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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
August 2002.
Table of Contents.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
I'd like to congratulate everyone who entered displays at our County Fair. It does take time and effort but what a huge benefit it is for our club and hobby. Every entry is appreciated.
I'm sure we're all looking forward to the upcoming silent auction at our next regular meeting (Aug. 28th). They're a lot of fun and we haven't had one in a while. That along with a short wire wrap demonstration by Kay Hara should make for a very enjoyable evening.
I'd also like to take a moment to thank Wayne and Marie Ehlers for a very interesting presentation on the Kartchner Caverns during our last regular meeting. Few of us knew much about them but a lot of us now want to go. Thanks for sharing the video with us. It's an incredible story from start to finish on a most worthwhile preservation effort.
I certainly was surprised when presented with the CFMS award for recognition of education thru sharing. It means a lot and I appreciate it. Thanks again everyone at the CFMS level for selecting me.
See you all at the next meeting and may all your field trips be productive.
Greg Davis - President.
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WORDS TO LIVE BY.
Eat right, stay fit--die anyway.
Every time I think about exercise--I lie down 'til the thought goes away.
Don't drive as if you own the road, but drive as if you own your car.
The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age. --Lucille Ball.
Collected by Wayne Ehlers.
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PROGRAM PREVIEW
August 2002,
Wire Wrapping / Silent Auction.
There will be two parts to the program for our meeting in August. The first will be a presentation/demonstration of wire wrapping by Kay Hara. Dr. Hara is an active member of the Oxnard Gem and Mineral Society. He is also well known for his meticulous and beautiful works in lapidary and jewelry-making. It is a real treat for us to have him put on this presentation.
The second part of the program is a silent auction. We will be bringing items from the recent donations to our club. Members are also asked to bring items for the auction. The auction is a fund raiser for our club. Please support it.
Kathryn Davis, Program Chairperson.
Table of Contents.
"KARTCHNER CAVERNS: JEWEL OF THE DESERT",
Program Review - 24 July 2002.
Beneath the tough and beautiful land of the San Pedro River Valley in the Sonoran Desert there is an extensive system of caverns which are magical to experience. These are the Kartchner Caverns.
The program for our July meeting was a videotape provided by Wayne Ehlers that he obtained when he and Marie visited the Kartchner Caverns State Park. The caverns were opened to the public in November of 1999. They were discovered by Randy Tufts and Gary Tennen in November of 1974. The men thought they were dreaming. The caverns went on and on and there was no sign of human presence. They felt a responsibility to take care of it and to preserve it. There is a major highway only half a mile away! They found the owner of the property and took him and his five sons into the caves. They, too, were awestruck. All of them realized that they must keep the find a secret until they were able to protect it. They also realized that they did not have the money or the expertise to develop the caverns in a way which would both preserve them and make them available to the public. They approached Ken Travis, Director of the Arizona State Park system. He helped them connect with legislators and the Nature Conservancy.
It took eleven years to do the work on the caverns so that the public could visit. Interviews with the workers showed that they were also "captured" by the project and well aware that they would never again get a chance to be involved in another project like this one.
Wayne stated that the caverns are easy to visit and the walk is an easy one. Twenty five to thirty visitors are escorted by two guides. The paths are constructed so visitors cannot touch anything. An inch of growth takes about eight hundred years and the caverns are "living", growing. The videotape shows some of the wonderful formations in the caverns. They are really beautiful. It is also awesome to me that the individuals involved in the discovery of the caverns truly perceived themselves as obligated to protect the caverns and that they did so in a such a wonderful way.
Kathryn Davis, Program Chairperson.
Table of Contents.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
8-28-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting - Pebble Pups 6:30 to 7:30, meeting at 7:30 for all. - Kay Hara presentation/demonstration on Wire Wrapping followed by a Silent Auction.
8-31 to 9-2-02 - Tri-Club Field Trip - (Labor Day Weekend.) Monte Cristo Mountains, NV.
9-4-02 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
9-10-02 - DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
9-21-02 - VGMS Work Shop - Open - 9-noon.
9-25-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting - Pebble Pups 6:30 to 7:30, meeting at 7:30 for all.
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CHIPS & BOULDERS.
Many Thanks to all those who volunteered at the Fair and also those who put in exhibits. We have a lot of members who give a great many hours to this project and deserve a big hand!
California Oil Museum - An excerpt from the California Oil Museum Weekly Report - "The Ventura Gem and Mineral Society has installed a new exhibit of fossils in the Main Hall of the Museum. This exhibit of 'Cephalopods' contains fossils dating back 500 million years and includes examples of the ammonites that were so abundant at the time of the dinosaurs. Modern day cephalopods include octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and the nautilus. Thanks to Steve Mulqueen and Dave Mautz for putting this exhibit together." Go by the Museum and check it out! Per Steve - The Cephalopods are a group of marine mollusks that include the ammonoids, the nautiloids and the belemnoids. They range in age from the Cambrian epoch to the present. The octopus, squid and the cuttlefish are common examples of cephalopods living today.
Susan Mulqueen put together a VGMS club case for the Ventura County Fair and won First Prize worth $12.00!! Way to go Susan and many thanks for a job well done!
July host was Emma Mayer - Thanks Emma for the great refreshments at our July meeting. They are always one of the highlights of the social time! Ron & Jean Wise will do the honors in August and Gary & Sharon Markley have signed up for September. Richard & Shirley Bromser have volunteered for November sooooo anyone for October? Please give Sharon a call and volunteer as this is a Great worry for her!!! We don't want her worried do we? Her number is 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.
Equipment for sale - Here's a listing of equipment our club is liquidating. We also have grit for sale and free material (just the right size) for those operating tumblers. Viewing and an operation demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st at 9:00. All offers will be considered.
1. Combination grinding polishing unit - $20.00.
Three 8" wheels:
220 silicon carbide,
sanding drum,
sanding or buffer disk;
Physical size: 20"L x 15"D x 10"H;
Cabbing attachment w/ plate;
No motor.
2. Flat lap - FREE.
12" diameter sold by Bower Sales;
Needs motor, springs + belt.
3. Kiln - $150.00.
For lost wax casting;
Cress, model G-100E;
110v;
Gauged for 2000 f;
Physical size: 14"L x 14"D x 16"H;
Opening: 8.5"W x 9"D x 6.5"D;
* Investment & wax patterns:
Over 100 boxes of patterns, wire + sheet wax.
4. Centrifugal casting machine - $100.00.
Spring driven;
Mounted in a 30" square plywood box 17"H;
Crucibles, 3 new + 6 used;
Tongs.
5. Torches (2) - FREE.
Acetylene + air;
4 tips;
2 tanks, one with gauge.
They'll need to be inspected and serviced.
6. Polishing unit-horizontal (flat) - $20.00.
Homemade 14" diameter discs;
5 discs;
Physical size: 20"W x 28"D;
With motor and runs.
7. Polishing unit - vertical - FREE.
Homemade 10" diameter buffing wheels max;
Physical size: 22"W x 46"L on plywood base;
Does not run.
8. Trim saw - $30.00.
4" diameter blade (thin kerf - intended for gem cutting);
With motor + guards;
Runs.
9. Combination grinder/polishing unit - $30.00.
Beacon Star 8"Econo Grinder;
Five 8" wheels:
100,
220,
Sanding drum,
2 polishing discs;
Physical size: 23"L x 17"D x 16"H;
No motor.
10. Sanding drums polishing unit - $20.00.
Two 8" sanding drums;
Physical size: 29"L x 16"D x 16"H;
Runs.
11. Grinding unit - $20.00.
Two 8" wheels:
100,
220;
Physical size: 26"L x 23"D x 13"H;
Runs.
12. Other items - FREE.
Various tumbler parts;
Motors;
Grinding wheels.
Gem-O-Rama will be offered again this year. Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society will sponsor the Trona and Searles Lake Show with field trips on October 12 & 13, 2002.
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 - Any One wanting to put an Ad in Rockhound Rambling??
Table of Contents.
AFMS website - www.amfed.org,
CFMS website - www.cfmsinc.org.
Table of Contents.
A LITTLE SUNSHINE.
A couple of notes were received saying hello. One from Clay and Liz Brashears, "Tell all the old timers that I sure miss the goings at the club. I owe a lot of HUGS! Tell Susan that I have some plants going!" We miss those hugs and look forward to more!
Another from Red and Nancy Jioras - Said to say hello to everyone and that they miss us. They have joined the local club and have been to the beach looking for agates! Send them an e-mail or snail mail and keep in touch!
Hello to Opal, our thoughts are with you.
Table of Contents.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
We never stop learning tidbits from Clay will appear throughout this bulletin:
#1 - Butterflies taste with their feet.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Table of Contents.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS.
Happy Birthday to all those born in September. 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 or an e-mail will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks!
September -Happy Birthday!!
Ray Meisenheimer - 1st,
Liz Brashears - 13th,
Clint Berkheiser - 23rd,
Mryle Kirk - 27th,
Susan Mulqueen - 27th,
Allie Buck - 30th.
The September birthstone is the Sapphire and the flower is the Aster.
SAPPHIRE, the non-red variety of corundum.
VARIETY INFORMATION:
VARIETY OF: Corundum Al2O3.
USES: Gemstone.
BIRTHSTONE FOR: September.
COLOR: various colors, except for 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.
Sapphire is the non-red variety of corundum, the second hardest natural mineral known to mankind. The red variety of corundum is Ruby. Sapphires are well known among the general public as being blue, but it can be nearly any color. The blue color is by far the most popular color for sapphire but orange-pink, golden, white, and even black have generated much interest in the gem trade. Oriented rutile crystal inclusions cause a six-pointed-star light effect (called asterism) to form the popular Star Sapphire.
Copyright 1995 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.
Table of Contents.
MEMBERSHIP.
ADDITIONS AND CHANGES TO 2002 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORIES.
Changes to Directories:
Vern Markley (New address & phone number),
PO Box 7497,
Ventura, CA 93006,
Telephone: (805) 658-1224.
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.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
HOSPITALITY.
There were 23 members, one guest - Taylor Mahone and several Pebble Pups at the July meeting. Along with the Pups we had Kay Hara who presented their program and will be presenting ours in August. It's always good to see Kay and sorry to miss his program as we will be on vacation. We were also happy to meet Taylor and hope she can be with us again soon. Emma Mayer enhanced Wayne Ehlers' great program on Kartchner Caverns with some great refreshments. With those and the many door prizes given it was a very enjoyable evening (not to mention the great visiting that goes on!). Thank you Sharlyne for making everyone feel welcome and corralling them to the sign in book!
Table of Contents.
"PEBBLE PUP NUGGETS."
Pebble Pup Corner:
Hi guys,
Congratulations to all you County Fair winners and to all who participated a special thank you. I noticed quite a few pebble pups didn't limit their Fair entries to just the gem and mineral division-what a creative bunch you are!
Speaking of creativity, we have a special program scheduled for next meeting, Wednesday, August 28th at 6:30 pm. We will meet at Marie's Ceramic Studio in the Firehouse Plaza at Telephone and Main. Marie will teach us how to paint animals on rocks. Please bring a gray beach rock approximately 5" x 5" that's been washed and you'll get to take home your very own rock paperweight of the animal of your choice. There is a small fee of $5 for use of the studio, paints, etc. (Michael's charges $12 for this class.) Marie would like to know how many are attending so please RSVP to me by August 21st at 644-4189. Thanks in advance to Kevin's family who will be hosting snacks that evening.
Kay Hara taught the pups how to wire-wrap at our July meeting. He made it look so easy! Several adult club members happened to see part of the program and Kay has been invited to host their August meeting. If you missed the program, you can drive over to The Lexington after our rock art class in August. How's that for a lot of creativity packed into one night?
Warm regards,
Emma.
Pebble Pup Birthdays - September.
Sam Magno - 3rd.
Pebble Pup Dates to Remember:
8-28-02 - Pup Meeting, (NOTE: Not the Lexington) - 6:30 pm - Marie's Ceramic Studio, Firehouse Plaza at Telephone & Main.
8-31 to 9-2-2002 - Tri Club Field Trip - Monte Cristo Mountains, NV (Labor Day Weekend).
9-25-02 - Pup Meeting, The Lexington - 6:30 pm.
Editor's Note: How about bringing your rock paintings for display at the next adults' meeting! They will all be envious!
Pups - Can you find the "H is for..." Coloring page in this bulletin? Color it and bring to share with the group on the 28th! Have Fun!! (You adults can color too!!)
Webmaster's Hint - It's near the end of this Bulletin.
Table of Contents.
"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."
Triclub Fieldtrip Review,
Greenhorn Mountains - Rose Quartz,
July 20 & 21, 2002.
This year Panorama Campground in the Greenhorn Mountains was a paradise-cool and comfortable. After last year's experience, we were ready for cold and a punishing wind. This year Mother Nature surprised us with a picture perfect weekend in the mountains. Fortuitously, one of our campers got a fire permit so we could enjoy a campfire and cook with our reliable Coleman stove. And, no, it was not our campfire that started the fire that began raging in the Sequoia National Forest the day after we left.
On Saturday morning we wound our way down the path to the astonishing and beautiful mountainside of rose quartz. We pitted our #5 hardness chisels against the #7 hardness quartz and #7 won for the most part. However, some beautiful specimens were coaxed out of the mountain. In addition, those of us who were not chiseling picked up a lot of smaller pieces for tumbling and individual cabs. Don't worry, though, there will be plenty of rose quartz if you go down next year.
In addition to nine representatives from the local clubs, there were three guests joining us who found out about our trip through the VGMS newsletter on the Internet.
Facts: Quartz chemistry is SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide). This oxide group of silicates includes quartz, chalcedony and opal. Rose quartz is reputed to stimulate love and open up matters of the heart.
Ron and Jean Wise.
Triclub Fieldtrip Preview,
Monte Cristo Mountains, Nevada,
August 31-September 2, 2002.
Directions: From Bishop, CA take US Hwy 6 to Blair Junction (.4 miles beyond Nevada Hwy. 264). Turn left on the good dirt road; follow this road (as illustrated on the fieldtrip map) for approximately 6 miles to the dry campsite on your left.
Camping: Dry camping, no water, no picnic tables, no latrines, no firewood to be gathered, and no fees. There are fire rings and beautiful views from the campsite. This is high desert country and it can be quite cool in the evenings. Supplies are available in Tonopah, 34 miles east of Blair Junction.
Note: The road to the camping area is very good. Some of the roads to the gathering sites, however, are poor and require a 4-wheel drive and/or high clearance vehicle.
Motels: Motels available in Tonopah:
Best Western Hi-Desert Inn - 877-286-2208,
Clown Motel - 775-482-5920,
National 9 - 775-482-8202.
Friday Night: Some of us will be at the campsite by dinnertime, so you will have company if you decide do come on Friday.
Meeting: Saturday morning we will meet at the camping area and leave for our first site at 9:00 a.m. We will return to the camping area for lunch. If you arrive late, you can plan on us leaving for our afternoon site at 1:30 p.m. Sunday morning we will also head out 9:00 a.m.
Rockhounding: This area is rich in a number of minerals and rocks, geological marvels, and old mines. Rocks found within a few miles of our camping area include:
White Opalite;
Brown Moss Agate;
Agate-Variegated & Seam;
Banded Rhyolite-red and white with bullseye concentric rings;
Rhyolite-green banded, pastel colored, blue & red;
Blue Agate-found 1/4 mile uphill above the banded rhyolite;
Green Agate-1/2 mile uphill west of the banded rhyolite;
Purple Banded Agate-1/2 mile east of the banded rhyolite.
Moss Agate material is plentiful. The wood is getting scarce. The rhyolite can be found as float or can be hard rock mined and the moss is found as float or dug out of soft earth.
Other opportunities:
Miocene Basin-collect fossil fresh water gastropods and petrified wood north of Blair Junction on the southern alluvial plain of the Monte Cristo Mountains. Drive 2 miles on a poor dirt road and hike 3/4 mile to the interior of the basin.
Columnar Basalt Outcrop-observe geology of lava flow and collect basalt north of Blair Junction.
Perlite Mine-Visit an abandoned open face mine and collect perlite, apache tears, and other forms of obsidian. The site is at T4N, R39E sec.5, approximately 13.5 miles east of Blair Junction on Hwy 6/95 and north 8.5 miles on a dirt road. There is a turquoise mile located near the perlite mine; collecting opportunities are poor.
Gilbert ghost town, where gold was discovered in 1924 is north of our camping area. Buildings have collapsed; there are many underground mines in the area.
Extra time? Stop by and see "The Sump", an interesting geological site with spectacular views just off of Hwy. 773, about 6 miles west and 8 miles south of Coaldale.
Ron Wise.
Editors Note: There is a map further on in the Bulletin.
Table of Contents.
TRI-CLUB FIELDTRIPS - 2002.
| 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. |
Table of Contents.
WHERE DOES THE
SAN ANDRES FAULT GO?
Do you ever wonder where the San Andres Fault goes? All we've ever heard is that the San Andres Fault will eventually be responsible for the western portion of California falling into the ocean. We also know that, as the biggest fault in California, it will someday have a really big earthquake along its length. But is it just a crack in the earth's surface that runs on forever across the face of the North American continent or does something happen to it after leaving land just north of San Francisco? I'm sure that this question has kept us all up late at night wondering.
First of all, let's examine the San Andres Fault. The U.S.G.S. tells us that the San Andreas Fault is 800 miles long and can be some 10 miles deep. Its width can be from a few 100 feet to more than a mile wide. The San Andreas is known as a right strike/slip fault. This means that no matter which side you stand on, the other side is moving to your right. In fact, the western side of the San Andreas Fault (that's the side we live on) has traveled more than 120 miles to the north in a couple of tens of thousands years. They have found the same rocks that are around the Salton Sea in the area of Tejon Pass, near Bakersfield. Given sufficient time, Los Angeles will be a suburb of San Francisco.
The scientists also believe that the San Andreas is the master fault of a very complex fault system along the western margins of California. They feel that the San Andreas is the margin between the Pacific Tectonic Plate and the Continental Plate. Since the west coast of California is west of the San Andreas Fault, it means that the Continental Plate has OVERRIDDEN the Pacific Plate (this also explains why people in the east think we're going to fall off into the ocean with the next earthquake). Anyway, let's stay focused on the good ol' San Andreas.
It begins off the western coast of Mexico and starts its northwest journey up the Sea of Cortez to strike land near where the Colorado River empties into the Gulf of Mexico. From there it travels through the desert east of the Salton Sea, through the Morongo Valley and up into the Mojave Desert, where it meets the Garlock Fault in the El Paso Mountains, east of the town of Mojave. From it's meeting with the Garlock Fault, the San Andres Fault heads west through the Tehachapi Mountains and crosses Interstate 5 near Tejon Pass.
Continuing on and turning northwest again, it goes up through the Carrizo Plain, across the Coastal Mountains and northwest toward San Francisco. If you've ever driven to San Francisco on Highway 280 (and trust me, this is the way to and through San Francisco) you have driven past a series of man made lakes just north of San Jose. These lakes, and the dams that hold back millions of gallons of water, are IN the San Andreas fault. Smart planning HUH!!! Along side Highway 280, the San Andreas Fault travels up the San Francisco peninsula to cross the mouth of San Francisco Bay very close to the Golden Gate Bridge. Then it continues northwest past Bolinas Bay and into Tomales Bay. If you ever fly north of San Francisco on a clear day and get a chance to look at Tomales Bay, you are looking at the flooded portion of the San Andreas Fault just as it leaves land and heads out to sea. The mouth of Tomales Bay is the last landfall of the San Andreas Fault as it heads out to sea, but from that point where does the San Andreas go?
Now here's where it gets really interesting. After leaving the California Coast, the San Andreas Fault continues northwest until it dies into the Mendocino Fault at what geologists call the TRIPLE JUNCTION. Now, who has ever heard of the Mendocino Fault or for that matter, the triple junction? Well, first of all the Mendocino Fault is a major fault that heads west by west-north-west (sailor talk) or, for all you landlubbers, almost due west of Cape Mendocino. The significance of the Mendocino Fault lies in that first of all, it stops the northwards travel of the San Andreas Fault (actually the northerly travel of the western portion of the Pacific Plate) and second, it is part of the boundary of three tectonic plates; the Pacific, the Gorda and the San Juan De Fuca Plates, hence the term triple junction.
We already talked about how the Continental Plate was overriding the Pacific Plate. But the Pacific Plate is also traveling north and is stopped at the Mendocino Fault where it also dives under the Gorda Plate. The junction of the Pacific Plate and the Gorda Plate is known as the Gorda Ridge and is one of the most active earthquake areas in California.
Now the Gorda Plate is traveling east where it impacts the San Juan De Fuca Plate. The San Juan De Fuca Plate is in turn diving under the Continental Plate. In fact, the junction of the San Juan De Fuca Plate and the Gorda Plate is an active rift area where the sea floor is spreading as magma is rising to the sea bottom. There's even an active volcano listed on this rift.
There are so many forces going on in this triple junction area with riding over, diving under and pushing up against, that the Gorda Plate is being rotated in a clock wise direction. These forces and all the movement are manifested often in the form of earthquakes, and not just small pressure reducing ones either.
On April 25 & 26, 1992, there were three earthquakes off of Cape Mendocino slightly northwest of the town of Petrolia. Called appropriately the Petrolia quake, the first shock measured 7.1, with two after shocks on April 26 that measured 6.6 & 6.7. The quake was centered at a depth of 10 kilometers and caused extensive damage in the Victorian town of Ferndale. One of the most notable results of that quake was a 6 foot uplifting of the sea shore along the beaches south of Cape Mendocino. The normal inter-tidal animals were left high and dry and eventually died. Since the quake, the shore has subsided by four feet, but evidence of the quake can still be seen.
If we ever thought that southern California was earthquake central we were wrong. This area has the south beat hands down. Within a month of moving up here, Nancy and I experienced a 5.3 quake. It must be common because the locals didn't even miss a step.
So now I hope you know a little more about that crack called the San Andreas Fault, the Mendocino Fault and the area of the Triple Junction. I've included some Internet sites if you would like to get more familiar with the information. As I get more familiar with this northern area, I'll pass the information on with more articles. For now, so long for now from your North Coast contingent of a South Coast Club.
Internet Sites:
http://www.greatdreams.com/gorda/htm,
http://www.colorado.edu/GeolSci/Resources/WUSTectonics/PacNW/Juan_de_Fuca
_general.htm,
http://www.seismo-watch.com/EQSERVICE/NotableEQ/Apr/0425-26.1992.Men.html.
Red and Nancy.
Editor: The following is from the e-mail:
There are some nice illustrations on the web. They are USGS sites:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq3/along.html and
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq3/where.html.
Table of Contents.
WHY THE NAME----?
California: No one knows exact origin. First shown on Spanish Map, 1562. Senator Phelan's Saratoga Estate is named Montalvo which might hold a clue. In the early sixteenth century, a Montalvo wrote a romance called Las Sergas De Esplandian dealing with a fantastic land of Amazons, Gold and Silver plus a queen named Calafia. Writing said to have inspired Cortez West Coast Expedition. On the other hand "Calida Fornax(L)" means "Hot Furnace". From the Greek, - "Kala Phor Neia"="New Country". From the Spanish "Colofonia"="Resin" and California Indians used "Kali Forno" meaning, "Mountains or Hills". So-Quien Sabe?
From "Almost Forgotten" by F. Ralph Rambo, contributed by Steve Mulqueen.
Table of Contents.
VGMS MINUTES.
Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, July 24, 2002:
The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem and Mineral Society was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July 24, 2002 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, Ca. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
The June 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.
Kay Hara had just presented a wire wrap class for our pebble pups prior to the regular meeting and remained as a guest for the rest of the program.
Kathryn Davis next asked Wayne and Marie Ehlers to present their program on the Kartchner Caverns. What a terrific program it was. The Ehlers visited the caverns and brought back a video which we viewed and enjoyed. The tape entitled "Jewel of the Desert" told of the caverns' discovery in Arizona by 2 students and the incredible story of their efforts to preserve them. Wayne fielded questions afterwards and I'm sure a lot of us will make plans to visit the park now.
The business portion of the meeting was resumed and VP Kathryn Davis announced that next month's program will include a wire wrap class for all members and a silent auction August 28th.
Jim Brace-Thompson reported that 2003 show flyers have been printed and will be distributed at the County fair. Jim again requested donations of tumbled rock from those who have tumblers for the show's kids' booth.
Ron Wise reported on field trips and that 13 attended the Greenhorn Mt. trip. Next will be the Tri Club trip to the Monte Cristo Mts., August 31st-September 2nd.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report.
Shirley Layton requests that articles for the bulletin be submitted no later than the 10th of the month and that if you have an e-mail address and wouldn't mind receiving and printing your bulletin, it saves the club a lot. Contact Shirley with your e-mail and you'll receive the bulletin up to a week sooner than if it went by mail.
Emma Mayer asked that those working the County Fair mention our Pebble Pup program any chance they get.
Refreshments were provided by Emma Mayer. Door prizes were awarded to a lucky few and tumbled stones were offered to all pebble pups.
There being no further business or comments from the floor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.
Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, August 1, 2002:
The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:30 pm on Thursday, August 1, 2002, at the VGMS museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, Ca.
Present: Greg Davis, Steve Mulqueen, Richard Bromser, Dave Mautz, Shirley Layton, Inez Shakman, Jean & Ron Wise and Kathryn Davis.
Greg mentioned that the museum area has been cleared of trash and that tree trimmings will be removed next. An effort will be made to enter a pebble pup case to display their combined projects in next year's fair. A work crew has been arranged to come in Saturday and repair the damaged gate behind the museum.
Steve Mulqueen reported that more material from the Ruby Meyers' estate has been brought to the club museum, there's yet another estate sale in California City (see Chips & Boulders for details).
Dave Mautz reminded us of the display of ammonites at the California Oil Museum in Santa Paula and that the brittle star locality above Ojai has been cleared of brush by the recent fire but that the sand dollar area of Pine Mt. wasn't.
Richard Bromser distributed copies of the treasurer's report and it was m/s/c that checks 941 thru 946 be used for club utility expenses. He suggested that the club frame Greg's CFMS award and offered a hint that WD-40 can be used to clean Plexiglas.
Shirley Layton mentioned that articles to the bulletin be submitted no later than the 10th of the month and suggested that next year's club case entry at the Fair not be entered in the competitive category. Shirley also requests that if members would like to have the bulletin e-mailed to them, just contact her with their e-mail address.
Inez suggested a complaint booth be arranged or recommended for next year's County Fair for constructive criticism.
Jean Wise reminded all that it's not too early to start preparing and collecting material for our next show, especially for the kids booth.
Ron Wise mentioned the next field trip being the Monte Cristo mountains in Nevada with opal, perlite and possibly turquoise being found in the area. Look for details in this edition of the bulletin.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Greg Davis.
Table of Contents.
AN E-MAIL FORWARDED
BY CLAY BRASHEARS.
Subject: soldier's letter.
Dear Ma and Pa:
Am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Army beats working for Old Man Minch a mile. Tell them to join up quick before maybe all the places are filled.
I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things -- no hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing. You got to shave, but it is not bad in warm water.
Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, beef, ham steak, fried eggplant, pie and regular food.
But tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit between two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon, when you get fed.
It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on "route marches," which, the Sgt. says, are long walks to harden us. (If he thinks so, it is not my place to tell him different.) A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys all get sore feet and we ride back in trucks. The country is nice, but awful flat.
The Sgt. is like a schoolteacher. He nags some. The Capt. is like the school board. Cols. and Gens. just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.
This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bull's-eye is near as big as a chipmunk and don't move. And it ain't shooting at you, like the Higsett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even have to load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.
Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellows get onto this setup and come stampeding in.
Your loving son, Zeb.
P.S. Speaking of shooting, enclosed is $200 for barn roof and ma's teeth. The city boys do shoot craps, but not very good.
Table of Contents.
HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS
(Use at your own risk).
To finish off your fossil specimen after it has been cleaned, use the following solution. It gives contrast and a satin finish to show the specimen off at its best, and if you do not like the results you can wash it off with warm water: 2 C water; 2 C tightly packed onion skins; 2 C Argo laundry starch; 2 tsp. Cold water. Boil onionskins in 2 C water for 25 minutes. It becomes a nice brownish color. In a small dish, mix starch and 2 tsp. Cold water. Drain onionskins and add starch mix. Stir constantly and boil 3 - 5 minutes. Makes one cup. Paint mixture on fossil with brush while still warm. Add more as needed. If mixture becomes too thick, add a little water; if too thin, boil longer. Store remainder in fridge, it will keep several weeks. Always preheat before reusing. - From Rock Rollers 10-98 via Moroks 3-02.
Table of Contents.
CFMS SHOW & CONVENTION,
July 12, 13, & 14 in Placerville.
We all congratulate Shirley for earning second place for our club newsletter "Rockhound Rambling". Conejo's "Rocky Review" won by a small margin. Shirley, you do a great job, and we all enjoy the bulletin. When Ray put out the arm-load of Rockhound Rambling we took with us, they were scarfed up in minutes.
On set-up day for the show, the temperature was 109 degrees. I truly do not know how the show committee did it. It was a beautiful show, many beautiful exhibits, and the specimens for competition were outstanding. You will be happy to know our good friend Cal Clason won trophies on two of his exhibits.
The camping chairman was overcome by heat, and was taken over by Betty and Dick Pankey. Betty is president of Ye Old Timers Club, and Dick is Field chairman North.
The meeting was held at the Fairgrounds. All officers and most committee chairmen were present. Among actions taken by the executive Committee, a Rockhound Symbol decal proposed by Dick Pankey was approved. The decal can be ordered through Ye Old Timers Club for $1.00 each.
It has been approved that CFMS clubs will use CFMS Insurance carrier for General Liability Insurance, but may decide to use a different carrier for Premises Liability. They must be an A-rated Insurance carrier, must name CFMS on policy, and provide CFMS with a copy of their Insurance Certificate prior to Oct. 16 renewal date.
Judges for CFMS Competitive cases will no longer receive monetary remuneration.
Clubs not paying insurance and dues include Chino Valley Prospectors, Hi Desert Rockhounds of Morongo Valley, and Centinela Valley Gem and Mineral Society.
Richard Knox has given up Chairmanship of the Museum Committee. Debbie Bunn has taken his place. Richard will be missed. He devoted many, many hours and miles in his tour of duty.
Work is in progress to transfer most of the CFMS owned specimens to Sacramento for storage. Debbie lives in Sacramento.
Dick Pankey, Field Trip North has a marvelous field trip planned for Memorial Day Week-end in 2003. It is a tri-Federation trip including Northwest, California and Rocky Mountain federations to Texas Springs, Nevada. The beautiful pink limb casts are still available. Dick said on a recent trip he saw a limb come out, a lovely bright pink, about 18 inches long and 5 to 6 inches across. You can bet there will be a crowd attending. There will be more information later.
The next CFMS-AFMS show will be at Ventura Fairgrounds, Seaside Park the first week-end in June. I am sure we will all be helping with that. There will be much more information later.
In spite of extreme heat, there was good attendance in Placerville, and by Saturday they were operating in the black.
Florence Meisenheimer.
Table of Contents.
THE ROCKHOUND STICKER IS NOW AVAILABLE,
By Richard Pankey.
The Rockhound Sticker was introduced at the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies Show in Placerville, CA and at the combined American and Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies Show in Port Townsend, WA in July. The bright yellow sticker is 3 and 1/2 inches in diameter with a diagonal black rock hammer with the word "ROCKHOUND" underneath. The sticker was designed and developed to be an easily recognizable symbol for rockhounds to identify one another. And it is also a great way to promote the rockhound hobby.
The concept and development of the Rockhound Sticker was the outcome of a project of the CFMS Publicity/Public Relations Committee. It was designed to be distinctive and readily identifiable by everyone, whether or not they were a rockhound. Because of its simple design and bright yellow color it can be recognized easily and from a distance.
The Rockhound Sticker is an easy way to identify oneself to others as a rockhound. It provides an easy way to recognize other rockhounds. The sticker not only promotes and publicizes rockhounding, it is a service to rockhounds to facilitate meeting one another. The sticker is an identifier for club members as well as unaffiliated rockhounds. It lets everyone know you are interested in collecting rocks, minerals, or fossils and you are willing to discuss collecting, to share rockhounding experiences and to help other rockhounds. It tells others that you are a rockhound friend.
This sticker is not intended to replace club or federation badges, it compliments them by saying "I am a Rockhound". No other words or mottoes are necessary. In short, everyone, rockhound or not, will recognize it, thus widening your circle of friends and helping you to learn of new locations and ideas.
Use it anywhere and in anyway to attract the attention of other rockhounds. Use it to advertise that a rockhound is present and willing to talk about rocks, minerals, fossils and related subjects. Look for the sticker where rockhounds may be present, such as campgrounds, potential collecting areas, craft shows, etc.
CFMS Newsletter, August 2002.
Table of Contents.
SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.
2002 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.
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 21-22; FONTANA, CA - Kaiser Rock Club, California Speedway; 9300 Cherry Ave. Hours: 9-5 both days. JoAnn Watson (909) 355-7455.
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; 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. Frank 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; CANOGA PARK, CA - Woodland Hills Rock Chippers, Canoga Park Community center, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue. Hours: 10-5. Thalia Goldsworthy WWROCKShow@aol.com.
OCTOBER 19-20; WHITTIER, CA - Whittier Gem & Mineral Society "Rocks in Our Back Yard" the 53rd show, 7630 Washington Ave. (Corner of Mar Vista and Washington Ave.) Hours: 10-5 both days. Jay Valle (626) 934-9764.
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.
OCTOBER 20; FALLBROOK, CA - Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society "Fall Festival of Gems", Fallbrook Mineral Museum, 123 W. Alvarado Street. Hours: 10-4. Karen Dawes & Mary Fong/Walker. (760) 728-1130 e-mail fgms@att.net.
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. www.ogms.net - e-mail webmaster@ogms.net.
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: 9 am to 6 pm 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 2-3; CONCORD, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Hours: not listed. Sam Woolsey (925) 837-3287.
NOVEMBER 8-10; EUREKA, CA - Humboldt Gem & Mineral Society, Redwood Archers Fairgrounds, 3750 Harris Street. Hours: "Kids Day" Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ron Bushell (707) 443-5269.
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 Society, 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.
NOVEMBER 23-24; VICTORVILLE, CA - Victorville Gem & Mineral Club's 27th Annual Show. San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 7th Street. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun 9-4. Gil Gilbert (760) 868-6900.
NOVEMBER 30-DEC. 1; BARSTOW, CA - Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society, Barstow Community Center, 841 South Barstow Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bob Depue (760) 255-1030.
NOVEMBER 30 - DEC. 1; ORANGEVALE, CA - American River & Mineral Society. "Winter Wonderland of Gems", Orangevale Grange Hall, 5807 Walnut Avenue. Hours: 10-5 both days. Hugh Brady (916) 961-6868.
DECEMBER 6-8; SACRAMENTO, CA - Sacramento Mineral Society, Scottish Rite Temple, 6151 H Street.
DECEMBER 7-8; SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Orange Belt Mineralogical Society, 503 W. 31st Street. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Emma Couveau (Workshop #) (909) 381-0089.
Table of Contents.
#2 - A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.
#3 - In 10 minutes, a hurricane releases more energy than all the world's nuclear weapons combined.
#4 - On average, 100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Table of Contents.
AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2002.
MIDWEST FEDERATION,
October 4-6; Springfield, IL.
SOUTHEAST FEDERATION,
October 5-6; Jacksonville, FL.
AFMS/CFMS SHOW - 2003,
June 5-8; Ventura, CA,
Del Air Rockhounds,
Seaside Park (Ventura Fairgrounds),
10 W. Harbor Blvd.,
Brad Tanas (818) 886-7190 ohmarin@earthlink.net.
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.
Monte Cristo Field Trip Map.
Table of Contents.
EDUCATIONAL CORNER.
Definition of the Month.
Liesegang rings:
Liesegang rings, also referred to as liesegang banding are concentric lines that occur in some porous rocks. The lines are formed as a result of rhythmic precipitation of minerals in a gel. Liesegang banding is often associated with volcanic ash deposits where volcanic fluids rich in silica and iron are forced through the rock. The banding is also common in sedimentary rocks as a result of the precipitation of dissolved compounds in the pore space of the rock. Some of the best examples of liesegang banding in volcanic tuff can be found in the "Wonder Stone" (banded rhyolite tuff) of the Monte Cristo Mountains near Tonopah, Nevada.
The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.
Written by Steve Mulqueen.
Illustration of the Month.
A portion of the Highway Map of California, distributed by Shell Oil Company, printed in 1947.
Route 66 - The Old "Rockhound Highway".
The original Route 66 extended from Santa Monica, California to Chicago, Illinois, traversing 2448 miles through 8 states. In 1926, when the highway was first commissioned, some 800 miles of existing state highways were proposed as segments of the route. Over 1648 miles of remaining roadway was constructed to link these segments into a continuous roadway. Construction was completed in 1937.
Route 66 emerged as the "most magical road in all the world". By the mid-30s, it was known as "the way West". Travelers on the highway passed rivers, plains, mountains, canyons and vast expanses of desert.
For rockhounds living in the Los Angeles Basin, Route 66 was the main route for those traveling to the Mojave Desert. The San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains were great obstacles for automobile travel. Route 66 through the Cajon Pass was the "path of least resistance" through the mountains. During the "Golden Age of Rockhounding", which began sometime in the mid to late 1940s, Route 66 played an important role in leading people to the vast collecting areas of the Mojave Desert.
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 for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, August, 2002.
Table of Contents.
VGMS PHOTO ALBUM.
California Oil Museum Case On Display Now - Thanks to Steve Mulqueen
& Dave Mautz.
Our Pebble Pup Leader, Emma Mayer, and her "Watch Dog". Pebble pup field
trip - Pine Mountain.
Table of Contents.
COLORBOOK.
H is for . . .
. . . Halite.
Halite is the mineral name for
salt! Halite forms in the shape
of cubes. In the United States
large deposits of salt can be found
in New York, Michigan, Ohio and
Texas. Halite is colorless, but
impurities can make it pink, yellow,
red, brown and black.
. . . Hematite.
Hematite is named from a Greek
word which means "blood" because all
hematite is blood-red when it is
crushed. Hematite is a very important
olre of iron.
. . . Hornblende.
Hornblende is a mineral which forms
in metamorphic rocks. A metamorphic
rock is one which has been changed by
great heat, pressure or both. Hornblende
forms interesting crystals, but it does not
have any other use. Hornblende is dark
brown to black.
Table of Contents.
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