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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
June 2002.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Each 3rd Saturday of the month, from 9 am to 12, is set aside for club members to take advantage of and use the club equipment. Work on what you've learned in cab class or try something new. Limited instruction is available but generally you work on your own. Certainly ask if you'd like to see a technique, equipment or different facet of this hobby demonstrated and it might be arranged with a shop steward. It's also a time that members offer their time to clean up and maintain the facilities at the museum.
You've read a lot about safety but I feel a need to mention it again. With this being the time of vacations and certainly our field trips, the recent drought not only increases a fire risk but off road conditions change. Silt and sand get aerated and softer the longer they've gone without rain, increasing the risk of getting your vehicle stuck. So just a word of caution, keep this in mind, know the terrain you're traveling in and don't go it alone. Happy hunting and may all your finds be at least semi-precious.
Note: The July board meeting has been changed to July 11th so as not to conflict with holiday activities.
Greg Davis - President.
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WORDS TO LIVE BY.
That money talks I won't deny, I heard it once---it said "good-bye".
It's hard to say which is worse--a child who doesn't practice his music lessons, or one who does.
The cure for boredom is curiosity, but curiosity has no cure.
The people who are hardest to convince they are ready for retirement are children at bedtime.
Collected by Wayne Ehlers.
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"DIAMONDS",
Program for Wednesday, 26 June 2002.
Robert LaPrad will present a program on diamonds and cutting diamonds. Bring all your questions about diamonds and he will try to answer them.
Kathryn Davis, Program Chairperson.
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"BLAST IN THE PAST",
Program Review - 22 May 2002.
Eugene Fritsche, Ph.D., and Susan Bartz discussed evidence found regarding the ejecta blasted out of the Chicxulub Crater. Both of them participated in trips sponsored by the Planetary Society: Gene in 1995 and Susan in 2001. The expeditions came about for several reasons:
1.) The mass extinction event at the K/T Boundary (the boundary between the cretaceous and the tertiary eras);
2.) The high iridium content in the clay layers at the K/T Boundary found at widely separated places over the earth's surface;
3.) The knowledge that iridium is abundant in comets and asteroids (Alverez and Alverez, 1980);
4.) The discovery (Penfield et al) in 1981 of large concentric magnetic and gravitational anomalies in the Yucatan Peninsula area;
5.) The discovery that the clay layers at the K/T Boundary are thicker in the area of the Caribbean (Hildebrand and Boynton in 1990); and
6.) The discovery of a ring of sink holes (Pope, Ocampo, and Duller, 1991) which fit the magnetic anomaly data.
It is hypothesized that a meteorite six miles in diameter impacted the earth near what is now the town of Chicxulub on the Yuccatan Peninsula at the time of the K/T Boundary. The Planetary Society expeditions sought to find the ejecta from this impact. Sedimentary deposits have covered the ejecta blanket and the deposits are relatively available for study in only selected areas.
The Planetary Society expeditions have explored several different sites. They have looked at several different strata, investigating both the ejecta deposits and the fossil record. It is now hypothesized that carbonate and sulfide aerosols were produced as the rocks in the area were vaporized. The resulting sulfate clouds would encircle the earth. A lengthy period of no sunlight, acid rain, and freezing temperatures occurred. Half of the living species on the earth then became extinct.
Kathryn Davis, Program Chair.
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Club Breakfast Enjoyed June 9th.
We had a great breakfast!! It wasn't the biggest crowd we have had, but thoroughly enjoyed by twelve members. Emma Mayer was kind enough to open her home to VGMS for our annual breakfast. Not only did she open her home, but she made delicious home made quiche (two kinds). Along with the quiche we enjoyed muffins, fresh fruit, sausages, bacon, orange juice and coffee brought by other members. Does that make your mouth water? Jack and Bennett Collings were a bit late due to a rather interesting occurrence in their neighborhood. Jack was awakened by a crash out front and went to investigate. A man had run into their neighbor's car that woke up the whole neighborhood, except the one who had his car hit! The man was leaving the scene without attempting to find out whose car or anything, so Jack (without even coffee) and some neighbors went after him! They had called the police and were in contact with them during the pursuit! Three blocks away it came to an end and ultimately resulted in the man being arrested. Way to go Jack! We all enjoyed sharing his experience.
It was a great morning and many thanks to Emma and the boys for sharing their home and introducing us to their menagerie!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
6-22-02 - Tri-Club Field Trip - Tajiguas.
6-26-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting - Pebble Pups 6:30 to 7:30, meeting at 7:30 for all, "Diamonds" by Robert LaPrad.
7-10-02 - DEADLINE FOR JULY - Articles to the Editor!
7-11-02 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
7-19, 20, 21-02 - Entry Dates for Hobbies - Ventura County Fair.
7-20-02 - VGMS Work Shop - Open - 9-12am.
7-20, 21-02 - Tri-Club Field Trip - Greenhorn Mountains.
7-24-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting - Pebble Pups 6:30 to 7:30, meeting at 7:30 for all.
7-26, 27, 28-02 - Entry Dates for Gems & Minerals - Ventura County Fair.
7-31 to 8-11-02 - Ventura County Fair - Seaside Park.
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CHIPS & BOULDERS.
Rockhound Rambling is in the running for a CFMS award. They have notified us that we are in the top 2 of the CFMS Large Bulletin contest (course there may only be two entries). We will find out the results at the CFMS show in Placerville. I don't think we are going to be able to attend, but Ray & Florence will be going and will take some of our bulletins for the Bulletin Editors table. Thank you all for your contributions and we will let you know!
E-Mailing of Bulletin - For those who received the bulletin by e-mail last month, how did it go? Please give us your in-put. I will bring extra copies of the bulletin to the meetings, so you can get an original there if you wish. Since printing and postage costs have gone out of sight, one of the ways we can help cut expenses is to e-mail the bulletin in place of mailing it. An advantage to this is that you would usually have it 3 to 4 days sooner. We would send the e-mails either Sunday or Monday and they normally aren't mailed until Tuesday night plus mailing time. If you have an e-mail address and would like to try it, please let us know at jns@west.net. If it doesn't work out we will mail you one. This would save 57 cents for each one which adds up fast!
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.
May hosts were Jim and Nancy Brace-Thompson - We were lucky enough to have many tasty items provided by Jim and Nancy. Those refreshments always seem to hit the spot! I'm not sure who will be hosting our June meeting, but I don't think we will go hungry! Sharon Cunningham is looking for volunteers to sign up for the remaining months! Please pick a 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. 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 - We don't seem to have any ads! There must be a better sales person out there than me!
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AFMS website - www.amfed.org,
CFMS website - www.cfmsinc.org.
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VENTURA COUNTY FAIR.
The Fair is scheduled from July 31 to August 11 at Seaside Park. Entry dates for hobbies are July 19, 20 & 21. Entry dates for Gems & Minerals are July 26, 27 & 28. Ventura Gem & Mineral Society is well noted for supporting the fair. I hope all of you will consider at least one entry---a whole case or a single item for the "Bull Pen".
We need help in setting up the display room, and in tearing down when it is all over. We need much help during the show. Floorwalkers are needed from 11 am to 10 pm every day. It is a very important duty.
Demonstrators in all facets of our hobby are needed.
For any questions regarding reserving a case call Bob Stultz (805) 498-4220. For any other information call Ray Meisenheimer (805) 642-3155.
Ray Meisenheimer.
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A LITTLE SUNSHINE.
We are still sending a big bunch of sunshine to Opal Benson to let her know she is in our thoughts and prayers. Opal fell and broke one hip and was on the mend and was unfortunate enough to fall and break the other one. Keep up those fighting spirits that we know you have Opal. Calls, cards and visits will help relay that sunshine to her.
A lot of sun shined (we hope) on Wayne & Marie Ehlers who have just returned from a three-week, 6,000-mile vacation around the country. I'm sure there are some rock collecting stories there for us all! Glad you are back safe and sound and we will wait for you to share.
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
PUBLIC OUTREACH.
On May 25 & 26, Susan and Steve Mulqueen attended the annual Insect Fair which was sponsored by the Lorquin Entomological Society. The Fair was held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Science at Exposition Park. Susan entered two exhibit cases with the theme of "Insects of California". She received many positive comments regarding the insects on display. The fingerprints and nose prints on the glass of the display cases offered insight into the degree of interest exhibited by participants at the event. Some of the entomologists who attended also liked the size and shape of the exhibit cases which, as we all know, are standard among gem & mineral shows.
On May 16, Steve Mulqueen presented a lecture on the subject of "Petroleum Seeps" at the monthly meeting of the Kern County Mineralogical Society.
Submitted by Steve Mulqueen.
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HELLOOOO, IT'S AARON.
Subject: Helloooo its Aaron.
Hello my fellow rock hounds, my name is Aaron Base, I am 13 years old and I attend Balboa middle school in 7th grade. I was asked by Lori Franco to demonstrate the 3 main types of rocks and to show kids how cool rocks can be. My first teaching experience was on May 15 2002 at Portola elementary school. When I walked into the classroom with my "wagon of rocks" I heard "Oooo, Rocks!" from many of the students, as time progressed I noticed the love and wonder some of the kids displayed. I showed the basic rocks then got into my favorites like: Water Mellon tourmaline, Topaz, Amber, Magnetite, and much more, All this mystified them but then they really got blown away. Steve Mulqueen let me barrow his black light I showed the kids all kinds of fluorescent materials. I learned that when you are showing 4th graders rocks, not to be too serious and make it fun. Although it sounds like every thing went completely well there were a few "Technical" difficulties. For example I didn't have a table. This made things difficult. I realized that I need more material that will really make the kids go "wide eyed". Also I am in need of a black light. If I could get some rock hardness kits I could use those along with other materials to teach kids about rocks. The reason I need better material is because after I left the teacher talked to the kids about how they liked my coming, later that day I received a call from the teacher saying she wants me to come back... For the next 6 years! If anyone could donate some good materials, a black light, or anything that could really be good for the kids I would appreciate it. Finally I would like to thank Steve Mulqueen For his help of not only letting me barrow his black light but also helping me since the first time I met him by teaching me and being my mentor. I also wanted to say I have benefited from the Ventura Gem And Mineral society very much and plan on staying in it for years. Thank you for reading my letter Aaron Base
Editor's Note: Way to go Aaron! Thanks for the report and keep up the good work. It seems we get educated as we educate others!
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JULY BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in July. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! We would like to wish a Belated Happy Birthday to Robert LaPrad (who is also giving our program in June) whose birthday was on May 21st. Thanks for letting us know Bob. He did share that he had a Great Day and that his wife let him do anything he wanted! 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 or an e-mail will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks!
July -Happy Birthday!!
Sharon Cunningham - 7th,
Nancy Jioras - 10th,
Donald Edmonson - 11th,
Kim Magno - 12th,
Vern Markley - 26th,
Nancy Brace-Thompson - 27th,
Bill Kirk - 27th,
Stan Schmidt - 28th.
The July birthstone is the Ruby and the flower is the Larkspur.
RUBY, the red variety of corundum.
VARIETY INFORMATION.
VARIETY OF: Corundum, Al2O3.
USES: Gemstone.
BIRTHSTONE FOR: July.
COLOR: various shades of red.
INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.76 - 1.78.
BIREFRINGENCE: 0.009.
HARDNESS: 9.
CLEAVAGE: none, although there is a rhombic parting.
CRYSTAL SYSTEM: trigonal.
PLEOCHROIC: strongly.
Ruby is the red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind.
The non-red variety of corundum is Sapphire. Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue, but can be nearly any color. The red color in ruby is caused by trace amounts of the element chromium. The best shade of red for ruby is often given the name "pigeon blood red", but ruby can be any shade of red up to almost pink. Oriented rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-rayed-star light effect (called asterism) to form the popular Star Ruby. Rubies come from all over the world but good gemstones are found at Thailand, India, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, North Carolina in the U.S., Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Tanzania, Kampuchea, and perhaps most notably, Burma.
Copyright (c) 1995 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.
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MEMBERSHIP.
Have you gotten this information to Inez yet? We need the date you joined VGMS for our records. In order to keep proper records of our membership it is helpful to know the number of years each member has belonged. We also need the board and show positions you have served on and years of service if you can remember. This is helpful when we bestow honorary memberships and achievement awards. Thanks. Please send your information to:
Inez Shakman,
4657 Dean Drive,
Ventura, CA 93003,
(805) 642-4957,
E-mail Ishakman@aol.com.
We are happy to announce that we have a returning member, Shirley Curl. Her information is below to add to your directory.
Everyone please make the new members welcome and introduce yourselves to anyone who is not familiar to you. Even though we are harmless and a friendly bunch, it is pretty intimidating when you are new!!
ADDITIONS AND CHANGES TO 2002 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORIES.
New (Returning) Member:
Shirley Curl,
1058 S. Seaward #204,
Ventura, CA 93001,
(805) 667-6619 - e-mail Kalehua2@yahoo.com.
Changes to Directories:
Red & Nancy Jioras (Adding Phone & Fax),
2135 "B" Street,
Eureka, CA 95501,
Telephone: (707) 443-8466 - Fax: (707) 443-7533.
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, 5 Pebble Pups (that was all that signed the book, am sure there were more at the pebble pup meeting) and four guests at our May meeting. Our guests were Gene & Sue Fritsche, Susan Bartz and Greg Cranham . Gene and Susan gave our wonderful program "Blast from the Past". We were happy to have them and Greg with us and hope to see all of them again! The most interesting program and Jim and Nancy's refreshments made for an evening of education and fun. There were door prizes given and each Pebble Pup went away with something. Bob LaPrad said he was going to try to get the Hope Diamond on loan from the Smithsonian to pass around, but wasn't making any promises!!! Hope to see you all there.
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"PEBBLE PUP NUGGETS."
Pebble Pup Corner:
Sorry to have missed the last meeting but I had an out of town business trip. I heard the program on space rocks given by Shawne Lardin was excellent-many thanks! Thanks also to Laura Hamilton for providing snacks.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, June 26th at 6:30 pm. Kay Hara will conduct a class on wire wrapping and lapidary. He is a member of the Oxnard club and is quite knowledgeable on the subject. The best part is everyone gets to take something they made home with them.
Three pebble pups attended the annual club breakfast and actually managed to find things to eat that they liked!
If you have not picked up this year's Fair entry guide, I have an extra, or visit the Fairgrounds office. I cannot encourage you enough about participating in the gem and mineral competitions; there is always a good chance your child will win a ribbon. The fair runs July 31st to August 11th. Most entries are due the weekend of July 26th, so it's not too early to begin planning.
Have a wonderful summer.
Emma.
Pebble Pup Birthdays - July:
Guess everyone was on vacation in July as there aren't any Pebble Pup birthdays for this month!
Pebble Pup Dates to Remember:
6-22-02 - Tri-Club Field Trip - Tajiguas Beach.
6-26-02 - Pup Meeting, The Lexington - 6:30 pm - "Wire Wrapping & Lapidary" with Kay Hara.
7-20, 21-02 - Tri Club Field Trip - Greenhorn Mountains.
7-19, 20 & 21-02 - Entry dates for hobbies at Ventura County Fair.
7-26, 27 & 28-02 - Entry dates for Gems & Minerals at Ventura County Fair.
7-31-02 to 8-11-02 - Ventura County Fair.
Pups- Can you find the "F is for..." Coloring page in this bulletin? Color it and bring to share with the group on the 26th! Have Fun!! (You adults can color too!!)
Webmaster's Hint: It's near the end.
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I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
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FIELD TRIPS.
TRICLUB FIELD TRIP JUNE 22 AT TAJIGUAS BEACH:
Enjoy a summer day at the beach! On Saturday, June 22, our field trip will be to Tajiguas Beach North of Santa Barbara, about two miles beyond Refugio State Beach. We will be looking for petrified whalebone and concretions with petrified wood or whalebone enclosed in rock. Our meeting place will be in the Vons parking lot at the corner of Main St. and Garden St. in Ventura next to the Kragen Auto Parts store. We plan to leave for the beach at 11:00 a.m. and will caravan to the site. Bring a picnic lunch, sunscreen and plenty of drinks. We should have good conditions for rockhounding until about 5:00 p.m.
Ron Wise, Field Trip Chairperson.
TRICLUB FIELD TRIP JULY 20 AND 21 IN THE GREENHORN MOUNTAINS (Note Changed dates to 20-21):
For those of you who like to plan ahead, our July field trip is scheduled for the 20th and 21st of July. We'll hunt rose quartz in the Greenhorn Mountains near Lake Isabella. The meeting place will be the Panorama Campground (maps will be available at your next club meeting). We'll caravan to the dig site at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. If you think it will be too hot, not likely. We'll be cooling off in the campground at 7,200 feet altitude!
Ron Wise, Field Trip Chairperson.
TRI-COUNTIES FIELD TRIP MEMORIAL DAY WEEK-END, 2002:
On Friday evening a picture-perfect night by the campfire welcomed us to our desert campsite beside Boron Dry Lake. Norb Kinsler impressed us with a delicious chocolate cake he cooked enclosed in two pie tins. Our old awning was up, ready to protect us from the heat of the day. We were in rockhound heaven! Wish all of you could have been there to enjoy it with us.
Saturday morning Lew and Sunny Mayron led our group of eleven to the North Edwards Sierra Peloma claim in their new red Ford Explorer! No more low-riding old Oldsmobile! Once there, we took off to hunt for travertine onyx. Everyone managed to either dig up or pick up a few pieces to take home. When the sun got warm it was back to camp for lunch under the awning. Then we wandered around looking for "ham bone" agate in the hills not far from the campsite. Not too much luck here! To finish off a busy day of hunting, it was off to Kramer Junction. Following pole line road into the Kramer hills, we found a lot of jasper (some with agate inclusions) and a few pieces of petrified palm. By that time we were all tired and hot, so we headed for the Mexican restaurant in Boron for lots of cold drinks and an excellent meal.
Back at the campsite, an awning-eating dust devil had taken our old blue awning for a ride and bent one of our aluminum poles in half. No more sun shelter! But we could still enjoy another beautiful night by the campfire.
Sunday morning, with Miriam Tetreault in the lead, we snaked toward Castle Butte on old desert roads. We found some jasper, agate and petrified palm specimens on Castle Butte. Heading toward what we thought was to be a good petrified palm site, we found instead a big new prison! Lunch was on a hill with a view of the prison on one side and the off-road motorcyclists on the other side. After one last stop, hot and tired, we headed home to saw a few rocks.
Ron and Jean Wise,
VGMS.
Editor's Note: Sounds like a lot of fun was had and sorry we weren't there!
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OUT ROCK HUNTING.
Lawrence Ham.
A fellow isn't thinkin' mean - Out rock hunting;
His thoughts are mostly good and clean - Out rock hunting;
He doesn't knock his fellow man or harbor grudges when - Out rock hunting;
A fellow gets a chance to dream - Out rock hunting;
He learns beauty of stones that gleam - Out rock hunting;
An' he can wash his soul in air that isn't foul with selfish care - Out rock hunting;
An' relish plain and simple fare - Out rock hunting;
A fellow has no time for hate - Out rock hunting;
He isn't eager to be great - Out rock hunting;
He's glad to be a friend - Out rock hunting;
A helping hand he'll always lend - Out rock hunting;
A fellow's always mostly man - Out rock hunting.
Snoopy Gems via MOROKS Newsletter May 2002.
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TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS - 2002.
| June: | |
| 22, | Tajiguas, |
| Leader: Miriam Tetreault. | |
| July: | |
| 12-14, | CFMS Show - Placerville, CA. |
| 20-21, | 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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PLAC REPORT - Jim Strain,
CFMS Newsletter - June 2002.
Several decisions that could further restrict our access to Public Lands have recently surfaced.
In Imperial County, the Quechan Indian Tribe has submitted a request to a federal agency to declare the Indian Pass Area as one of he most endangered areas in the nation. If this should happen, a new set of standards will be established to manage the area and could possibly eliminate rock collecting. We are monitoring this to try to salvage our access to the area.
In the State of California, Senator Burton has introduced a bill protecting Indian Tribe Sacred Areas. The bill has already passed one committee and may go to the State Senate for consideration within a few days. Basically it states that no permit may be issued by any state agency for any activity or project if an Indian Tribe (even one that is not recognized) states that according to their verbal history any area is sacred. The only way a permit can be issued is if the tribe agrees that "mutually satisfactory mitigation" has been agreed to between the project proponent and the tribe.
This would apply even if the tribe (or representative) states that a plant used in their religious rites grows in the area. At present, the potential impact on our hobby is not clear, as thus far we are not required to obtain state permits. We may find that the various tribes will use such a bill to restrict access to public lands that may contain special areas related to their beliefs.
An article in the Yuma, Arizona newspaper states that Daniel Patterson from the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) has stated they will file litigation to completely close the Imperial Sand Dunes to all off road travel. This is an area where many thousands of people gather to recreate using various types of off-road vehicles for recreational riding.
Several thousand acres of rock collecting area have been closed to overnight camping, just east of the dunes, due to previous litigation filed by the CBD. It is possible that the CBD may decide to include this area in the suit proposing closure. Because of the litigation pending on both sides of the issue, in two separate Federal Courts, the ultimate result is unknown. I suspect that a Court of Appeals will be involved at some point in time.
A hearing was held in El Centro, on April 30, regarding route of travel in both Eastern and Western Imperial County. This additional road closure proposal is designed to protect the Horned Lizard and some Bighorn Sheep that haven't been seen in this area for several years.
The Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert Management plan has not been released yet. The two other plans known as Northern & Eastern Mojave Desert Management Plan are still in process as well.
All this activity, combined with planning processes presently being considered by the U S Forest Service, means a desperate need for all clubs in the California Federation to get involved now. Procrastination will result in more lost access.
PLEASE BE SURE YOUR CLUB HAS SOMEONE TO REPRESENT YOUR NEEDS AND ASSIST THEM IN GETTING INVOLVED IN WORKING WITH ALL THE AGENCIES, COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL.
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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
PUBLIC LANDS - HR 2974,
By Beverly Billingsley.
I'm trying to get the word out:
HR 2974 redefines "public lands." The new definition will take away the rights of split estate land owners to any vertebrate fossils found on their land. Fossils that are now "the property of the surface owner" will become fossils on public lands and all the public land laws will apply to those surface land owners.
Compare www.nv.blm.gov/permits/pal_man.htm with the definition in HR 2974.
I hope you don't and won't support that. The federal government currently controls subsurface rights to more than 1/3 of all land in the USA. By definition the government will acquire the subsurface fossil rights of 1/8 of privately owned lands. That is an area the size of Kansas plus 6 million acres.
I posted some pages about it:
www.colossal-fossil-site.com/what.htm,
www.colossal-fossil-site/478-legislative.htm,
www.colossal-fossil-site/457-hr2974.htm.
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VGMS MINUTES.
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, May 22, 2002;
In the absence of President, Greg Davis, First Vice President Kathryn Davis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The meeting was at the Bijou room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston Street, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
The minutes of the Board Meeting on May 2, 2002 were discussed. The following omissions were made: 1) Richard distributed, to each officer, copies of our State and Federal Non-Profit determination letters and copies of our original Incorporation papers. 2) At the request of Wayne & Marie Ehlers, Richard checked with the Elk Club in Oxnard on having our next Christmas Dinner there. He reported on his conversation with the manager. After a brief discussion it was m/s/p to keep the Christmas Dinner at Carrows restaurant on Harbor Blvd. 3) The application for membership by Keli DesBallets was submitted. It was m/s/p to accept her application. 4) After a brief discussion on Honorary Membership vs being on the Bulletin mailing list, it was m/s/p to make Mabel Ralph an Honorary member as she was already in the Membership Directory. The minutes were then approved as corrected. The minutes of the regular meeting on April 24, 2002 were approved as printed in the Bulletin.
Show Chairman, Jim Brace-Thompson, had flyers to hand out on our next show in 2003. Jim gave out some at the Conejo show. Field Trip chairman, Ron Wise, reported on the up coming Tri-Club field trips.
Ray Meisenheimer reported on the Ventura County Fair. It will start July 31. He will need help setting up in the Gem & Mineral Building and the take down at the end of the fair. He urged everyone to enter something. Anyone needing to borrow a showcase can contact Ray.
Editor, Shirley Layton, explained about sending the Bulletin by e-mail and saving money.
Emma Mayer will be hosting our annual breakfast on Sunday, June 9th at 9 a.m. Call Emma, 644-0799, and let her know what you are bringing.
Refreshments were provided by Nancy and Jim Brace-Thompson.
We did not have a door prize drawing this meeting.
The program for this meeting was the "Blast In The Past" presented by Susan Bartz and Eugene Fritsche. The program centered around the Chicxulub Crater. The crater is 100 miles in diameter and located off of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. They explained how it was discovered and the effect it had on world climate.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard Bromser,
Recording Secretary Pro-Tem.
Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, June 6, 2002;
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:30 pm on Thursday, June 6th, 2002, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Present: Greg Davis, Richard Bromser, Nancy Brace-Thompson, Kathryn Davis, Ray & Florence Meisenheimer, Ron Wise, Inez Shakman, Bob Spjut and Dave Mautz.
Kathryn Davis: Last month's program, "A Blast from the Past" went real well and Robert LaPrad will be the speaker for June with a program on gem cutting.
Ron Wise: Meet on June 22nd, 11:00 am, Vons on Main St. for the Tajiguas Beach fieldtrip. Low tide is at 2:00 pm. Memorial weekend's trip to Kramer Junction was fun with perfect weather for the 11 participants. July - Greenhorn Mts. with an elevation of about 8-9 thousand feet. September 1st - Monte Cristo Mts. in Nevada.
Ray Meisenheimer: Tapes, slides and books donated by Opal Benson will need to be organized. Opal is in an assisted care facility in Meiners Oaks. An address & more will be printed ASAP.
Nancy Brace-Thompson: Rocketomics show was enjoyed and no date has been set for our first 2003 show meeting. Specimen donations have been offered to the club by a non-member and Steve Mulqueen was suggested as the contact for more info.
Florence Meisenheimer: Federation show in one month - see bulletin for more info. There are still some raffle tickets for the cut emerald AFMS prize - see Florence.
Richard Bromser: It was m/s/c to accept checks 930-936 for club utility expenses. It was m/s/c to reimburse Steve Mulqueen $30.00 for materials needed to protect the club's slide collection. And it was approved that the July board meeting be changed to July 11th so as not to conflict with Independence Day activities.
Suggestions were taken on how best to clear debris from around the museum. Greg will get trash container estimates and report back to the board.
There being no further business, the board meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.
Table of Contents.
CLASSIFYING YOUR ROCKS.
Canadian Rockhound geological magazine http://www.canadianrockhound.com/junior/minerals_classify.htm.
A few simple tests and observations will help you to place your specimens into a category. It may not be the full proper name for your specimen, but it will put it in the right family. Once you get to know the family by name you feel a little closer to it and it becomes familiar. Soon you will begin to learn the names of some of the different members of the family.
The Basic Rock Types:
Rocks are made up of groups of one or more minerals and are created in different ways. They form from lava or magma and these are called igneous rocks. They form from sediment and are called sedimentary rocks. They can also form from chemical solutions or be changed and altered to form new rocks. Those formed by changing from one to another are called metamorphic.
How to Classify your Rocks:
All rocks belong to one series or another. They develop by cooling, drying or shrinking and they weather and erode. The first step is to classify into one of the three major divisions: crystalline, stratified and with or without fossils.
Examine your rock closely. Use a 10X magnifying lens if you have one. See if it's made up of crystals. Some, like granite, are crystals bound together. Others are not crystalline and consist of particles such as flint, clay or chalk.
Next, determine whether your rock is made up of layers or not. These layered rocks are known as stratified rocks. Other rocks like granite, marble and basalt are one mass, unstratified, not in layers.
Thirdly, try to find out if your rock contains fossils. Such rocks as chalk and core are made up almost entirely of fossils.
You will soon realize that a rock which is crystalline is not stratified and contains no fossils. A stratified rock is almost always non-crystalline. Now you can separate your rocks into two classifications:
1. rocks which are crystalline and not stratified and do not contain fossils.
2. rocks which are non-crystalline and are stratified and may contain fossils. Those rocks in group one are either igneous or metamorphic and those in group two are sedimentary.
Glossary:
Igneous - a word from Latin meaning fire - rocks formed by fire.
Lava - molten rock which flows from volcanic activity.
Magma - mixture of molten and crystalline rock.
Metamorphic - altered by heat and / or pressure.
Petrology - the study of the origin and structure of rocks.
via Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club Bulletin - May 2002.
Table of Contents.
HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS
(Use at your own risk).
Have trouble getting your specimens clean to see what you really have? After trying your normal solutions, try a regular automatic dishwasher compound such as Cascade. Soak for a day or so in a concentrated solution. Rinse with clear water. Via Gems of the Rogue 2/98 via Rocky Review - May 2002.
Try lipstick to clean gold, sterling or other metal. Apply with a soft cloth, then remove and buff with another cloth. The metal will glow. Lipstick also works on copper and brass. Via Gems of the Rogue via Rocky Review - May 2002.
Use disposable diapers to protect your rocks, minerals, etc. - Source unknown via Rocky Review - May 2002.
Gemstone Dying: Mix a box of Rit with a couple of ounces of wood alcohol. Let your stones, polished or tumbled, soak in this solution in a small jar until the desired shade has been reached. This could take 30 minutes or overnight. If too much dye is absorbed, soak in clear wood alcohol.
After dying, wash in clear water, apply a good wax and polish with a soft cloth. Crazy lace, banded Brazilian agate, etc, can easily be dyed a more pleasing color. Crystal Clutter, 11/97 via Rocky Review - May 2002.
Table of Contents.
VOLCANOES AND CHLORINE.
Did you know that volcanoes are a natural source of chlorine? One of the big surprises from the studies of the eruption of El Chichon volcano in Mexico is that volcanoes are tremendous chlorine factories. Scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado have discovered that the eruption released 40,000 tons of chlorine into the atmosphere. Man-made fluorocarbons were previously thought to be the major source of the chemical in the atmosphere. The discovery of additional natural sources of chlorine in the atmosphere could modify our understanding of the chemistry of the ozone layer.
From Osage Hills Gem via MOROKS Newsletter May 2002.
Table of Contents.
WILLAMETTE METEORITE.
Anthony Beiner with Willamette Meteorite at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
The Willamette Meteorite is on display at the Hayden Planetarium in the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY. It was found in Oregon and is the largest known iron meteorite from the United States, weighing 14.2 tons.
Meteorites are the oldest objects available for scientific research. They are thought to be remnants from the formation of the Solar System which formed as far back as 4 1/2 billion years ago. By analyzing their content, scientists can learn more about the origin of the Earth and all the planets within the Solar System.
Written by Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two-tired.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
A backward poet writes inverse.
In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Table of Contents.
CFMS SHOW IN PLACERVILLE.
The show and convention will be held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, California July 12, 13 & 14. The address is 100 Placerville Drive. Take exit Highway 50 at Fomi Road/Placerville Drive.
The show is hosted by El Dorado County Mineral & Gem Society. There will be 50 dealers and hundreds of exhibits, as well as many demonstrators.
In conjunction with the show the Placerville Arts Association will hold a competitive art exhibit at the Fairgrounds with the same theme as the show.
There is much to be seen in historic Placerville - orchards and vineyards, old mines and recreation areas. It is a beautiful area of the State.
Show hours Friday and Saturday are 10 to 5 and Sunday 10-4. Admission for adults is $4.00 or 3 day pass for $10.00. Seniors and youngsters $3.00 and no charge under age 12. Parking at the Fairgrounds is free. Camping is available.
Florence Meisenheimer, Federation Director.
Table of Contents.
2002 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
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 information: (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; NIPOM0, 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 BRAGG, 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, Ft. 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 21-22; FONTANA, CA - Kaiser Rock Club, California Speedway; 9300 Cherry Ave. Hours: 9-5 both days. JoAnn Watson (909) 355-7455.
SEPTEMBER 21-22; PASO ROBLES, CA -Santa Lucia Rockhounds. Pioneer Museum, 2010 Riverside Ave. Hours: 10-5 both days. Harry Kuffel (805) 467-3457. Harrykuffel@hotmail.com.
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.
SEPTEMBER 28-29; MONTEREY, CA - Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairgrounds Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Sky Paxton (831) 663-6978. E-mail: sky@familystones.net OR Janis Rovetti (831) 657-1933. E-mail: fjrovetti@aol.com.
OCTOBER 2-13; FRESNO, CA - Fresno Gem & Mineral Society, Big Fresno Fair, 1121 S. Chance Avenue. Hours: 11 a.m to 10 p.m. Newman Gill (559) 841-7765.
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; Sun. 8-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356. Web page - http://www1.iwvisp.com/tronagemclub/.
OCTOBER 12-13; ANTIOCH, CA - Antioch Lapidary Club, Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 10th & L Streets. Hours: 10-5 both days. Dave Zabaldano (925) 516-0651. davez@cctrap.com.
OCTOBER 19-20; EL CAJON, CA - El Cajon Gem & Mineral Society. El Cajon Valley Masonic Hall Association, 695 Ballantyne. Hours 10-5 both days. Mikki Santens (619) 440-3201.
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.
NOVEMBER 2-3; ANAHEIM, CA - The American Opal Society, Quality Hotel Maingate, 616 Convention Way. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. ? Robert Dixon (714)534-5063. Jay Carey (714) 525-7635.
NOVEMBER 2-3; SAN DIEGO, CA - Palomar Gem & Mineral Club, Al Bahr Shrine center, 5440 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: 9am to 6pm both days. Don Parsley.
NOVEMBER 2-3; RIDGECREST, CA - Indian Wells Gem & Mineral Society, Desert Empire Fairgrounds, Mesquite Hall., 520 S. Richmond Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Field Trips leave at 9:30. John De Rosa (760) 375-7905.
NOVEMBER 16-17; PALMDALE, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, "Rock n' Gems", California Elks Lodge, 2705 E. Ave. Q. Hours: 9-5 both days. Gail Becker Gail1010becker@aol.com.
NOVEMBER 23-24; LIVERMORE, CA - Livermore Valley Lithophiles, The Barn, 3131 Pacific Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-4. Bill Beiriger (925) 443-5769.
NOVEMBER 23-24; YUBA CITY, CA - Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Socity, Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, 442 Frankling Avenue. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Co chairs: Ed Eden (530) 674-8605, Gene Kauffman 674-9579 & Joe Love 673-8007.
Table of Contents.
AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2002.
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 4-6; Springfield, IL.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
October 5-6; Jacksonville, FL.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
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.
Petroglyph:
Taken literally, the word means a rock carving. This form of rock art was made by prehistoric human inhabitants. Many petroglyphs are chipped or carved in solid rock and involve the removal of the naturally occurring desert varnish commonly exposed on rock faces in arid regions of the world. These rock faces may be composed of basalt or other varieties of rock. The drawings are usually lighter in color than the surrounding desert varnish coating and, as a result, exhibit great contrast.
Source: The book "Rock Drawings of the Coso Range".
Written by Steve Mulqueen.
Illustration of the Month.
A sketch of the petroglyphs exposed at Casa Diablo tableland near Bishop, CA. This panel measures 21 feet long and is one of the most elaborate of rock art in the Owens Valley. The date of this rock art is unknown. This area of Owens Valley was occupied by the Owens Valley Paiute, a Shoshonean-speaking people. The ancient artwork shows definite influence from other tribes in the Great Basin, a large area extending east to as far as the present day state of Utah.
This illustration is from the book "Rock Drawings of the Coso Range, Inyo County, California" by Campbell Grant, James Baird & J. Kenneth Pringle, publication 4, Maturango Museum, Ridgecrest, CA, 1987, page 105.
The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or an engraving print rediscovered in books, maps and manuscripts related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.
Written by Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
COLORBOOK.
F is for . . .
| . . . Fairy Stone. "Fairy Stone" is a popular name for a mineral called staurolite. Staurolite crystals often form crosses (the name staurolite comes from the Greek word stauros which means a cross.) Staurolite is dark brown. |
 From Virginia. |
| . . . Fluorite. Fluorite is a favorite mineral with collectors for a number of reasons. Its beautiful crystals are found in many colors: yellow blue, purple, colorless, pink, and green. It also displays a special property called cleavage: if you hit a piece of fluorite with a hammer, it will cleave (which means break) into diamond-shaped pieces. |
 Pink Fluorite from Peru. |
 Purple Fluorite from Mexico. |
 Green Fluorite from Pakistan. |
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.
1) Pebble Pup Case at VGMS March 2002 Show.
2) Anthony Beiner, Kim Magno & Sam Magno taking a well deserved
"Rockhounder Break" during the Pine Mountain Pebble Pup Field Trip.
3) Steve Mulqueen & Aaron Base
"Happy Rockhounders" at the
Pine Mountain Pebble Pup Field Trip.
4) Lorraine & Ashley Edmonson,
More "Happy Rockhounders" at the
Pine Mountain Pebble Pup Field Trip.
Table of Contents.
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URL of this Page: http://www.vgms.org/bt/vgms0206.htm.