvd. & Overland Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Rosalie Peschel (310) 397-4336 Linda Taibi www.gembiz.com/ccrmc/fiesta.htm.
JULY 12-14; PLACERVILLE, CA - CFMS 63rd Show & Convention - Treasures of the Sierra Nevada, El Dorado County Mineral and Gem Society, El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive. For more infor: (530) 622-3038. E-mail gemshow@hotmail.com. Website http://www.CFMSgemshow2002.org.
AUGUST 3-4; ARROYO GRANDE, CA - Central Coast Treasure Hunters Assoc., 15th Annual Treasure Hunt, Brush Poppers Arena. John (805) 489-1079 or Frank (805) 438-3125.
AUGUST 9-11; NIPOMO, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, St. Joseph's Church, 298 S. Thompson Avenue. Hours: 10-5 daily. Dick Shields (805) 937-0357. e-mail; Shieldsb@ix.netcom.com.
AUGUST 17-18; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, Fort Mason Center's Herbst Pavilion, Marina Blvd. & Buchanan Street. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott e-mail; ellennnt@yahoo.com.
AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 2; FORT BRAG, CA - Mendocino Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Town Hall, Main & Laurel. Hours: Fri. - Sun. 10-6, Mon. 10-4. Don McDonell (707) 964-3116, 643 N. McPerson, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.
SEPTEMBER 20-21; REDWOOD CITY, CA - Sequoia Gem & Mineral Society, Community Activities Bldg., 1400 Roosevelt Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Carol Corden (650) 776-5990.
SEPTEMBER 28-29; DOWNEY, CA - Delvers Gem & Mineral Society, Inc., Woman's Club of Downey, 9813 Paramount Blvd. Hours: Sat 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Chuck Pierce (714 526-5614 caseychuck@att.net.
SEPTEMBER 28; LOS ALTOS, CA - Peninsula Gem & Mineral Society, Rancho Shopping Center, Foothill Expressway and Springer Rd. Hours: 9:30-4:45. Grank Dina (650) 967-3424.
OCTOBER 5-6; VISTA, CA - Vista Gem & Mineral Society, Brengle Terrace Community Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace. Hours: 10-5 both days. Mary Anne Mital (760) 758-4599.
OCTOBER 12-13; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society Gem & Mineral Show Building, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 8-5; Sat. 8-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356. Web page - http://www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/.
NOVEMBER 2-3; OXNARD, CA - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Anne Lewis (805) 485-6356.
Table of Contents.
AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2002.
EASTERN FEDERATION,
April 27-28, Franklin, NJ.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN,
April 19-21; Enid, Oklahoma.
CANADIAN FEDERATION CONVENTION,
May 4-5; 25th Anniversary,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION,
July 12-14; Placerville, CA,
Hosted by: El Dorado Mineral & Gem Society,
El Dorado County Fairgrounds.
COMBINED NWF/AFMS,
July 16-21; Port Townsend, WA.
MIDWEST FEDERATION,
October 5-6; Springfield, IL.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
October 5-6; Jacksonville, FL.
Table of Contents.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Thanks to everyone for their contributions and we look forward to a lot more from other members!! (That is a broad hint!!)
 |
| Trili - The Editor's Pet Trilobite. |
Table of Contents.
EDUCATIONAL CORNER.
Definition of the Month.
Lithographic Limestone:
Lithographic limestone, also referred to as a micritic limestone, is a compact, dense, homogeneous, fine-grained chemical sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite.
The name, lithographic limestone, is derived from its former use as a lithographic medium for engraving and in reproducing colored printing plates.
Limestones are formed by either organic or inorganic processes in both marine and nonmarine depositional environments.
Written by Steve Mulqueen.
Source: Glossary of Geology, American Geological Institute, Falls Church, Virginia, 1980.
The "Definition of the Month" features words which are related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.
Illustration of the Month.
"Ocotillo in the Colorado Desert of California",
An illustration by Norton Allen.
Source: "Lost Desert Bonanzas", page 76, a book written by Eugene L. Conrotto, with illustrations and maps by Norton Allen, published by Desert-Southwest Publishers, printed by Desert Printers, Palm Desert, 1963.
The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or an engraving print found in old books, maps and manuscripts related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.
Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
COLORBOOK.
D is for . . .
 A diamond crystal from South Africa with rounded crystal faces. |
. . . Diamond.
Clear diamonds are very valuable and are cut for jewelry. Most gem diamonds are colorless, but some "fancy" diamonds are blue, yellow, green, and rarely, red. The diamond is the hardest substance on earth.
 Once in a while, diamonds form box-shaped crystals called cubes. |
 This is a typical 8-sided diamond in a blue rock called kimberlite. |
. . . Dolomite.
Dolomite crystals look like boxes that have been squashed to the side. Usually, dolomite is white, but it can also be pink or yellow. It is used in the process of making steel from iron ore.
Table of Contents.
VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.
1) Demonstrator getting set up.
2) Silent Auction - Inez Shakman and Ron Wise in heavy negotiations!
3) Kids Games - Sharlyne Holloway wheeling and dealing with the youngsters.
4) The end!!!
Table of Contents.
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